INGREDIENTS:

• GUMDROPS:
  • 3 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1 ¾ cups cold water, divided
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • ½ teaspoon rosemary extract (optional)
  • 10 drops green food coloring
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest
  • 2 teaspoons citric acid
• COATING:
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon citric acid (adjust if desired)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large heat-resistant bowl, combine the gelatin and 1 ¾ cups of cold water. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon extract, orange extract, rosemary extract (if using), and green food coloring. Set aside.
3. Combine the remaining 1 cup of cold water and the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a slight boil and simmer for 5 minutes on medium-low heat. Pour the hot sugar water into the large gelatin mixture bowl. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
4. Add the extracts, lime juice, lime zest, and citric acid to the gelatin mixture bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Prepare a 10-by-10-inch pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with nonstick spray. Pour the gelatin mixture into the prepared pan. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
5. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Remove the cooled candy by pulling the aluminum foil from the pan. Flip the candy onto a cutting board, remove the aluminum foil, and cut the candy into bite-size square pieces. Place the cut candy pieces on the wire rack. Leave the candy sitting at room temperature for 10 hours.
6. To make the coating, combine the sugar and citric acid on a plate. Roll the gumdrops in the sugar mixture until they are coated. Place the coated gumdrops back on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching. Refrigerate the gumdrops, uncovered, for another 10 hours to allow them to dry out.
7. After the final drying stage, the gumdrops are ready to eat. For best results, serve the gumdrops cold, and they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy these flavorful and tangy treats!

Here are a few variations you can try with the gumdrops recipe:

1. Fruity Medley Gumdrops:
   • Use a variety of fruit extracts such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and pineapple to create a mix of fruity flavors.
   • Experiment with different colors for each flavor, making a colorful assortment of gumdrops.
2. Tropical Paradise Gumdrops:
   • Use tropical fruit extracts like mango, passion fruit, and coconut to evoke a tropical vibe.
   • Add a touch of coconut flakes to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
3. Spiced Citrus Gumdrops:
   • Combine citrus flavors with warm spices. Use extracts like orange, lemon, and a touch of lime.
   • Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the mixture for a cozy spiced flavor.
4. Berry Blast Gumdrops:
   • Mix extracts of berries like blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry for a berry-filled burst of flavors.
   • Create a marbled effect by swirling different colored mixtures together before setting.
5. Herbal Infusion Gumdrops:
   • Experiment with herbal extracts such as mint, lavender, and chamomile for unique and soothing flavors.
   • Add a few edible dried flowers or herbs into the mixture for visual appeal.