Kid Cocktails with an Adult Kick: 5 Retro Drink Recipes

Does the thought of a fresh pitcher of Hawaiian Punch, Kool-Aid or Hi-C pink lemonade transport you to a happy place? These kid-friendly concoctions may be old timers in the burgeoning beverage category but they sure make a fun and lasting impression when served to grown-ups.  While the retro brews below may not be exactly how Mom used to make them, they are guaranteed to make a splash among guests!

Hawaiian Rum Punchy: Named in honor of the red-haired Hawaiian Punch mascot, Punchy, this fruity mix is like a party in a bowl thanks to equal parts of light and dark rum.  Serve it all year round as a warmer in the winter or a zinger in the summer.  

Ingredients:
4 cups cranberry juice
3 cups pineapple juice
1 cup light rum
1 cup dark rum
½ cup cream of banana liqueur
2 tsp grenadine syrup
½ cup blackberry brandy
6 cups of ice cubes

Instructions:
Combine the liquid ingredients in a punch bowl and mix well. Add the ice cubes, garnish with fresh pineapple or banana and service immediately.

Kool-Aid & Vodka Slushies: According to the motto, this super chill Kool-Aid classic will help you make friends and fun that never ends.

Ingredients:

2 packages unsweetened cherry Kool-Aid
1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice
1 (6 oz.) can frozen lemonade
3 oz. fresh lemon juice
2 c. sugar
2 1/2 qt. water
3 c. vodka
2 pkg. frozen strawberries
7-Up

Instructions:

Puree strawberries in a blender. Mix all ingredients, except 7-Up, together in an ice cream pail and freeze. When ready to serve, fill glasses 3/4 full of slush and fill rest of glass with 7-Up.

Mock Yohoo Shots: Who doesn’t still love a good cup of chocolate milk? Prepare this recipe in bulk and serve it in shot glasses as a welcome cocktail at your next brunch or lunch affair!

Ingredients:
1/3 oz. Kahlua
1/3 oz. Frangelico
1/3 oz. Milk

Instructions:
Shake with ice, strain and serve.

Frozen Mudslide: Coffee liqueur gives a jolt to the classic black and white milkshake. If you want to keep the party going till all hours of the night, serve this instead of dessert.

Ingredients:  
1 part(s) Vanilla Ice Cream
1 part(s) Coffee Liqueur
1/2 part(s) Vanila Vodka
1/2 part(s) Coffee Cream Liqueur

Instructions:
Blend with ice and pour into a martini glass.