Cooking With Beer – Mind Haze IPA Gummies

Gummies were once considered a second tier candy, a sweet you might turn to for that sugar rush when the chocolates were gone.

But with the growth of the recreational cannabis industry they are experiencing a popular resurgence for understandable reasons.

And now, the American Craft Beer crew has come up with its own IPA infused variation but you will need a candy mold, and not surprisingly Amazon has tons of them, but know that silicon molds are the best when it comes to beer gummies.

And although this uber-simple candy recipe would work with many IPA, we went with Firestone Walker Mind Haze Brain Melter, an 8.5% ABV Hazy Imperial IPA with big tropical flavors and a lusciously smooth texture that play well in these gummies.

So now when your friend offers you one of his “special” gummies you can offer him one of your own.

So let’s do this!

Mind Haze IPA Gummies

Yield: About 50 small gummies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Set Time: 1–2 hours

Directions:

• 1 cup Firestone Mind Haze Brain Melter IPA
• 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder (about 3 packets)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, depending on how sweet you want it)
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for a smoother sweetness)
• 1–2 teaspoons lime or lemon juice (balances sweetness and complements the hops)
• Nonstick spray (for greasing molds) but again we recommend a silicone mold

(Courtesy Firestone Walker Brewing)

Instructions:

1. Reduce the IPA (optional)
   • In a saucepan over medium-low heat, simmer the IPA until it reduces to about 3/4 cup to concentrate flavor and reduce alcohol content (which helps the gummies set better). Let it cool slightly before proceeding.
2. Bloom the gelatin
   • Pour the cooled IPA into a small saucepan (do not heat yet).
   • Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid (this is called “blooming”).
3. Dissolve the gelatin
   • After blooming, gently heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves completely. Do not let it boil — this can affect the flavor and consistency.
   • Stir in sugar, honey/agave, and citrus juice, adjusting to taste.
4. Pour into molds
   • Lightly grease silicone gummy molds with nonstick spray or neutral oil.
   • Use a dropper or spoon to fill the molds with the liquid mixture.
5. Chill to set
   • Refrigerate the molds for at least 1–2 hours or until firm.
6. Unmold and store
   • Pop the gummies out of the molds. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tips:

• Flavor Variation: Add a splash of orange or grapefruit juice to complement the hops.
• Bitterness Balance: If your IPA is very bitter, increase the sugar slightly or use a milder beer.

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