so i wanted to paint on my fondant but everyone says to use vodka or rum with the food coloring... my question is, Is it okay to use alcohal on a cake that kids will be eating?

Yes, it is okay to use alcohol on a cake that kids will be eating. Most of the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the color (alcohol evaporates faster than water, which is why it is used, water evaporates so slowly it will make the fondant gummy). The tiny amount of alcohol left behind is less than the amount that is in the extracts in the icing.

Vanilla and Lemon Extract have alcohol in them.

I just use americolor brand gel colors straight out of the bottle to paint with, no need for alcohol or extract!

I like their airbrush colors for painting myself.

When I paint with gel colors I thin it out with a bit of vodka. Everclear also works, but I find it evaporates very quickly. If it does seem to become thick again, I will add a little more vodka. It is fine to put on cakes for kids because of how quickly it evaportes. Hopes this helps.

It evaporates very quickly so it's fine for serving children. Like TexasSugar said vanilla and lemon extract have alcohol.

Aw jeez.... cough medicine has more alcohol than what's left after evaporating.

You can. However, I typically use vanilla extract, almond extract or a mixture of sugar paste and hot water for glue. Recently I had a client ask me about the use of alcohol in cakes because someone was a recovering alcoholic. I made sure I did not use any for the glue as well as the cake and frosting. Just something to think about for future adult clients.

I use the vodka, it hasnt affected my kids at all. The sugar still makes them bounce off the walls and they never pass out. LOL PLUS, when the kids are clammering to 'help' or give you ideas, or just being kids, things are going wrong, and you are ready to scream- it takes the edge off much quicker than wine....

I like that it evaporates quickly, and dries faster. I think I will go with everclear next time though, get it to dry faster. Water doesnt work well at all IMO.


I've actually never had anyone even know how or what I used to paint with. there is no taste, and no smell.

I always mix vodka with mine to paint, never leaves a taste...it evaporates so there is nothing left of it...also gives me a good excuse to have vodka in the house...just hard to explain why it's gone so quickly : D

Vanilla extracts were fine with them but they were concerned about any other hidden alcohol i.e. vodka or other clear alcohol used. No complaints about the cake and they cake back for another order.

And for all the other follow up post; yes, I am aware that extracts do contain alcohol. If someone was overly concerned about that I would flavor the cake using zest or vanilla bean.

thanks everyone for all the responses!! Now my question is, even when i use the vodka it doesnt paint well, it still has the streaky look like water and gel color does when mixed...am i adding too much vodka or not enough??

Actually, there are several lines of alcohol-free extracts/flavorings. Frontier is the one I use, not because it's alcohol-free, but because they are really intense, excellent flavors. The butterscotch is a-ma-zing. put it in your frosting/fondant and it will make the whole room smell like sugar and butter.

Though it is more of a concentrated syrupy texture. So you couldn't use it for painting.