Special equipment: five 15-count silicone gumdrop or chocolate candy molds

Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1/2 cup water to soften; set aside.

Put the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cherry-flavored gelatin to the pan, followed by the softened unflavored gelatin. Stir and remove from the heat. Continue stirring until the gelatins are dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. Strain into a measuring cup and let cool for 5 minutes; it will be warm but not yet set. Pour the liquid into the molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Remove the gumdrops from the molds and place them onto wax paper. Coat some in granulated red sugar, some in granulated white sugar, and some in coarse white sugar; return to the wax paper. Store in a cool dry place until ready to eat.