Kool-Aid Popsicles

Kool-Aid Popsicles are an irresistibly refreshing summertime treat the whole family will appreciate. Simple to create and requiring few ingredients, this frozen dessert makes a tasty summertime snack!

Simply mix your drink mix as directed on the packet and pour into popsicle molds to freeze for 4-6 hours before enjoying! This activity makes for an entertaining and educational activity to do with kids under parental supervision.

History

Some of humanity’s most significant inventions – penicillin, microwave ovens, ice cream cones, potato chips, Post it notes and Slinkies – came about by accident. One such accidental invention was Kool-Aid: children (and adults alike!) have long enjoyed making and drinking this sweet beverage mix created in 1927 in Hastings Nebraska by Edwin Perkins and consumed ever since. An exhibit at Hastings Museum details this development of Kool-Aid as one of America’s iconic cultural symbols.

Edwin Perkins saw an opportunity for product innovation that would make shipping and storage simpler, so he converted Fruit Smack liquid concentrate to dry powder form for easier shipment and sale. The Kool-Aid brand was born and offered six initial flavors including grape, strawberry, cherry, raspberry, orange and root beer.

Soon the Kool-Aid company outgrew its small factory in Hastings and needed to find a larger space. Chicago was an obvious location to relocate, and so in 1938 they relocated to a 13,000-square foot facility where they implemented night shift operations.

As their business expanded and their brand was recognized nationally, Popsicles became their signature frozen treat. Though different in shape and size, each Popsicle featured the same principle: frozen drink served up on wooden sticks.

Lowe Company also developed a two-stick version of their Popsicle so two children could share one for just one nickel each. Unfortunately, due to complaints from moms across America that this two-stick was too messy and difficult for kids to eat easily, this version was discontinued in 1986.

After selling their product to Unilever, the Lowe Company sold off Kool-Aid as part of a bundle deal combining Good Humor’s product line with Kool-Aid to create what has since become one of the most beloved popsicle treats worldwide. Nowadays, Unilever sells over two billion Popsicles annually in different flavors such as strawberry and cherry which remain favorites amongst consumers.

Ingredients

Kool-Aid popsicles are a cool and refreshing treat that are popular with families everywhere. Perfect for poolside snacking or movie watching in your backyard, making Kool Aid popsicles requires just one ingredient – Kool Aid itself! For something different you could mix different jello flavors or add fruit slices for additional popsicle varieties!

Kool-Aid can be customized to any holiday or theme, or layer different colored Jello and drink mix layers for a rainbow effect. Sugar can also be switched out for other options like Splenda or Stevia to reduce calories without compromising flavor, while you could add ice cream for a deliciously frosty treat!

For optimal results, popsicle molds designed specifically for freezing treats should be used; however, you could also make these delicious popsicles using ice cube trays or paper cups with wooden or plastic popsicle sticks inserted. Fill the molds or cups three-fourths full before placing into the freezer for several hours until frozen solid.

Preparation

As the summer heat hits and children demand popsicles, store-bought varieties can quickly drain your wallet before you can say, “Keep cool!” Instead, consider creating Kool-Aid Popsicles using pantry staples for budget-conscious snacking that’s sure to please. These refreshing treats combine vibrant Kool-Aid sweetness with smooth Jell-O gelatin texture for delicious results – plus no mysterious additives!

Combine the dry ingredients of one Kool-Aid packet and sugar in a mixing bowl until completely dissolved, then slowly stir in 2 cups of boiling water while continuing to stir thoroughly.

Pour the liquid into popsicle molds and insert wooden pop sticks (if necessary). If your mold doesn’t include slots for sticks, wrap a piece of cardboard in foil before inserting it in each cup – and freeze your popsicles until firm, about 4 hours.

Once ready to serve, remove the popsicles from their molds and enjoy! This recipe yields 10-12 popsicles depending on the size of your molds.

If desired, feel free to adjust this recipe by changing up its ingredients for unique variations on classic Kool-Aid Popsicles. Attempt adding coconut milk for a tropical flair or replacing sugar with natural sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup as ways to reduce sugar intake. Add extra fruit pieces for flavoring and texture in the final product, or layer different varieties for a rainbow effect! Be sure to choose two flavors that complement one another without clashing when combined into popsicles, and limit how much added sugar goes into your recipe to prevent hard, hard popsicles from freezing solid.

Storage

Kool Aid popsicles make an ideal summer snack, perfect for children and adults alike. Enjoy them by the pool, at backyard parties, or whenever you feel in need of something refreshingly cold and tasty! Kool Aid popsicles are quick and easy to make; kids especially love these refreshing cold treats! Mix the Kool Aid thoroughly before pouring it into molds or ice cube trays for best results.