Bug Juice Camp Drink Recipe

Bug Juice: a colourful, sweet drink everyone knows from summer camp days; you could only get it up at the canteen after fun in the hot sun. It also has a fun nickname, although it contains not bugs. This cold drink is even kid-approved, with its sweet fruitiness and frosty sensation.

How to Prepare Bug Juice

Delicious drink mixes that can be blended into a bug juice and fruit mix or water, or unbelievable for the fuzzy feeling of lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. Flavour however you see fit and garnish with slices of whatever fresh fruit is in season for a touch of extra freshness and aesthetic appeal to serve. Perfect for any kid's parties or echoless reminiscing, it is refreshing and great with nostalgic summer camp moments.

Ingredients

• Fruit punch drink mix — one packet
• Lemonade drink mix: 1 packet
• Orange juice concentrate: Thawed-12 ounces
• Pineapple juice: 2 cups
• Cold water: 2 gallons
• Ice: as needed, for serving
• Fruit slices (optional) for garnish

Instructions

1. Mix Drink Mixes: Start by pouring both the fruit punch and lemonade drink mixes into a large beverage container or cooler.
2. Include Orange Concentrate: Add the slushy orange juice concentrate to the mix.
3. Add Pineapple Juice: Next, stir in the pineapple juice to bring all of the flavours together.
4. You Have to Mix It With Water: Add Cold Water Slowly, moving as you stir, until everything dissolves and is a uniform color.
5. Combine and Refrigerate: Mix it up, add some ice, and refrigerate. (All depending on your taste) Serve in cups, optionally garnished with fresh fruit slices.

Serving Suggestions

• Popsicles: Freeze gnats juice in popsicle molds for a tasty frozen treat.
• Icy Version: Blend Bug Juice and ice together for a cold version of this beverage.
• Add alcohol — Simply swap the water for vodka or rum in an adult version.
• Mocktail Mix: Bug Juice, soda water and a squeeze of lime for an alcohol-free mocktail.
• Gummy Bears: Try soaking your gummy bears in Bug Juice for a new spin on the classic candy.
• Smoothie Boost: Mix in Bug Juice to your smoothie for a tropical accent flavor fix.

Tips and Variations

• Flavor addition: If that is the case, add a splash of coconut water to enhance the tropical flavor
• Berry-Charged: Add some strawberries or blueberries for extra colors and nutrients.
• Natural Sweeteners: Work best with honey or agave syrup, adjusting to taste if desired.
• For a citrus kick—squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice.
• Mixology: Muddle mint or basil leaves for a fresh herbal twist.
• Variation: Add in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy spice.
• For a creamier feel: Add a banana or some yogurt and blend it all up.
• Nutty crunch: Add crushed almonds or walnuts on top for some crunchy texture and extra protein.

Preparation Time

• 15 minutes
• Makes about 24 servings, depending on size of cup).

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 80 kcal/serving
• Carbohydrates: 20 g/serving
• Fat: 0 g/serving
• Protein: 0 g/serving

Ingredient Substitutes

• Fruit Punch Drink Mix: Use Kool-Aid or other fruity drink mix instead.
• Concentrated Orange Juice: This is the one that can easily be replaced with freshly squeezed orange juice or another tart fruit juice such as cranberry or grapefruit.
• Pineapple Juice: Substitute mango, passion fruit or guava juice for a tropical feel.
• Simply Lemonade Drink Mix, in place of the Simply Lemonade drink mix lemon-lime soda or ginger ale instead.

FAQs

How far in advance can you make Bug Juice?

The bug juice was an easily prepared, make-ahead drink that you can carbonate (note: also add ice to the pitcher/carafe — otherwise it will not be fizzy).

What are some kid-friendly variations of Bug Juice? 

Use less mix and even natural fruit juices or purees, and consider diluting the mix with water or sparkling water to lower sugar content.

How can I store leftover Bug Juice?

Store extra Bug Juice in the refrigerator with an airtight lid and use within about 1-2 days for best flavor.

Which fruits can garnish and place in your drinks?

Freshly sliced fruit or berries pair well with drinks, making them visually and flavorfully appealing — perfect for kids.

How Can Bug Juice Become Healthy?

Instead, choose 100% fruit juice, no added sugar or natural sweeteners and fresh fruit for a healthier option.

Conclusion

And you better believe the second we got home, I was inspired to share how to make Bug Juice with y'all — so this is it! It's a such a fun, tasty and refreshing drink to have on hot days & can easily be altered with different flavors and ways of serving! Combine different mixes and variations to discover what works best for you and enjoy this childhood treat anytime you desire. So make this tasty beverage at home and tell us your version over social media #bugjuicerecipe.