Kool Aid Day
Revitalize the taste buds with a vibrant burst of fruity and refreshing powdered beverage, a timeless thirst-quenching delight.
Celebrate Kool-Aid Day by positioning the brand as a versatile, nostalgic beverage for family fun—from mixology and baking to DIY art and science experiments—driving trial and repeat purchase across multiple consumption occasions.
- DIY Kool-Aid flavor challenges and taste-test competitions on social media
- Kool-Aid-inspired recipes (frosting, glazes, ice pops) targeting parents and home cooks
- Creative STEM and art projects using Kool-Aid packets to engage kids and families
- Nostalgic brand storytelling tied to Kool-Aid's Nebraska heritage and 100-year legacy
Kool Aid is the official soft drink of Nebraska, where the bright beverage has a history as colorful as its many flavors.
The story of Kool Aid began in Hastings, Nebraska. That’s where Edwin Perkins, a man with a passion for chemistry and a knack for invention, created a delightful drink. Inspired by another household brand name, Jell-O, Perkins, initially concocted a concentrated drink mix. He called it Fruit Smack.
However, the bulky and fragile glass bottles created several distribution headaches. So, in 1927, Perkins had a genius idea – he removed the liquid from Fruit Smack. The result of his innovation was a convenient powdered form that he could package in envelopes. Thus, Kool-Aid was born.
The drink was first sold in wholesale grocery and candy stores at a cost of 10 cents per packet. The original packets featured six flavors: cherry, grape, lemon-lime, orange, raspberry, and strawberry. By 1929, Kool-Aid had made its way into grocery stores across the nation.
During the Great Depression, they had a setback and had to slash the price to five cents a packet. But that made Kool Aid an affordable treat for those with little money to spare.
In 1953, Perkins sold Kool-Aid to General Foods. Soon after, General Foods introduced the iconic Kool-Aid Man, who burst onto the scene with his famous catchphrase, “Oh yeah!”
Kool-Aid Day is celebrated on the first day of the Kool-Aid Days festival, which is held on the second weekend of August every year in Hastings, Nebraska.
Kool-Aid Mixology
Unleash that inner mixologist by creating brand new Kool-Aid concoctions. Combine different flavors to create a signature drink. How about a “Berry-Lime Blast” or a “Tropical Sunset”? Don’t forget to give those creations quirky names!
Kool-Aid Art
Who says Kool-Aid is only good for drinking? Use different colored drink mix packets as paint for a fun art project – just add a few drops of water. It’s a great way to engage kids in creative activities, and the sweet aroma is a bonus!
Kool-Aid Baking and Cooking
Add the sweet flavor of Kool-Aid to cooking for some colorful and flavorful dishes. How about Kool-Aid frosting to some signature chocolate cupcakes or a tangy Kool-Aid glaze for grilled chicken wings? The possibilities are almost as endless as they are scrumptious.
Kool-Aid Tasting Party
Host a Kool-Aid tasting party with some friends and family. Invite them to sip those classic flavors as well as some exotic custom blends. Rate the flavor combos, debate them, and create a Kool-Aid flavor champion. Give out some funny Kool Aid themed prizes for categories like “Best Flavor,” “Most Colorful,” and even a light-hearted award for the “Epic Fail.”
Kool-Aid Science Experiments
For those with young, curious minds, Kool-Aid can be a fun way to teach the little ones about science. Create a volcano eruption with baking soda, vinegar, and Kool-Aid for a colorful twist on the classic STEM experiment.
Kool-Aid Ice Pops
Beat the heat by making homemade Kool-Aid ice pops. Just mix a favorite flavor with water, pour it into ice pop molds, and freeze them. For an extra twist, add pieces of fruit or layer different flavors for a rainbow effect. It’s an icy cold treat that’s sure to bring smiles to all.
Kool-Aid Tie-Dye Party
Host a Kool-Aid tie-dye party. White shirts, socks, or bandanas can quickly be transformed into vibrant masterpieces using different Kool-Aid colors. It’s an excellent way to get creative and make unique, wearable art. Plus, the process is just as fun as seeing the colorful results.