Kool-Aid Pickles
This recipe transforms ordinary dill pickle spears into a delightfully sweet, tart, and fruity snack using unsweetened Kool-Aid and sugar. By simply mixing the ingredients and letting them macerate in the pickle jar, you create a surprisingly colorful and flavorful condiment perfect for adventurous palates. It's an easy, no-cook process with minimal prep.
Equipment
- 1 Measuring Cup For accurately measuring sugar.
- 1 Mixing Bowl To combine pickle juice, Kool-Aid, and sugar.
- 1 Whisk or Spoon For thoroughly dissolving the sugar and Kool-Aid.
- 1 Resealable jar The original pickle jar or a similar airtight container for marination.
- 1 Funnel (Optional) For easier pouring of the brine back into the jar.
Ingredients
Main
- 1 32-ounce jar dill pickle spears
- 1 0.13-ounce packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid Cherry Powdered Drink Mix
- 0.5 cup sugar
Instructions
- Open the jar of dill pickle spears and carefully pour out about half of the pickle juice into a separate mixing bowl, reserving the pickles in the jar.
- In the mixing bowl with the reserved pickle juice, add the unsweetened Kool-Aid Cherry Powdered Drink Mix and the sugar.
- Whisk or stir vigorously until the sugar and Kool-Aid powder are completely dissolved in the pickle juice, ensuring no grittiness remains.
- Carefully pour the colored Kool-Aid mixture back into the jar with the remaining dill pickle spears, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Securely seal the lid on the pickle jar.
- Gently shake the jar to further distribute the mixture and ensure all pickles are coated.
- Place the jar in the refrigerator.
- Allow the pickles to marinate for at least 3 to 5 days, or up to a week, for optimal flavor absorption and color development.
- Shake the jar once a day during the marinating process to redistribute the brine.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the unique sweet, sour, and fruity flavor.
Notes
These Kool-Aid pickles offer a unique sweet, sour, and fruity profile. For best results, ensure the sugar is fully dissolved in the pickle juice before adding the Kool-Aid; undissolved sugar can lead to a gritty texture. The chilling time is critical—allow at least 3-5 days for the flavors to fully meld and penetrate the pickles, shaking the jar daily to redistribute the brine. Experiment with different unsweetened Kool-Aid flavors like grape or green apple for varied hues and tastes. Start with half the sugar and adjust to your preference, as some prefer a less sweet pickle. Using a high-quality, crisp dill pickle spear will yield the best texture.