If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the magic of a cotton candy carnival and sip it guilt-free, well, you’re in for a treat. This cotton candy flavored water is like a party in your mouth without all the sugar (I’ve been trying to cut back on sugary drinks, so if you appreciate this recipe, let me know, I’ll share more of my favorites!!)
Made with just a couple of Starburst drink mix packets and some ice-cold water, it’s sweet, refreshing, and tastes just like those nostalgic pink and blue spun sugar clouds that our daughter obsesses over anytime we see them.
And best of all? It’s a non-alcoholic cotton candy drink you can enjoy anytime.
Poolside. At a kid’s party.
Or just because Tuesday was a little too Tuesday, ya know?
Before we go too much into this recipe (can I even call it that, it’s SO easy!), let me mention that you can find this water mix recipe on this free printable with 144 water mix flavor combinations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like cotton candy without the sticky fingers (hello, mamas … #winning!)
- Only 3 ingredients
- Perfect for summer and full of cotton candy aesthetic vibes
- Customizable sweetness with just water
- Keep you moving towards those hydration goals (and hydrated skin!)
Ingredients
- 1 Starburst Blue Raspberry Drink Mix Packet
- 1 Starburst All Pink Drink Mix Packet
- 20 ounces of cold water
- Ice
- Extra water (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Pour both Starburst drink mix packets into a blender bottle or large cup.
- Add 20 ounces of cold water and shake (or stir) until dissolved.
- Pour over ice in a glass.
- Taste and add more water if needed for your preferred sweetness level.
Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Drink
- Use very cold water so it’s instantly refreshing, unless you have time for it to chill out in the fridge, then by all means, start with warm water!
- Let the flavors sit for a minute or two for better blending.
- Add a sugared rim, paper straw, or cotton candy garnish for party flair if you’re using this cotton candy drink recipe for a party!
Variations
- Fizzy version: Use sparkling water instead of regular water.
- Mocktail: Add lemon-lime soda and garnish with candy.
- Adult cocktail: Add vodka for a fun blue cotton candy cocktail.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in clear cups or mason jars to show off the pink & blue swirl.
- Garnish with cotton candy or rock candy for aesthetics.
- Perfect for pool parties, baby showers, or a girl’s night in.
Storage and Reheating
This drink is best fresh but can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 0g
- Carbs: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
*Nutrition may vary depending on the brand of mix used.
FAQs
Is drinking water with flavor packets good for you?
Yes, most flavor packets like Starburst are sugar-free and low-calorie, making them a great option if you’re trying to drink more water. Just check the ingredients for artificial sweeteners if you’re watching those.
How to add flavoring to water?
You can use powdered drink mixes, fruit slices, infused cubes, or herbs. This recipe uses flavor packets for max impact with zero effort.
Is flavored water good for your kidneys?
In general, yes. As long as you’re not consuming too many artificial additives, flavored water can be just as hydrating as plain water. If you have health concerns, consult your doctor.