Pin it
Cotton candy mocktails bring the fun to any get-together Just pop them out at a birthday hangout a backyard party or whenever you want something bright and bubbly These sweet drinks are a total crowd-pleaser Watching the cotton candy vanish never gets old and making them is seriously simple
My niece and her crew went wild over these last summer The way the cotton candy melted into nothing had everyone giggling and asking for more
Delightful Ingredients
- Cherries: these classic toppers take things up a notch Look for ones with stems—super easy for popping on top and they look super cute
- Pink cotton candy: this brings the wow factor and disappears in a foamy cloud right as you pour Go for the fluffiest kind for max drama
- Strawberry soda: gives the big fruity punch and that signature bright pink vibe Pick a smooth not-too-sweet brand for best results
- Pink decorating sugar: jazzes up the rims and brings a little sparkle Finer sugar grabs on best and really shows off the color
Simple How-To
- Load up with Cotton Candy:
- Toss a big puff of cotton candy into every glass Try not to pack it down so the fizz can really do its magic later
- Sugar the Rims:
- Wet just the rims with water Twist ’em gently in pink sugar until covered Don’t press too hard just enough to help it hold
- Add Soda:
- Gently pour strawberry soda over the cotton candy Watch as it bubbles and the candy disappears Pour slow so it doesn’t foam over the top
- Top It Off:
- Drop a cherry onto the foam or sit it on the edge Serve right away before the effect fades
Pin it
I’m always tempted to nibble the cotton candy before pouring the drinks My family turns it into a mini show the kids love seeing everything sizzle and vanish when the soda hits
How to keep them fresh
Best to make these mocktails right before serving If you want to prep a bit ahead just sugar the rims and leave the glasses out Skip adding soda or cotton candy til the last second or it’ll get soggy and lose the effect
Swaps and switches
No strawberry soda? Berry soda lemonlime soda or pink lemonade all work in a pinch Want to match your party colors? Blue or purple cotton candy swaps in just fine Sprinkles are fun if you want a chunkier rim instead of sugar
Pin it
Ways to serve
Pop the glasses onto a cute tray and add fun paper straws or stick in a stirrer Want an adult spin? Splash in some sparkling water or lemon juice to cut the sweetness Awesome for brunches tea parties sleepovers or showers
Fun backstory
In Australia you’ll hear folks call cotton candy fairy floss It’s a classic carnival treat People started dropping it into drinks at fancy events not too long ago Now everyone uses this trick when they want to wow the crowd and bring back that old-school sweet shop vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I swap in another soda flavor?
Totally, fruity sodas like grape or orange taste awesome here and let you match party colors too.
- → Any tips for serving the drinks?
Dip glasses in sugar right when folks are ready, then set up cotton candy and pour in the soda right at the table.
- → Besides cherries, what else makes good toppers?
Pop in fresh berries, a wheel of lemon, or even grab a bright drink umbrella to really make it pop.
- → Will my cotton candy disappear as soon as I pour the soda?
Yep—the soda melts it right away for a foamy, colorful layer on top that’s fun to watch.
- → Is it okay to prep this ahead of time?
Wait to add the cotton candy and soda till the last minute or it’ll just melt and lose the wow factor.