• by Teresa Buyikian , May 28, 2024

The Kool Aid Man may just bust through a wall at a local Rita’s Frozen Lemonade.

Ok, maybe (unfortunately) not, but the national chain just announced its latest summer drink line-up, staring the favorite (and only) GenX talking pitch-er of punch, THE Kool-Aid Man.

The partnership has created the Rita's Kool-Aid Tropical Punch Italian Ice, which is said to “appeal to Kool-Aid lovers of all ages” with its classic Kool-Aid Tropical Punch flavor.

"Both Rita's and Kool-Aid resonate across generations, and it's a perfect match," said Mark Jenkins, vice president of marketing for Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard in a release. "By leveraging Kool-Aid's recognizable flavor and Rita's expertise in creating … frozen treats, we're able to offer guests an unparalleled taste experience that's both familiar and new at the same time."

Available now for a limited time, the Kool-Aid Tropical Punch Ice will also feature in the Five-Layer Gelati, which combines a Kool-Aid Tropical Punch Ice with layers of vanilla custard, topped with rainbow sprinkles.

The partnership “brings the [Kool-Aid] brand to life in new and innovative ways, said Charter Foster, senior manager, licensing, at the Kraft Heinz Company.

In addition to the Kool-Aid Tropical Punch Ice, the chain’s summer line up highlights Frozen Lemonade based drinks, available in Classic Lemon, Mango and Strawberry flavors.

This summer also brings back the continuing partnership between Rita’s and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), which aims to change the lives of children with cancer through funding research, raising awareness and supporting families Now through July 7, Rita's will donate $1 from every Frozen Lemonade sold to ALSF, up to $10,000. Since the partnership’s inception in 2006, Rita’s has raised over $5.9 million for the foundation.