Kool-Aid Pickles – How to Make Koolickles

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Kool Aid Pickles are a sweet and sour mix that put a new spin on a savory classic. Whip up a batch of “Koolickles” today for a fun and tangy treat the entire family will love!

Every now and then I forget that my native Michigander husband hasn’t grown up in the south with all of our “interesting” foods like boiled peanuts and pickled okra or pigs feet. So when I recently realized that my pickle-loving man had never heard of Kool Aid Pickles (or Koolickles or pickoolas) I knew I had to enlighten him on this Southern delicacy because it’s such a unique snack and so much fun!

Pickle fan? Try this Cuban Cobb Salad too!

What are Koolickles and what do Kool Aid Pickles taste like?

Simply put, Kool-Aid Pickles combine the traditional pickle brine with Kool-Aid and sugar. After soaking the pickles take on not only the bright colors of the Kool-Aid but also the sweet tangy flavors with a vinegar kick! 

The general consensus is that Koolickles originated in the Mississippi delta region, where you can buy this fun snack at many gas stations and convenience stores.

Instructions

We’re not talking rocket science here with this fun and easy recipe. You’ll only need three ingredients:

• 32 oz jar of pickles, dill pickles, sweet pickles, or butter pickles are good options, even pickle chips will work
• 1 packet of unsweetened kool-aid (flavor of your choice)
• 1/2 cup sugar

Pour about a little juice out of the jar, then add the sugar and Kool Aid. Close the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the sugar dissolves into the pickle liquid.

Keep the jars in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, giving them a good shake daily to mix. 

Tips for best results

• You can use any flavor of kool-aid you choose, tropical punch and cherry kool-aid are the most popular flavors but I’ve seen them made with different flavors such as lime, orange, lemonade, and watermelon kool-aid flavors as well!
• Adjust the amount of sugar to fit your taste buds
• You can use Splenda or a sugar substitute if you like to make a lower sugar version of Koolickles.
• I’ve heard you can use Crystal Light as well but have not personally tried it for my family.
• Most people make these with pickle spears. You can make these with whole pickles but I suggest slicing them in half lengthwise before soaking them in the kool-aid bath so the cut sides can absorb that colorful brine, otherwise the kool aid will not penetrate all the way to the middle.

Kool aid pickles can stain your hand and anything else they come in contact with! 

Storage

According to Still Tasty, you can keep these commercially jarred dill pickles in their pickle jar in the fridge for up to 1 year.

Now I’ll be 100% honest, I’m NOT a pickle lover so these Koolickles are not my cup of tea. They are definitely a polarizing snack, everyone I know either LOVES them or HATES them. 

My husband loved them as do my kids and most of my family members, they tell me the taste is similar to sweet pickle relish. They are always a big hit at parties too if you’re looking for an attention-getting pop of color, this is the side dish to bring!

Have you tried Kool-Aid pickles? Let me know by rating and commenting below, I love hearing from you!

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