Mix the water and sugar in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil until mix reaches 230°F - stirring the whole time.

**Be careful** not to boil too long or the sugar will set up too fast! Undercooking will cause the crystals to take much longer to grow.

Remove from heat. Coat the string or stick in the hot liquid, being careful not to get any on your skin. Dip the coated string/stick in granulated sugar and set aside on a plate for a moment.

If desired, add food coloring to desired levels in the bottom of your glasses/jars.

CAREFULLY split the liquid between the two glasses/jars.

Suspend the coated string or stick into the liquid and secure with clips or pens. Make sure the string/stick is not touching the bottom of the glass, but is raised off the bottom by at least 1/2".

Allow the rock candy glasses/jars to sit undisturbed for about 2-4 hours.

Remove the rock candy from the glasses/jars and suspend over a new, clean glass to drip off the excess sugar water.

Let drip for an hour or so, then enjoy eating rock candy!