IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON and there is SO much anticipation for the Detroit Lions and their potential this year. According to Payton Manning, he’s “drinking Detroit’s Kool-Aid this year”, so we too, will drink this Detroit Blue Kool-Aid cocktail.
Disclaimer: This post is not affiliated with the NFL Detroit Lions or Blue Kool-Aid. It’s a fun recipe developed in the spirit of a hopeful season.
FEATURED COMMENT
“I’m drinking Detroit’s kool-aid this year” – Peyton Manning
Did I really just quote Peyton Manning not once, but twice? I sure did. What better way to share the enthusiasm with none other than a Super Bowl winning Quarterback.
The Detroit Lions unofficial Blue Kool-Aid recipe is a tradition among fans, known for its vibrant blue color and sweet, refreshing taste. This unique concoction captures the spirit of Lions football fans and if a little extra GRIT, 313 spirit, and Lions Pride takes us farther than regular season, I’ll take it!
What’s in this tailgating punch?
Lemon Lime soda with lemonade, some Vodka, Blue Curacao liqueur, and Blue Kool-Aid creates the perfect balance for Detroit enthusiasts to savor while cheering on the best comeback team.
Cheering for another blue team? No problem! Simply change the name for your team and enjoy! This cocktail has the structure of a Blue Kamikaze shot with a few extra twists!
Inspiration for a blue tailgating drink
A local bar on the westside of Michigan was featured in Fox17 for serving a special drink to honor Lions fans! If you’re in the area, head to Putt Putt’s bar to enjoy. But for those of us who aren’t close to Grand Rapids or are “drinking Detroit’s Kool-Aid” elsewhere, this recipe is for you!
The best part?! You can make this recipe as a shot, a cocktail, or a pitcher – whatever works best for your watch party. Simple, versatile, and TASTY.
Looking for more game day cocktails? Try this Blueberry Vodka Lemonade, these Green Tea Shots, or this Blueberry Texas Ranch Water which are all great to make in batches, too.
Why you’ll love it
Whether you’re a football fan tailgating for your favorite team or just want a FUN, BLUE beverage, this drink brings it all! Electric and tailgate winning, if you ask me 😉🏈!!!
Ingredients you’ll need
- Vodka: a clear and popular liquor that makes this cocktail easy to drink.
- Lemonade: refreshing beverage that gives the sweet and citrus, tart flavor throughout.
- Flavored Drink Mix: I used Blue Raspberry flavored Kool-Aid for this recipe. It helps achieve the blue color along with the Blue Curacao!
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Ingredient Swaps
- Sodas: instead of Sprite, you can use other clear sodas like 7UP, Sierra Mist, or if you’re looking for less sweetness, try including club soda.
- Flavored Vodka: Add a unique twist to your cocktail by using flavored Vodka. Citrus, Raspberry, or Peach would be great compliments.
- Other liquors: Not a big vodka fan? Mix in gin or white rum as an alternative.
- Fruit Juice: You can substitute the lemonade with other citrus juices like orange juice, lime juice, or a combination of them for a citrusy twist.
How to make Blue Kamikaze Shots
1. In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients except Lemon Lime soda (never shake carbonation!)
2. Shake until flavored drink mix is completely dissolved, then add the soda. Pour into 4 shot glasses and enjoy!
Fun Idea
Do you remember Kool-Aid Jammers? If you’re feeling REALLY creative, purchase Kool-Aid Jammers, drink them, and save the Jammer bottle. Use a funnel or snip off the top of the Jammer bottle and serve the Boozy Kool-Aid in the Jammer bottles! Creative and unique!
OR…serve these in Adult Juice pouches at your next tailgate. Everyone will go nuts!
Make A Pitcher of Kamikaze Cocktails
1. Add cold water and Kool-Aid to a large glass pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to stir until the powder is dissolved completely. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pitcher and stir.
2. Put additional ice cubes in each glass before pouring the Blue Kamikaze drink into glasses. Serve with a lime wedge if desired.
Make it a Tailgating Mocktail
Yes! Unlike a traditional Blue Kamikaze drink that mixes just Vodka and Blue Curacao (and sometimes lime juice), this recipe includes additional ingredients including lemonade, lemon lime soda, AND flavored drink mix.
Whether you want to make a pitcher for the kids to enjoy or you’re avoiding alcohol, you can absolutely drink the Lions Kool-Aid. Leave out the Vodka and use a splash of orange juice in place of the Curacao.
You may need to double or triple the other recipe ingredients when the alcohol is omitted; but this recipe is for everyone!
Can I make it a different color?
Absolutely! Two main things to swap: Blue Curacao and Blue Kool-Aid. You’ll want to use your teams color flavored drink mix (like red or purple Kool-Aid) and then substitute the Blue Curacao for Peach Schnapps or Triple Sec instead!
PRO TIPS
- It’s imperative that the flavored drink mix is completely dissolved before serving. If needed, use a spoon to whisk it to ensure!
- I recommend making lemonade or Sprite ice cubes to avoid watering down your tailgating punch.
Recipe FAQs
This Boozy Kool-Aid recipe can be made up to 24 hours in advance. You’ll lose a little of the fizz from the sprite, but if served over ice the carbonation isn’t super important.
If you’re making the pitcher ¼ the recipe = 1 serving which has 2 oz of vodka and about 1 oz of blue curacao. That’s close to 2 standard shots in one serving of the cocktail so please drink responsibly:).
I HIGHLY recommend serving your Detroit Juice on ice. The colder the better in my experience (to avoid tasting like college jungle juice that has been sitting out for far too long).
FEATURED COMMENT
I love anything with Kool-aid! This was such a fun drink. I made them for a blue-themed party and everyone loved them. Thanks for the great recipe!
– Lester
Serving suggestions
Hosting a tailgate or cooking for a crowd? Whip up my Mexican Street Corn Dip (it has over 100 5-star ratings for a reason) or easy peasy Cottage Cheese Dip (5 ingredients)!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating and comment in the recipe card below. Thanks for visiting!
Blue Kamikaze Drink {Lions Blue Kool-Aid}
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Shot glass or jigger
- Wooden Spoon
- pitcher
Ingredients
For Blue Kamikaze Shots
- 3 oz Vodka
- 3 oz Blue Curacao
- 2 oz Lemonade
- 2 oz Lemon Lime Soda
- 1 tsp Flavored Drink Mix, Blue Raspberry Kool-Aid
- 1 cup Ice
For a Pitcher of Blue Kamikaze's
- 1 cup Vodka
- ⅔ cup Blue Curacao
- ⅔ cup Lemonade
- 15 oz Lemon Lime Soda, 2 mini cans of Sprite
- 1 quart line Flavored Drink Mix, Blue Raspberry Kool-Aid
- 2 cups Cold Water
- 3-4 cups Ice
Instructions
For Blue Kamikaze Shots
- In a cocktail shaker, add all ingredients except Lemon Lime soda (never shake carbonation!). Shake until the drink mix is fully dissolved.
- Shake until flavored drink mix is completely dissolved, then add the soda. Divide into 4 shot glasses and enjoy!
For a Pitcher of Blue Kamikaze's
- Add cold water and kool-aid to a large glass pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to stir until the powder is dissolved completely. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pitcher and stir.
- Put additional ice cubes in each glass before pouring the Blue Kamikaze drink into glasses. Serve with a lime wedge if desired.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?
If you’re using MyFitnessPal, search ‘A Paige Of Positivity’ and find Lion’s Blue Kool-Aid calories and nutrition facts. Disclaimer: for most accurate macronutrients and caloric breakdown, it is recommended that you input each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal food diary.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved or just say hi!
A fan favorite for my entire family for the lions game days!
I am SO excited to share this recipe with everyone! After we went to the game in Kansas City for the home opener, it was evident how much spirit the Detroit fans have! Why not pair it with a unofficial sports team cocktail?!?!
I’m becoming a Lion’s fan for this drink!!! Highly recommend drinking the kool-aid !
Any Lions loss this year, I am blaming all of the “fans” who are not making this recipe…
I’ve been looking for a new drink to try, and this one just hit the spot! It’s got all of my favorite things: blue curacao, vodka and lemon lime soda. It’s really refreshing and sweet, but not too much so. I can’t wait to make it again!
I love that I can prep this the day before. We like to have company over for game day and things can get a little hectic the morning of. Go Lions!!
I love anything with Kool-aid! This was such a fun drink. I made them for a blue-themed party and everyone loved them. Thanks for the great recipe!
I made this a big party last weekend and it was such a fun drink. I didnt have Sprite so I used Squirt (which a similar flavor) and it tasted great!! Def going to keep this recipe
Had fun with these Blue Kamikaze Shots one night, vodka, Blue Curacao, lemonade, soda, Blue Raspberry Kool-Aid, and plenty of ice. Cheers!
My friends loved this blue tailgate drink! I can’t wait to make it again this weekend for the playoffs. Go Lions!
I can’t find any stores that carry the 20 oz container of blue raspberry kool aid but they do carry the packets. Can I use that?
Hey Michelle, no worries. Yes, the packets are great. Grab a few to make sure you have enough powder. go lions!