There’s something about a classic punch recipe that takes me right back to my childhood. I still remember the anticipation of seeing Hattie Coffer’s Kool-Aid Punch at every family gathering, party, and summer get-together. Passed down from the legendary Hattie Coffer herself, this punch is more than just a drink; it’s a tradition, a symbol of celebration, and a reminder of sweet, carefree days. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in its unique combination of fizzy ginger ale, tangy lemon, sweet pineapple juice, and of course, the star of the show, Kool-Aid. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a huge batch that will keep your guests refreshed and coming back for more. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Kool-Aid Punch, no other drink will compare!
Ingredients
- 1 c. water
- 2 c. sugar
- 1 qt. ginger ale
- 1 pkg. Kool-Aid (any flavor)
- 1/2 c. lemon juice
- 2 c. pineapple juice
- 10 c. water
Mixing Steps
- Make a syrup of the 1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar. Cook until sugar is dissolved.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Makes about 30 cups.
Calorie: 120
Total cooking time: 10 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Quest for Hattie Coffer’s Kool-Aid Punch
Ah, the joys of summer. The smell of freshly cut grass, the feeling of the sun on your skin, and the inevitable craving for something cold and sweet. This is where my story begins, in the heart of summer, with a desperate need to quench my thirst and a recipe for Hattie Coffer’s Kool-Aid Punch.
The Sugary Start
So, the recipe begins with the simple task of making a syrup with **1 c. water** and **2 c. sugar**. Sounds easy enough, right? Not quite. You see, sugar has a mind of its own. It lures you into a false sense of security with its sweet demeanor, only to stick to the bottom of your pan when you least expect it. I was stirring like a madman, beads of sweat forming on my forehead, determined not to let the sugar win this time. After a grueling battle, the sugar finally dissolved, and I was left with a sweet, glistening syrup.
The Flavor Frenzy
With the syrup done, it was time to add the remaining ingredients. There’s nothing like the smell of **ginger ale** being poured into a punch. It’s like a spicy soda waterfall. Next, I added the **Kool-Aid**. I went for cherry because, well, who doesn’t love a good cherry punch? The punch took on a dazzling red color, reminding me of a summer sunset.
Now, it was time for the **lemon juice** and **pineapple juice**. As I squeezed the lemon, I wondered who was the brave soul who first decided to squeeze a lemon into a drink. Was it an act of culinary genius or a wild guess? Who knows, but I’m glad they did. The pineapple juice went in next, bringing a touch of tropical paradise to my kitchen.
The Water Wonder
This recipe calls for **10 c. of water**, which you might think is a lot, but trust me, it’s necessary. You see, water is the unsung hero in any punch. It dilutes the strong flavors and makes the punch perfectly sippable. Plus, it gives you the chance to splash around like a kid in a sprinkler, which is always a bonus.
The Final Touch
And just like that, the punch was ready. I poured it into a glass, added a couple of ice cubes, and took a sip. It was sweet, tangy, and refreshing, just like a perfect summer day. The subtle bite of the ginger ale, the tartness of the lemon juice, and the sweetness of the pineapple juice all blended perfectly with the cherry Kool-Aid.
The Punch-line
Hattie Coffer’s Kool-Aid Punch is more than just a drink. It’s a journey through a summer’s day, from the sweetness of the morning sun to the tartness of a ripe fruit. It’s a reminder of childhood summers, running through sprinklers, and sipping sweet drinks without a care in the world. So, the next time you’re craving something cold and sweet, why not try this punch? Just be prepared for a sugar syrup showdown.
