Close your eyes and imagine this: Pop a few Jelly Belly jelly beans in your mouth like two lemon flavors paired with two coconut beans and you get lemon meringue pie. Yes, picture yourself indulging in flavors without actually baking. Now, that is fun.
Jelly Belly, the world’s most famous jellybean, was established in 1976 in Los Angeles. Dig this: President Ronald Reagan became a fan, especially of the blueberry flavor. Oh, Jelly Belly was also the first jellybean in outer space aboard space shuttle Challenger in 1983.
Created for people with an edge, Jelly Belly jellybeans combine addictive flavors with bold colors for an ultra-sweet treat that brings out the hidden chef in you. Flavors are fused together in unexpected combinations for unique mixtures, yet surprisingly delicious and addictive results. Be warned — make your own concoction with the smoothie blend mix, sours or choose from 101 fantastic flavors.
In the country, Jelly Belly was first introduced to the market in 1998 and that is thanks to Candy Corner. To reintroduce the brand, Candy Corner recently unveiled its cool selection of Jelly Belly Mocktails paired with dishes by chef J Gamboa of El Cirkulo. RJ Ledesma hosted the event. Dax Jaurigue of Cellar Dwellers helped concoct out-of-this world drinks without the liquor kick.
“Jelly Belly recognizes the fact that drinking alcoholic beverage is already an integral part of Filipino celebrations. We also want to make our roads a safer place to stroll,” says Ricky Andres, president of Candy Corner. “The Jelly Belly Mocktails presents a stylish way for drivers to enjoy the same goodness of their favorite alcoholic drinks without putting lives in peril.”
As a designated driver, I was able to satisfy my craving for cocktails with the Jelly Belly Mocktails that assured me of not having a hangover. So, here are the interesting drinks prepared by mixologist Dax Jaurigue and gourmet food by chef J Gamboa that will surely tickle your taste buds.
For a refreshingly sweet and sour drink, try the Newton’s Orange Punch that is made with apple juice and ice blended with Jelly Belly Orange. This went well with the assorted tapas — tortilla de patata, tomato and mushroom bruschetta, and spinach phyllo pastry triangle with blue cheese and pine nuts.
Another drink that was worthy to try was the Berry Fizz, which had Sprite, calamansi concentrate, ice blended with Jelly Belly strawberry cheesecake. Perfect with the ham and chicken croquettes, skewered chorizo sausage with caramelized shallots, calamares with aioli as it removed the strong flavors.
A flavorful and spicy drink is the Original Cinn with apple juice, ice and Jelly Belly Cinnamon. It was served with slow roasted US beef belly with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted tomato and red wine sauce.
One just couldn’t get enough of the sweets with the Orange Banana Oasis made with orange juice, Jelly Belly Top Banana and ice to go with the Caramel Apple dessert and Lemon Curd tart with jelly beans, of course.
For the finale, my favorite drink was the Loop Da Loupe because it hand-mixed Jelly Belly Cantaloupe with Sprite, calamansi juice and Absolut Citron. As a chaser, there was the Café Au Jelly made with crème de café liquor, milk and Jelly Belly Cappuccino.
Ah, the wonders of this Jelly Belly Campaign for responsible drinking! Plus, Candy Corner also launched the Jelly Belly Martini recipe book for those who want to try mixing their own booze at home.
“Designated drivers have made roads a safer place for everyone. We are rewarding their commitment by offering alternative drinks that are as fun and delightful as compared to their favorite cocktail drinks,” concludes Andres. “Efforts to curtail drunk-driving don’t have to be brim and uncool. With this project, we hope to bring back the fun and coolness in sobriety.”
It just goes to show that Jelly Belly jellybeans never go out of style. And it’s sweet to know that they are made of natural ingredients with “true-to-life” flavors in chic colors. Plus, each bean has only four calories and zero fat — enough to give you a sugar high instead of a drink and drive hazard.
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Jelly Belly gourmet jelly beans are exclusively available at Candy Corner stores worldwide. For more information, call 632-7741 or e-mail info@candycorner.ph.