If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, you likely have fond memories of mixing up a refreshing glass of Kool-Aid on a sweltering summer day. I remember my neighbor gulping down his red Kool-Aid and sporting a mustache for the rest of the afternoon—something that always bugged me. Fast forward to now, and I haven’t made that sugary drink in years. However, when my daughter shared a TikTok video featuring a Kool-Aid and corn syrup candy that you freeze, nostalgia hit me like a wave.
I realized it had been about thirteen years since I last had a glass of Kool-Aid, and my teenage kids had never tasted it. So, my daughter and I decided to grab some at the store because she was eager to make that candy, and I was equally curious to see if it turned out like the video promised.
My kids typically gravitate towards chewy, fruity candies rather than chocolate. They’ll pick a slushie over ice cream and choose a Ring Pop or Sour Patch Kids over cake or pie. Sometimes I wonder how we’re related when I see them reaching for Nerds at the movies instead of classic treats like Junior Mints or Snickers. It’s a candy preference that leaves me bewildered.
When they learned that we could whip up an entire bottle of chewy, fruity candy using just two ingredients, they were all in. Despite my love for chocolate, I must admit that making this candy and watching their excitement was incredibly satisfying. And yes, it works just like the video demonstrated. Here’s how you can do it:
- Grab an empty bottle and fill it with corn syrup and one packet of Kool-Aid (make sure to do this over the sink, thank me later).
- Store the bottle upside down in your freezer.
That’s all there is to it.
After a few hours, you can squeeze the bottle, and a firm candy will emerge from the top. The best part? You simply bite it off! It never fully freezes, so it maintains the perfect consistency, allowing you to enjoy it whenever the craving strikes.
I realize that just thinking about biting into something cold and sugary might make your teeth ache, but I took a bite, and even though fruity candy isn’t my personal favorite, it was surprisingly good. If you’re going to let your kids indulge in candy filled with corn syrup and artificial dyes anyway, why not let them create their own treats?
We tried a few flavors—black cherry, blue raspberry lemonade, and green apple—with cherry emerging as the favorite. It’s been a fun project and a delightful treat for my kids on hot summer days. Plus, it was inexpensive, easy, and not too messy—something of a rarity in life these days!
What’s even better is that it’s squeezable, allowing my kids to make their own bottle of candy. I think that was something I would have loved as a child too. Back then, without TikTok, I had to save my allowance and walk to the store if I wanted anything with corn syrup since my parents wouldn’t buy it.
If you’re on the lookout for a fun activity to do with your kids in these last days of summer, give this a try. If fruity candy is your thing, you’re in for a treat. But be warned—hide it from the kids, or you’ll find them devouring an entire bottle while you’re in the shower, leaving you with a child sporting a colorful tongue and asking for more.
This article is part of a resource on DIY projects and fun activities to share with your family. For more engaging ideas, check out this post on home insemination.
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In summary, making Kool-Aid candy is a delightful way to bond with your kids while enjoying a nostalgic treat. It’s simple, fun, and customizable, making it a great activity for the last days of summer.
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