The Strawberry Skittles Creamsicle Cocktail: A Holiday Accident in May

It started, as many of my best ideas do, with low expectations and a mason jar.

Outside, the weather had finally decided to cooperate. Maine had shrugged off its fifth fake spring and the real mud season like a soggy scarf. The trees were cautiously optimistic. The sun was putting in part-time hours. And we were sandwiched between two major seasonal events: the end of cold-induced hibernation and the official start of mosquito warfare. Which, in local tradition, makes it make-new-cocktail season.

I had every intention of spending the afternoon responsibly. You know, organizing bills, sorting through that pile of mail you move around but never open. But instead I found myself in the kitchen on Kentucky Derby day, holding a Skittles Strawberry drink packet like I had just uncovered a cursed scroll.

This was not supposed to be a cocktail day. It was supposed to be a productive adult day. But when you’re staring down a powdered pink drink mix, tequila, ginger ale, and a rogue container of whipping cream, the universe has made other plans.

I dissolved the Skittles packet into a bit of water, ignoring the warning on the box that it was intended for hydration, not mischief. I added 3 oz of tequila, because no great story ever started with moderation. Then I added a splash of cream, because why not lean into the chaos. I shook it up in a mason jar, which is the Maine equivalent of formal glassware, and topped it with ginger ale like it was the grand finale of a magic trick.

I took a sip. I blinked. Then I took another sip and said aloud to no one, “Oh, that’s dangerous.”

The Strawberry Skittles Creamsicle was born.

It tasted like a creamsicle that had been peer-pressured into tequila. Sweet, smooth, fizzy, with a slow-building warmth that made you feel like you were getting away with something. It was dessert and drink and daydream, all in one irresponsible glass.

I made a recipe card. Then I made a holiday version with pinecones and twinkly lights, because I temporarily forgot what month it was. But honestly, this drink transcends time. It’s not a seasonal drink. It’s a mood-based lifestyle decision.

And let’s face it, we could all use something ridiculous and joyful right now. We live in a world where Donald Trump is apparently gearing up to deport legal citizens based on Photoshopped tattoos from Reddit threads, and it’s not totally outside the realm of possibility that he’s had a few of these Creamsicles himself. Maybe that explains the energy.

But back to the jar in my hand. The color was somewhere between Barbie’s blush and a Valentine’s Day tantrum. It was beautiful. It was ridiculous. It was mine.

So if you find yourself caught between mud season and mosquito season, post-Derby and pre-sanity, may I suggest an afternoon detour. Find a dusty drink mix packet. Grab whatever cream-like substance you can legally call dairy. Pour something strong. Stir up something silly.

Make a mess. Make a memory.

Call it a cocktail. Call it a moment.

Call it The Creamsicle That Watched the World Burn and Said “Cheers.”

🍓 Strawberry Skittles Creamsicle Cocktail

True Mason Jar Shot glasses, Reusable Mini Mason Jar shaped shot glasses with Handles, Party shot cups, Set of 6, 1 oz.

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Prep time: 3 minutes | Serves: 1 pint-sized adult beverage

✨ Ingredients

• 1 packet Strawberry Skittles Drink Mix

• 3 oz tequila

• 1 oz whipping cream (or shelf-stable alternative)

• 5 oz cold water

• 2–3 dashes bitters

• Ginger ale (to top, about 4–6 oz)

• Ice

• Optional: Serve in mini-mason jar glasses with a festive straw or cocktail pick

🍹 Instructions

1. Mix the Skittles base - In a glass or shaker, stir together the Skittles drink mix and cold water until fully dissolved.

2. Build the drink - Add 3 oz tequila, 1 oz whipping cream, and bitters to the Skittles mixture. Stir or shake well until combined and slightly frothy.

3. Serve - Fill a pint glass or mason jar halfway with ice. Pour in the mixture and top with ginger ale. Give it a gentle stir.

4. Garnish (Optional) - Add a fun straw, a twist of citrus, or holiday cocktail picks to class it up. Or don’t. It’s your drink.

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Bamboo toothpick decorations, Skittles Mix, Bitters Mix , Ginger Ale, Mini Mason Jars