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Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Whether you’re packing for the beach, hanging by the pool, or picnicking in the park, few summer meals are complete without pickles. There’s just something about a briny, crunchy spear that tastes so much better when paired with a shoreside sandwich or burger fresh off the grill—especially when you have a cold drink to wash it all down.
That’s where Kool-Aid comes in. Sure, an icy glass of lemonade or a crisp soda can be refreshing, but a massive pitcher of Kool-Aid always hits the spot. Plus, it’s so nostalgic.
And while pickles and Kool-Aid each shine on their own, the two summer staples can come together for a sweet-and-sour snack that is as delicious as it is intriguing. Kool-Aid pickles, or the Koolickle, are a Southern staple, and proof that the two don’t just coexist—they synergize.
What Are Kool-Aid Pickles?
A beloved snack in the deep South, the Kool-Aid pickle is exactly what it sounds like: a dill pickle marinated in a mixture of Kool-Aid, sugar, and pickle brine until it takes on a vibrant color and fruity flavor. They’re thought to have originated in the Mississippi Delta, where you can find them at fairs, school fundraisers, convenience stores, and gas stations.
As with many food origin stories, it’s unclear when these started showing up in stores. However, as the snack gained wider popularity, thanks to social media, people began sharing memories of how nostalgic the treat is, including one fan who recalled enjoying it as early as the 1980s.
What do Kool-Aid pickles taste like? According to food content creator @morganchomps, who whipped together a cherry, blue lemonade, and grape version, the TikToker said, “It’s sweet, it’s tangy, it’s kind of refreshing.” She even compared it to the taste of an ice pop.
In fact, enjoying Kool-Aid pickles as a frozen dessert isn’t that uncommon. One Redditor suggested throwing them in the freezer (after draining them from the brine) to get “pickle pops,” a treat that’s “great in the summer,” they raved.
How To Make Kool-Aid Pickles
If you want to try a Kool-Aid pickle, it’s easy to make at home without booking a trip or crossing state borders. All you need is a packet of your favorite Kool-Aid flavor, a jar of dill pickles (half-spears work best), and sugar.
Strain the pickle brine from the jar into a bowl. Add one packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid powder and approximately half a cup of granulated sugar to the brine, then stir until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar and Kool-Aid are thoroughly combined, pour the zhuzhed-up brine back into the jar, along with the pickles.
Now it’s time for the Kool-Aid to do its thing. Once the lid is back on the jar, shake the mixture and place it in the refrigerator so the pickles can soak up the sweetened brine. For ideal saturation, leave the Kool-Aid pickles to steep in the fridge for at least a week before enjoying.
If all goes well, your spears should sport a bright hue reminiscent of the Kool-Aid color you soaked them in. Don’t be alarmed if it’s a much more vibrant take on a pickled vegetable than you’re used to—especially since the pickles won’t quite lose the underlying shade of green.
So, if you have leftover Kool-Aid and a jar of pickles on hand that could use a little extra kick, consider making these. Who knows, Kool-Aid pickles might just be the summer snack you’ve been craving.
Read the original article on Allrecipes
