This Kool-Aid Pickles recipe takes only 2 minutes to prepare using a jar of pickle spears, some sugar, and your favorite flavored powder.

Koolickles taste tangy, sweet, and sour at the same time; they’re a crazy colorful twist on a classic savory condiment.

kool aid pickles hero image
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox (and more recipes sent daily!)

Kool-Aid Flavored Pickles

Our easy Kool Aid Pickle recipe is my favorite way to pucker up using only sugar, pickles and Kool Aid powder making a classic southern snack.

Simply stated, Kool Aid soaked pickles combine the classic salty pickle brine with a sweet sugary drink mix to create a uniquely crunchy product with a candy-like taste.

Preparing pickles with Kool-Aid sounds kind of quirky, but trust me when I tell you that the sweet, sour, and salty flavors are so much fun to serve as a snack or side dish, especially when your spears show off their bright and bold colors.

It couldn’t be any easier to make these pickles, sometimes called Koolickles, because the Kool Aid mixed with the juice from the jar gives them a tangy vinegar kick.

Just pour the sugar and kool-aid packet into the jar, seal the top and shake it with the pickle juice. Let the pickles sit in the fridge for a few days and you’ve quickly created a colorful condiment that gives finger food a great new kool aid pickles taste!

Be sure to check out our Kool-Aid Slurpee recipe! For more Kool-Aid fun!

Why We Love This Kool-Aid Dill Pickles Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make in 2 minutes.
  • Only uses 3 ingredients.
  • Even if your kids don’t love pickles – kids love this recipe!
  • Simple spin on a classic condiment that you can customize with your favorite colors and flavors.
  • Fun recipe to make with kids in the kitchen — no boiling or cooking needed.
  • Kool-Aid and pickles combine the classic sweet and savory tastes, just like peanut butter and jelly.
  • Perfect to serve as a snack, a side with the main meal, or prepare in advance for a picnic, potluck, or party.

Other Easy Kid Friendly Snack Recipes

green kool aid pickles

Ingredients

  • Dill pickle spears
  • Kool-Aid Packet: I used cherry Kool Aid for this recipe because I love the vibrant bright red color. Feel free to use your favorite flavor of kool aid.
  • White Granulated Sugar

Substitutions and Additions

  • Favorite Flavor: While I love the bright red color from tropical punch and cherry packets, feel free to pick your favorite flavor, like lime, orange, lemonade, and watermelon.
  • Swap The Sweetener: You can use Splenda or a sugar substitute if want to make a lower sugar version of this Koolickles recipe.
  • Garnish Your Greens: You can garnish any green salad with this colorful condiment. Try topping my Big Mac Salad or Olive Garden Salad with these sweet and salty spears.
hand picking up green kool aid pickles
See Full Recipe Card Below
Jump to Recipe

How to Make Kool-Aid Pickles

  1. Prepare The Pickles: Pour one packet of Kool Aid into the pickle jar, replace the lid, and shake the jar. Pour in the sugar, let it settle, replace the lid, and shake the juice mixture well.
  2. Soak The Spears: Let the pickles soak in the fridge for 3-5 days, shaking once a day.
  3. Serve: Enjoy!
kool aid pickles collage

Tip From Our Recipe Developer

  • You can use any Kool-Aid flavor you prefer. I used red and blue for these examples, although the red flavors tend to do the best as far as vibrant colors are concerned. 
  • I suggest using name brand Kool Aid and pickle spears because they turned out with the best results. 
  • Make sure to shake your pickle jar every day so that the brine is evenly distributed.

Storage

  • To Store: These pickles should last for up to 2 months or longer in the fridge.
  • To Freeze: Do not freeze these pickles.
hand picking up red pickles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I MAKE MY PICKLES EVEN Sweeter?

If you’d like to make your pickles even sweeter, you can add a ¼ cup more sugar at a time until it reaches your sweetness preference. If you add more sugar, beyond the ¼ cup that’s suggested, you’ll need to remove a bit of the juice before adding the Kool Aid and sugar. This is because the additions will make the pickle juice overflow a bit.

Can I Use Pickle Chips or Whole Dill Pickles?

You can absolutely use pickle chips or any sliced pickle for this recipe. I do not recommend using whole pickles since the flavor won’t permeate the skin as well as slices, spears, or chips. 

What Do Kool-Aid Pickles Taste Like?

Kool Aid pickles have a sweet and tart flavor, similar to bread and butter pickles or sweet pickle relish. Depending on how long they “sit,” in the fridge, the fruit flavor of the drink mix you choose will become prominent.

Who Invented Kool-Aid Pickles?

Kool Aid Pickles may have originated from the Mississippi Delta region, they have since become popular in the south and most recently in the north. If you love this crazy flavor combination, try using your Koolicles to make my Dill Pickle Dip.

top view green pickels
4.84 from 6 votes
kool aid pickles featured image

Kool Aid Pickles

Serves — 1
Kool Aid Pickles are a sweet, sour, and salty condiment with a satisfying crunch. Quick and easy to make in minutes and fun for everyone to enjoy!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Chill Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 2 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 24 ounce Jar Pickle Spears
  • 1 packet Red or Blue Kool-Aid
  • ¼ cup White Granulated Sugar

Instructions
 

  • Open the pickle jar and pour one packet of kool aid inside. Place the lid back on and shake well.
  • Remove the lid once more and slowly pour in the sugar. Wait for it to settle a bit before replacing the lid.
  • Shake well and place in the fridge for 3-5 days, shaking once a day.

Jenn’s Notes

Serving: 24 ounces
Storage:
  • To Store: These pickles should last for up to 2 months or longer in the fridge.
  • To Freeze: Do not freeze these pickles.
Tips:
  • You can use any Kool Aid flavor you prefer. I used red and blue for these examples, although the red flavors tend to do the best as far as vibrant colors are concerned.
  • I suggest using name brand Kool Aid and pickle spears because they turned out with the best results.
  • Make sure to shake your pickle jar every day so that the brine is evenly distributed.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 815kcal | Carbohydrates: 210g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 7424mg | Potassium: 533mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 1136IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 9mg

Related Recipes

Secrets to Quick & Easy Desserts
FREE EMAIL BONUS
How to make delicious desserts in no time at all!
4.84 from 6 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How many stars would you give this recipe?




Comments