Making dry ice drinks has always been a little intimidating, but today we are diving deep into how easy it is to make these Halloween drinks for kids with safety knowledge. In just a minute, you will be armed with the information to make your own spooky fog drinks for your next Halloween party or event.
These Kids Dry Ice Drinks are perfect for your Halloween party
A Halloween party drink should be a little eerie and a whole lot of fun. That’s what makes this Halloween punch recipe the perfect spooky fog drink for kids. Your kids will love this witch’s brew! You’ve got your child’s Halloween party planned…
But what about that little something to really “wow” your guests and make the party special? Add a spooky fog drink! <–It’s easier than you think!
Related: Easy Halloween Graveyard Decoration Ideas
Why you’ll love these Dry Ice Halloween Drinks (Non Alcoholic)
This non-alcoholic Halloween drink recipe includes dry ice which can be harmful when not handled correctly. Please note the safety information below this recipe so your Halloween party is safe and fun!
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Dry Ice Drink ingredients
Where to get Dry Ice for Drinks
You can typically purchase dry ice from the following places:
- Grocery Stores: Some larger grocery stores, especially those with a well-equipped bakery or seafood section, may carry dry ice. Call ahead to check if they have it in stock.
- Ice Suppliers: Many ice suppliers and ice manufacturing companies sell dry ice to both individuals and businesses. You can search online or check your local directory for ice suppliers in your area.
- Specialty Stores: Some specialty stores or stores that sell party supplies may carry dry ice, especially if they cater to events and parties.
- Gas Suppliers: Companies that supply gases, like carbon dioxide, for industrial purposes often also sell dry ice. Check with your local industrial gas suppliers.
- Online Retailers: You can also order dry ice from various online retailers that specialize in shipping it to consumers. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines for handling and storing dry ice when it arrives.
When handling dry ice, it’s crucial to wear protective gloves and follow safety guidelines because it is extremely cold and can cause frostbite on contact with skin. Also, store it in a well-ventilated container, such as an insulated cooler, and keep it away from children and pets. Always use caution when working with dry ice to prevent accidents.
Watch: how to make spooky drinks
How to make a Dry Ice Drink for Halloween
As you will see, making these spooky Halloween drinks for kids is absolutely simple once you have the knowledge and correct supplies!
Step 1
First, fill your glass with your spooky drink. We like using bright colored drinks in green, orange or red. The one we are showing in the pictures is a green gatorade.
Any drink or punch will work.
Step 2
Next, add gummy worms, or other creepy crawlies, to the edge of the glass for an extra spooky effect!
Step 3
The final ingredient for your foggy witch’s brew is to add in a few small pieces of dry ice:
- Our dry ice came in a big brick and we had to chip pieces off of it.
- Use tongs to handle the dry ice, and gloves if you must pick it up with your hands.
- It is very, very cold.
Watch the children’s eyes grow wide with amazement at what you have just created.
Safely Serving Dry Ice Drinks
Please take it from a chemistry teacher that dry ice should NEVER be put into cups or glasses that kids will drink from…there is too much of a chance that dry ice can come in contact with mouths or fingers. It is much safer to use dry ice in a punch bowl and then serving from there to be sure no young ones are hurt.
-Colleen, KAB Reader
How to make Drinks Smoke without Dry Ice
There really isn’t a known way to make drinks smoke without dry ice and stay cold. There are familiar cocktail techniques like wood smoke infusion and using a smoke gun that generates smoke that quickly dissapates.
Serving Suggestion for Dry Ice Drinks
You can even use beakers to create a Mad Scientist Potion, like this one from Foodie Fun.
Cool, right?
Prep Time
10 minutes
Active Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$10
Materials
- colorful Halloween punch or drink like Gatorade or Kool-Aid
- gummy worms
- dry ice
Tools
- clear punch bowl
- winter gloves
Instructions
- Fill each glass or the punch bowl with a colorful Halloween punch or drink like Gatorade or Kool-Aid. Brighter colors are the best.
- Add gummy worms or other creepy crawlies to the edge of the punch bowl or glass.
- Add chips of dry ice with tongs.
Notes
You should not touch the dry ice with your hands or drink it in frozen form.
Safety Tips for Working with Dry Ice
What is Dry Ice?
Dry ice is a frozen solid form of carbon dioxide gas that we exhale every time we breathe. The foggy smoke is not harmful. Of course, if you will be using large amounts of dry ice, then be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to keep good oxygen flow in the room.
How Cold is Dry Ice?
Carbon Dioxide freezes at -109 degrees F which makes dry ice much cooler than regular ice. It can give you a freezer burn if you touch it directly, so wear gloves when working with it.
Does Dry Ice Float?
Dry ice will sink to the bottom of your drink, so either wait until fog clears to take a drink, or just sip the drink from the top without letting the dry ice actually go into your mouth. Don’t eat solid dry ice, it’s way too cold for your body!
Can I Store Dry Ice in the Freezer?
Store dry ice in an insulated cooler, not your freezer. It is colder than regular ice, and will slowly melt in your freezer. As it melts, it turns from solid carbon dioxide to gaseous carbon dioxide and the air pressure in a confined area of your freezer will increase and could cause damage.
How Long Does Dry Ice Last?
Buy your dry ice as close as possible to when you plan to use it, as it is difficult to keep it cold enough to remain solid for more than a couple of hours or up to 24 hours in a cooler. As you can imagine, it will also depend on how large the block is that you purchased or if it is in pellet form.
More Halloween Treats & Family Fun from Kids Activities Blog
Are you hosting a Halloween party this year at home or in the classroom? Or do you just need to keep your kids busy long enough to make dinner?!
Have you ever made a dry ice drink before? How did your Halloween drinks turn out? Were they spooky?
Dry Ice Drinks FAQs
Putting dry ice directly into a drink needs to be done with caution because it can be hazardous if ingested or if it comes into contact with your mouth or skin. Dry ice is extremely cold, at around -109.3°F (-78.5°C), and it can cause severe frostbite and injury if mishandled.
Since dry ice sinks, it is possible to serve small portions that would dissipate quickly before the drink is consumed.
If you want to create a smoky or visually appealing effect in a drink using dry ice, here’s a safer way to do it:
1. Use a Dry Ice “Chill Stick” or “Swizzle Stick”: These are specially designed tools that allow you to add a small amount of dry ice to a drink without direct contact with the liquid. They often have a handle that keeps your hand away from the dry ice.
2. Place the Dry Ice Safely: Add a small piece of dry ice to the bottom of a glass. Ensure it’s a small, food-grade piece of dry ice that won’t sublimate too quickly.
3. Pour the Liquid Over It: Carefully pour your drink over the dry ice. The sublimation of the dry ice will create a smoky effect. It’s essential not to drink or ingest any dry ice.
4. Wait for the Smoke to Dissipate: Allow the smoky effect to dissipate before sipping your drink. This usually takes a minute or less.
5. Use Caution: Be very cautious not to touch the dry ice directly with your hands or consume any part of it.
Remember that safety is paramount when using dry ice in drinks. Always follow best practices to avoid any injuries or accidents. If you are not experienced with using dry ice, it’s advisable to consult with professionals or experts who can guide you through the process safely.
Dry ice itself does not typically change the taste of drinks because it is composed of solid carbon dioxide (CO2), which is odorless and tasteless. However, using dry ice in a drink can create a visual and aromatic effect that enhances the overall drinking experience. For example:
1. Aroma Enhancement: When dry ice sublimates (changes from a solid to a gas), it releases a fog of carbon dioxide gas. This fog can carry and distribute the aromas of the drink, making the beverage more aromatic and appealing.
2. Visual Appeal: Dry ice can create a dramatic and visually appealing smoky or foggy effect in a drink. This effect can be particularly popular in cocktails, providing an element of theater to the presentation.
While dry ice itself doesn’t alter the taste of a drink, it’s important to note that the temperature of the drink can affect its flavor. Extremely cold drinks can temporarily dull the taste buds, making it more challenging to perceive flavors fully. However, once the drink warms slightly, the flavors should return to their normal intensity.
When using dry ice in drinks, it’s essential to do so responsibly and safely, as discussed in previous responses, to ensure a positive and enjoyable drinking experience without compromising safety.
?
Yes, dry ice is highly effective at keeping beverages and other items cold. Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide (CO2) at extremely low temperatures, provides a much colder cooling temperature compared to regular ice.
