Description
Ingredients
For the classic bug juice camp drink recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid (traditional flavors: grape, tropical punch, or blue raspberry)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (can adjust to taste or use alternatives)
- 1 gallon of cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh fruit for garnish (optional but adds a special touch)
- Small plastic bugs for decoration (completely optional, but definitely fun for themed parties!)
Instructions
Start with a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. If you’re making this for a party, I recommend using a clear container so everyone can see the vibrant color – half the fun of bug juice is its eye-catching appearance! For outdoor gatherings, I use my trusty 2-gallon drink dispenser with the little spigot that my kids are obsessed with using.
In your pitcher, combine the Kool-Aid packets and sugar. I like to give these a quick mix with a whisk before adding water – it helps prevent those sugar clumps at the bottom that never seem to dissolve.
Slowly add cold water while stirring to help everything dissolve properly. Keep stirring for about a minute until the sugar is completely dissolved – no one wants crunchy bug juice! Trust me, I learned this the hard way during Lila’s 5th birthday party when I rushed the process.
Here’s where the magic happens! Give your bug juice a little taste (clean spoon, please – we’re not savages!). Too sweet? Add more water. Not sweet enough? You can add a bit more sugar, but do it a little at a time.
For best results, refrigerate your bug juice for at least 30 minutes before serving. When ready to enjoy, pour over ice and add any fun garnishes. For an extra-special touch, freeze some of the bug juice in an ice cube tray to avoid dilution as the ice melts!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: drink
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 60
Keywords: bug juice, camp drink, Kool-Aid punch, party drink for kids, colorful drink, summer punch