Kool-Aid: the American drink powder that's colored summer since 1927!

Did you know Kool-Aid was invented in a mom's kitchen in Hastings, Nebraska?

In 1927, Edwin Perkins was looking to cut the shipping costs of his liquid concentrate "Fruit Smack." He found the solution: remove the liquid to create a powder. The result? Kool-Aid — a light powder, easy to transport, that dissolves in water. The idea was brilliant for the time. Perkins ran all his experiments in his mother's kitchen in Hastings, Nebraska — a town that still celebrates "Kool-Aid Days" every August and proudly claims the title of Nebraska's official soft drink!

The Kool-Aid Man mascot — that giant red pitcher with eyes and arms who shouts "Oh Yeah!" while smashing through walls — is one of the most recognizable mascots in American pop culture. In 2000, the Kool-Aid Man even had his handprints immortalized in the cement of Hollywood's Chinese Theater!

How to prepare Kool-Aid

The sachets: Empty a sachet into 2 liters of cold water, add 1 cup of sugar (200g), mix well. You get about 8 glasses of a colorful, fruity drink. You can adjust the sugar to your taste, or use cane sugar, honey or a sweetener. The more concentrated the mix, the more intense the color!

The tub Drink Mix: Same principle but family format, several uses. Ideal for always having Kool-Aid on hand.

The Sodas: Ready to drink, can format — no preparation needed!

The Kool-Aid flavors

The range is huge — Cherry, Grape, Tropical Punch, Strawberry, Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Watermelon, Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Sharkleberry Fin (raspberry-strawberry, the kids' favorite!), Piña Pineapple, Peach Mango, Mixed Berry, Berry Cherry... There's something for every taste and every color!

Kool-Aid tips

Colored ice cubes: Make concentrated Kool-Aid and pour into ice cube trays. Colorful ice cubes that flavor your drink as they melt — spectacular!

Homemade popsicles: Pour prepared Kool-Aid into popsicle molds. Homemade fruity ice pops in 4 hours in the freezer.

Party punch: Mix two different flavors to create your own unique color — Green Apple + Grape = a surprising purple shade!

Hair dye: Kool-Aid sachets are used in the US to temporarily dye hair in vivid colors — a trend that's existed for decades!

Frequently asked questions about Kool-Aid

How much sugar should you add?

The classic recipe calls for 1 cup (200g) per 2 liters of water. For a less sweet version, start with 150g and adjust. There are also "Sugar Free" sachets that use sweeteners — no sugar to add!

Can you use Kool-Aid in recipes?

Absolutely! Americans use it to flavor cakes, frostings, gelatins, cocktails and mocktails. The powder mixes easily into any preparation to add color and flavor!

Where to buy Kool-Aid in Europe?

Kool-Aid is impossible to find in regular European stores. My American Market, the No.1 online American grocery store in Europe, imports it to you straight from the States. Express delivery!

Into American drinks? Check out Country Time, Gatorade and Barq's in our shop too!