Our DIY Pop Rocks punch recipe is perfect for throwback parties that will have you moonwalking the night away, or as a fun and easy recipe that kids can whip up (with a little supervision, of course).
Getting the other latch-key kids together and hitting up the corner Convenient Store for dollar candy was a classic late eighties after-school tradition in my neighborhood.
For a couple of years, of all the glorious candy-aisle favorites, the most coveted sweet treat was a packet of Pop Rocks. There was something so satisfying about the snap, crackle, and pop of those tiny carbonated candies.
They were so beloved, they even became the subject of eighties-kid urban legend (…there was no double-dare scarier than being challenged to a Pop Rocks and soda throwdown!).
Luckily I lived to tell the tale, and to ring in our 80s week, we thought we’d use the legendary combination for a DIY “drink-if-you-dare” 80s-inspired Pop Rocks punch. Spoiler alert: you won’t explode…(HA!). In fact, you’re going to love it (and the juice makes a fantastic homemade popsicle for steamy summer days, too!).
This is such a fantastic kids’ party classic – serve it with our vanilla wafer mini hamburger treats and a side of kid-friendly paper sparklers for ultimate partying!
To Make Pop Rocks Punch, You’ll Need:
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- Equal parts:
- Pineapple juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Lemonade (we used pink lemonade for the pretty color!) or orange juice
- Sparkling water (citrus or coconut taste great in this!)
- 1 packet of Pop Rocks (we used strawberry Pop Rocks)
- A lemon or lime wedge
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
- Our free printable 80s drinking straw flag set
- Coconut water
Note: Pop Rocks fizz due to carbonation, and though combining them with sparkling water is NOT dangerous, it *does* produce extra bubbles. This recipe uses a very small amount as a garnish, and though you probably won’t notice it, if too much carbonation bothers your or your little ones’ tummies, just leave out the sparkling water. Or replace it with coconut water – yum!
Pop Rocks Punch Recipe – DIY Instructions
Get ready to pop, sparkle, and sip with this easy-to-make Pop Rocks Punch recipe! Delight party guests and kids alike with a fizzy, fun, 80s-inspired beverage!
Total time: 5 minutes
Empty a packet of Pop Rocks onto a plate.
Pour your packet of Pop Rocks onto a small plate.
Prep your serving glasses.
Prep your serving glasses by running a lemon or lime wedge around the edge of your glass. Immediately dip the rim into the Pop Rocks so the edge is coated.Â
Add juices and sparkling water into a glass or pitcher and stir.
In a pitcher or glass, mix equal parts lemonade or orange juice, pineapple juice, and unsweetened sparkling water.
Chill, serve, and top with a sprinkling of pop or add 80s drink stirrers (optional).
Right before serving, sprinkle some Pop Rocks on top, then stir, sip, and let that satisfying “sizzle” take you back in time! You can print out the complete set of eighties drinking straw flags if you want to add an extra touch of nostalgia!
Four Classic 80s Party Punch Variations
Ready to level up your 80s party drink game? Look no further! We’ve got four fantastic Pop Rocks 80s-themed drinks that will have you reminiscing about the decade of big hair and bold fashion.
These non-alcoholic 80s cocktails capture the era’s essence while adding a playful, popping twist. Get ready to rock your taste buds and wow your guests with these fizzy concoctions that’ll make your next retro gathering unforgettable…
1. Pop Rocks Sherbet Punch
An easy way to turn this 80s party drink into a classic 80s punch recipe is to add sherbet and a bit of fizz (back in the day, 7Up or Sprite were the drinks of choice). Sherbet punches were THE definitive 80s kids’ party punch, and I really can’t understate it.
Receptions, programs, ice cream socials, holiday events, pool parties, scouts…this stuff was EVERYWHERE. Depending on your Pop Rocks flavor, you can add raspberry, orange, lemon, or lime sherbet to give your punch a unique flavor.
2. Electric Blue Hawaiian Punch
Add a tropical twist to your Pop Rocks Punch by mixing pineapple juice with pink lemonade, orange juice, and a splash of coconut water for an 80s-inspired taste of paradise. Add blue food coloring or blueberry puree for color. Garnish with fresh berries and a lemon or lime wedge.
3. Radical Raspberry Lemonade
Replace the pomegranate juice with raspberry juice or raspberry syrup for a vibrant, berry-infused punch. Combine equal parts pineapple juice, raspberry juice, pink lemonade, and sparkling citrus water.
Choose a raspberry-flavored Pop Rocks packet for an extra burst of flavor, and garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries.
4. Totally Tubular Tangerine Tango
Swap the pomegranate juice with tangerine juice for a citrusy spin on the classic Pop Rocks Punch. Mix equal parts pineapple juice, tangerine juice, orange juice, and coconut sparkling water. Opt for an orange or citrus-flavored Pop Rocks packet to enhance the zesty flavors.
Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge, and don’t forget to use our free printable 80s drinking straw flag set for a touch of nostalgia!
More Homemade Party Drinks Kids Can Help Make
Easy juice mixes like this one are great “starter” recipes for kids who are learning kitchen skills and experimenting with cooking on their own. For another retro drink, your kids will have fun making and trying, mix up a batch of homemade Ecto-Cooler. Or grab some fresh lemons for a big pitcher of refreshing homemade lavender lemonade.
More Throwback Childhood Fun
Visit our full roundup of amazing throwback 80’s crafts for more eighties fun. Then travel with us through the NEXT decade for a week of 90s activities too!
GETTING READY TO TRY this?
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This DIY Pop Rocks Punch sounds like the perfect recipe to recreate that nostalgic fizzy taste from my childhood! Can’t wait to try it out at my next party!