Pink Starburst Vodka Lemonade Recipe
Pink Starburst Vodka Lemonade is sweet, fruity, dangerously smooth, and ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking one jug, one bottle, one Kool-Aid packet, and boom — you’ve got over 15 servings of candy-flavored cocktail magic.
It’s perfect for parties.
Perfect for girls’ night.
Perfect for any occasion that needs a fun, fruity drink without a whole lot of effort.
Let’s make a batch, shall we?
WHAT IS PINK STARBURST VODKA LEMONADE?
This drink tastes exactly like a melted pink Starburst. No joke.
It’s creamy and lemony and sweet and strawberry-forward, with just enough booze to keep things interesting. And the best part? You don’t need a shaker, blender, or any bartending skills whatsoever.
You’re literally just mixing lemonade, vanilla vodka, and one secret ingredient that pulls the whole thing together.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
The flavor comes together in the simplest way possible.
You start with an 89-ounce jug of lemonade (yes, the big one), add a couple simple ingredients you don’t even have to measure, and you have a party in a bottle.
No syrups. No infusions. No squeezing anything.
It’s the ultimate “dump and chill” cocktail, and it makes enough for 15+ people!
You can serve it right from the lemonade jug, transfer it to a bottle, or chill it in a pitcher for easy pours.
WHERE TO GET THE RIGHT LEMONADE
Here’s the move: use store-bought, pulp-free lemonade. Something smooth, tangy, and not too sweet.
The 89oz plastic jugs from brands like Simply, Newman’s Own, Market Pantry, or Kirkland all work great. The key is a clean lemon flavor and no pulp that could mess with the texture.
You can find them in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. Or make life easier and just order it on Instacart — I’ll link you directly to some solid options.
THE SECRET INGREDIENT
The thing that makes this drink taste exactly like a pink Starburst?
Yep. One unsweetened packet is all it takes. It gives the drink its bright pink color, candy-sweet aroma, and just the right touch of tartness to balance the lemonade and vodka.
If you want to experiment, you can also try cherry, tropical punch, or raspberry for different twists — but strawberry is the move if you want that true pink Starburst flavor.
WHICH VODKA SHOULD YOU USE?
You don’t need a top-shelf bottle for this to taste amazing, but not all vanilla vodkas are created equal. Here are a few I actually recommend, depending on your budget:
Budget-Friendly
Smirnoff Vanilla — Easy to find, smooth enough to mix, and cheap. You’re not sipping it straight, so this works perfectly in a batch cocktail.
Mid-Shelf
Absolut Vanilia — Clean, rich, and doesn’t taste fake. A great balance of flavor and price.
Top-Shelf Splurge
Stoli Vanil — Subtle, high-quality, and super smooth. It blends beautifully and won’t overpower the lemonade.
If you can’t find vanilla vodka, you can use plain vodka and add a few drops of real vanilla extract. Just don’t go crazy — a little goes a long way.
HOW DOES IT TASTE?
Like liquid candy, but better.
It’s tart from the lemonade, sweet from the Kool-Aid, and creamy from the vanilla vodka. The flavors blend in a way that makes it almost too easy to drink. You barely taste the alcohol, which makes it perfect for casual sipping but also means…
KEEP THIS AWAY FROM KIDS
No joke, this drink looks like juice, smells like candy, and tastes like something you’d serve at a summer birthday party.
So make sure you store it responsibly. Don’t leave it in the fridge unlabeled. Don’t serve it in plastic cups around kids. And don’t assume people will know it’s spiked.
It’s delicious, but it’s definitely not for children.
HOW TO SERVE IT RIGHT
Once your batch is mixed, chill it for at least a few hours so it’s ice cold. Then serve it over lots of ice in a tall glass or fun pitcher.
Want to dress it up? Try these:
Pink sugar rim
Lemon slice or twist
Skewered Pink Starburst
A little umbrella if you’re feeling fun
It’s light, bright, and ridiculously pretty — basically a party in a glass.
PERFECT FOR PARTIES
This drink was made for sharing.
You get over 15 servings from one batch, and the flavor is basically a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re throwing a pool party, hosting a BBQ, or just want to impress your friends with a drink that looks like you put in effort (but didn’t), this is it.
You can also pre-portion it into mini bottles for grab-and-go drinks, or just serve it straight from the lemonade jug. Zero judgment either way.
ZERO-PROOF VERSION
If you want something fun and fruity without the booze, just mix:
Lemonade
A splash of cream soda or club soda
One packet of strawberry Kool-Aid powder
A dash of vanilla syrup if you want extra creaminess
Stir well, chill, and serve over ice. You still get all the pink Starburst vibes without any alcohol.
COMMON MISTAKES
This drink is hard to mess up — but here are a few things to avoid:
Don’t use pulp-heavy lemonade
Don’t skip the chill time (it tastes better cold)
Don’t eyeball the Kool-Aid — one packet is perfect
Don’t go overboard with flavored vodka
Don’t forget to stir well before serving if it’s been sitting
PAIRING IDEAS
This drink shines on its own, but it also plays well with party food. Try it with:
Fruit skewers or watermelon slices
Salty chips or snack mixes
Cupcakes or sugar cookies
Soft pretzels
Strawberry shortcake
Basically anything that’s light, sweet, or salty will work.
Pink Starburst Vodka Lemonade
Ingredients
- 89 oz Bottle Lemonade
- 750 ml Vanilla Vodka
- 1 Packet Strawberry Kool-Aid Powder
Instructions
- Pour 750 ml out from bottle of lemonade
- Add vanilla vodka
- Add Kool-Aid mix
- Refrigerate
Nutrition Facts
Calories
203FAQ
How many does it serve?
At least 15. One batch fills the whole jug and goes a long way when served over ice.
Can I use powdered lemonade instead?
You can, but it won’t be as smooth. Stick to cold, refrigerated lemonade with no pulp for best results.
Do I need to refrigerate it after mixing?
Yes. It tastes way better cold. Plus, the flavor settles and blends better after a few hours.
Is this drink strong?
Not really — but it sneaks up on you. It tastes light and sweet, but it still has a full bottle of vodka in it.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix it the day before, chill overnight, and you’re good to go.
