Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix DIY - Clean Fingers Laynie (2024)

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Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix DIY - Clean Fingers Laynie (1)

Missing Kool-Aid’s Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix? Well, now you can make a DIY version using two other Kool-Aid flavors still available! Oh, yeah!!!

As in a lot of families growing up in the 80’s and 90’s, Kool-Aid was a staple in our house. We drank it ALL. THE. TIME. In fact, it is one of the first things I learned to make on my own. Hands down, our family’s favorite flavor is Purplesaurus Rex.

Unfortunately, Kraft discontinued the Purplesaurus Rex Kool-Aid drink mix. Like many others, our family was heartbroken. We scoured the stores to find all the remaining packets. And we hoarded them like our life depended on it. (In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if my mom or dad has a secret stash still stored away somewhere.) So, Purplesaurus Rex went from an every-day drink to a special occasions drink we only had at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix DIY - Clean Fingers Laynie (2)

Thankfully, several years ago, I found a dupe! When Purplesaurus Rex was discontinued, Kraft provided a substitute. To make it, mix together a packet of Grape Kool-Aid and Lemonade Kool-Aid. While it’s not exactly the same, it comes pretty dang close.

Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix Ingredients

Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix DIY - Clean Fingers Laynie (3)

As mentioned above, you’ll need one packet each of Grape Kool-Aid and Lemonade Kool-Aid. I’ve also used the Pink Lemonade Kool-Aid variety. But I think the original Lemonade flavor comes closer to the flavor of the Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix.

When shopping, be sure to look for the Unsweetened Drink Mixes. I like to use the unsweetened versions because I can modify the kind and amount of sugar used. Normally, I use a cup of sugar per drink mix. But I have also used a no-calorie sweetener, or even less sugar, when I want a less sweet drink.

Of course, you can also use the sweetened versions of the drink mixes too. But they will be less flexible when it comes to the sugar. Be sure to follow the directions on the sweetened drink mixes if you use them. You should not need to use any additional sugar if you use them.

Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix Memories and Prep

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As a kid, every time I made Kool-Aid, I always pulled down the same pitcher. I knew how much water I need to add, without measuring, for the perfect ratio of Kool-Aid. I also knew which measuring cup I needed to use for sugar. So, I pulled down the sugar bucket and poured my sugar into my pitcher.

Then came the quirky bit for me. To this day, I love completely covering the top of the sugar with the drink mix packets. Since Purplesaurus Rex is a dark purple powder, it was so fun to cover up every bit of white sugar.

Next, I’d add my water and get out my favorite mixing spoon. It was a long plastic Tupperware spoon. The spoon itself was rather deep, and I loved how it caught the water as it mixed everything together. Once everything was well mixed, I would taste the Kool-Aid from the spoon pretending to be a gourmet chef. I was always so proud of my concoction.

Last comes the hardest bit. I always like my drink VERY cold. So, I refrigerate the Purplesaurus Rex Drink for a few hours. Although, if I am in a hurry, I’ll pour some over a tall glass of ice.

Are You Loving Purplesaurus Rex too?

Whether or not you are a fan of Kool-aid, I highly encourage you to give this Purplesaurus Rex Drink Mix a try! You may be surprised how many adults and kids love this drink. I will often make this dupe for special occasions or pot lucks, and I always get lots of compliments.

If you are already a fan of Purplesaurus Rex, you should check out some of my other drink recipes:

Fresh Pineapple Water
Taco Bell Pina Colada Frutista Freeze Copycat
Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice

Do you have any long lost forgotten Kool-Aid flavors you miss? Be sure to let me know!

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