The Origins: From Powdered Candy to Playful Drink
Before becoming a cult-classic candy, the powder now in Pixy Stix was actually intended as a flavored drink mix called "Frutola". In the 1930s, its inventor, J. Fish Smith, noticed that children were more interested in eating the dry powder directly from the package. This led to its reformulation as Lik-M-Aid, a powdered candy, which was later packaged in the iconic paper straws we recognize today and rebranded as Pixy Stix in 1959. The transition from drink mix to candy to candy-inspired drink brings the concept full circle, merging nostalgia with modern mixology. The fun, sweet, and tangy flavor profile of the original candy, which features flavors like grape, cherry, and blue raspberry (Maui Punch), is the foundation for a variety of contemporary drink recipes.
The Classic Pixie Stick Cocktail
The most popular version of the Pixie Stick drink is a vibrant blue cocktail that packs a serious punch. This mix is both sweet and sour, perfectly capturing the spirit of the candy. The core ingredients create a layered, complex flavor profile that is both tropical and tangy. The inclusion of Blue Curacao not only adds a citrusy flavor but also creates the drink's signature electric-blue hue. The sweet and sour mix provides the tartness that balances the sweeter elements, while the spirits provide a warming base. The final flourish is the rim, coated with Pixy Stix powder for an authentic, sugary kick that hits your taste buds before you even take a sip.
Ingredients for a Classic Pixie Stick Cocktail
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice
- ½ oz Coconut Rum
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Amaretto Almond Liqueur
- ½ oz Blue Curacao
- ½ oz Dekuyper Island Blue Pucker Schnapps (optional, for extra flavor)
- A splash of sweet and sour mix
- Ice cubes
- Pixy Stix powder for the rim
Instructions:
- Rim the Glass: Prepare a cocktail glass by first dipping the rim in simple syrup or lime juice, then into Pixy Stix powder.
- Combine Ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the pineapple juice, coconut rum, vodka, amaretto, and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake Well: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
- Strain and Top: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass. Slowly pour the Blue Curacao (and optional schnapps) over the top to create a beautiful layered effect.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the fun, candy-inspired flavors.
Variations: From Shot to Mocktail
The Pixie Stick drink isn't limited to one recipe; its versatility allows for numerous creative interpretations. From potent, flavorful shots to refreshing, family-friendly mocktails, there's a version for every occasion. For those seeking a stronger, more concentrated flavor, the shot version is a great option. For a non-alcoholic crowd-pleaser, swapping out the spirits for flavored syrups and juices is an easy and delicious alternative. The key is to maintain the signature sweet and sour balance that makes the drink so appealing. The use of different flavored powders for the rim can further customize the experience, matching various candy flavors like grape or orange to the drink's profile.
Comparison of Pixie Stick Drink Variations
| Feature | Classic Cocktail | Shot | Non-Alcoholic Mocktail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Vodka, Rum, Amaretto | Grape Vodka, Schnapps | Flavored Syrups, Juices |
| Mixers | Pineapple juice, Sweet & Sour, Blue Curacao | Sweet & Sour, Blue Curacao | Flavored Syrups, Lemon-lime soda, Fruit Juice |
| Rim | Pixy Stix powder | Pixy Stix powder | Pixy Stix powder |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, tangy, tropical | Concentrated, fruity, sweet and sour | Sweet, fruity, tangy |
| Best For | Parties, special occasions | Quick shots, celebrations | All ages, family gatherings |
Conclusion
What's in a Pixie Stick drink depends on whether you are looking for an exciting adult beverage or a fun treat for all ages. At its heart, the drink is a celebration of nostalgia, taking inspiration from a beloved candy to create a memorable beverage. By understanding the core components—often a mix of spirits like vodka and rum, vibrant Blue Curacao, and sweet and sour mixers, topped with a signature rim of powdered candy—you can create a variety of different versions. Whether you opt for the full-throttle cocktail, the concentrated shot, or a delightful mocktail, the Pixie Stick drink delivers a burst of color and flavor that is as captivating as it is delicious. For more on the history of the candy that started it all, see the Wikipedia article on Pixy Stix.
Beyond the Classic: Simple Non-Alcoholic Versions
Creating a non-alcoholic Pixie Stick drink is surprisingly simple and a great way to include everyone in the fun. One easy method involves using flavored syrups that mimic the candy's profile, combined with a fizzy mixer. For example, a blue raspberry syrup with lemonade or lemon-lime soda can create a similar look and feel to the Blue Curacao versions. Another approach is to use fruit juices as the base, such as a combination of grape and cherry juice, with a little added sweetness from a simple syrup. To maintain the essence of the candy, you can also crush real Pixy Stix and mix the powder directly into a soda like Sprite, creating an instant, fizzy version. The key to a successful non-alcoholic version is to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, just like the original powder.
