Kool-Aid
A nostalgic, sweet, and brightly colored fruit-flavored drink that defined American childhoods for generations. Made by simply stirring a signature powder packet with sugar and water, it comes together in minutes and tastes like summer in a glass.
For 8 servings
- mix · ~2 min
Dissolve the sugar and Kool-Aid powder in water.
1.Fill a large 2-quart pitcher with 8 cups of cold water.2.Pour in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid powder.3.Stir vigorously with a long-handled wooden spoon until the sugar and powder are completely dissolved and the color is uniform, about 1 to 2 minutes.TIPDissolve the powder and sugar in the water completely before chilling to avoid a gritty texture. - rest · ~30 min
Chill before serving.
Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes to get it ice-cold.
TIPPour over ice in glasses to serve immediately if you don't have time to chill the whole pitcher. - serve
Stir again and serve over ice.
Give the pitcher a final stir and pour the Kool-Aid into glasses filled with ice cubes.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use cold water straight from the tap to help the sugar dissolve quickly.
- 2Stir for a full 2 minutes to ensure the powder and sugar are fully dissolved.
- 3Chill the pitcher for at least 30 minutes for the best cold, refreshing taste.
- 4If you're in a hurry, serve immediately over plenty of ice cubes.
- 5Leftover Kool-Aid can be stored in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- 6Give the pitcher a quick stir before each pour since sugar can settle at the bottom.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-sugar
Replace the 1 cup of granulated sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit (adjust to taste). Perfect for those cutting back on calories or managing blood sugar.
sparklingSparkling
Substitute half of the cold water with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy, soda-like Kool-Aid that feels extra festive.
fruit infusedFruit-infused
Add slices of fresh lemon, lime, or orange to the pitcher before chilling. It adds a subtle citrus aroma and a more grown-up flavor twist.
punch bowlPunch bowl
Double all ingredients and serve in a large punch bowl with a block of ice and floating fruit slices for parties or backyard barbecues.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Hydrating Base
Made primarily with water, this drink helps keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Customizable Sweetness
You can easily adjust the sugar to your preference, making it lighter on the waistline by using less or a zero-calorie sweetener.
No Artificial Colors in Some Flavors
Some natural Kool-Aid varieties use fruit and vegetable juices for color, avoiding synthetic dyes.
Frequently asked questions
The sugar and powder weren't dissolved completely. Stir vigorously for at least 2 minutes until the liquid is crystal clear and no granules remain on the bottom.
