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Nothing says summer fun like this Red White and Blue Kid's Drink. It's so cheerful and always a hit at any party. The colors really pop and kids light up the second they spot it on the table. Looking for a simple treat that'll get instant grins? This one's got you covered.
First time I put these together was for a Fourth of July potluck and every cup disappeared before dinner was on the table. Even grownups were coming back for seconds.
Colorful Ingredients
- Star and Stripes straw: Super fun for parties but totally optional Grab them from party aisles or craft shops
- Cherries for garnish: Old school topper Pick glossy red maraschino cherries packed in syrup
- Blueberry Kool Aid: Makes the blue top layer but any bold blue sports drink or punch gets the job done Just look for something with a popping color
- Pina colada mix: This is for that creamy white layer If you can, pick one loaded with coconut cream for the richest taste
- Grenadine: Bright classic red Buy one with pomegranate for a more real flavor
- Cherry 7 Up: Fizzy and sweet perfect for the red layer The more cherry blast the better
- Ice cubes: Must-have for making neat layers and keeping things frosty Go for clear ice so your colors aren't cloudy
Fun and Easy Instructions
- Finish with Toppings:
- Drop in a cherry for that finishing touch and pop in a playful straw for good measure
- Top With Blue:
- Very gently pour blueberry Kool Aid or any blue drink over a spoon and let it settle right on top Fill all the way up
- Add the White Stripe:
- Hold a spoon upside down against the ice and slowly pour in pina colada mix until about two thirds up You'll see a white band through the middle
- Pour in Red:
- Go slow with Cherry 7 Up and grenadine and fill roughly one third of the glass You'll want a nice clean bottom layer
- Fill Your Glass With Ice:
- Pile ice cubes into a see-through glass to the brim The more ice, the better those color stripes will be
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Honestly, it's just the best seeing everyone react as the colors separate out. My niece calls it 'magic lemonade' and she refuses to let anyone else decorate her cup every summer.
Best Ways to Keep It Fresh
These look best served right after you make them but you can prep all the parts ahead and chill them in the fridge Just build the drinks when everyone’s ready so those bright stripes stay sharp
Easy Ingredient Swaps
If you can't find cherry soda lemon-lime with a splash of grenadine works great If pina colada mix is tough to locate try coconut milk Any blue punch or blue sports drink is solid for the final layer if there's no Kool Aid
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Creative Ways to Serve
Break these out for Memorial Day or the Fourth. If you’ve got a big group, let the kids build their own and set out sprinkles or silly drink toppers for decoration
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I get those layers in my drink to stay separated?
If you slowly pour each part over a spoon inside the cup, you'll keep those colors from mixing together. It really helps your layers look awesome.
- → What if I want to swap out some of these drinks?
Go for it! Try blue Gatorade, Blue Hawaiian, or any blue drink. You can also use Sprite or another clear soda if you don't have Cherry 7-Up.
- → Why does it come out in red, white, and blue?
You get red from cherry soda and grenadine, white from the piña colada in the middle, and a blue vibe from Kool-Aid or a blue sports drink up top.
- → Is this safe for kids and totally alcohol-free?
Yep, it's made without any booze so it's totally safe for the whole family and little ones at your party.
- → What's a fun way to top this off so it really stands out?
Drop a cherry on top and stick in a red, white, and blue straw or even toss on a few sprinkles. Easy way to make it extra fun.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Not really—these are way better if you put them together right before you serve. That way your layers stay neat and your drink stays cool.