Some days feel a little strange on their own, too busy, too noisy, too much going on at once. And when I’ve had one of those days, I like making something fun that doesn’t take effort but still feels a little magical.
A drink like this does that for me. It’s quick, colorful, and has that dramatic swirl that makes it look straight out of the Upside Down.
What I love most is how the berries melt into the soda, turning the whole drink dark and stormy without even trying.
It’s simple, playful, and comes together in minutes.
And if you’ve been wanting a drink that feels refreshing but a bit dramatic, this one is worth trying, especially when you want something cool without standing in the kitchen for long.
Key Ingredients & Why They Matter
1 cup frozen mixed berries gives color and that “Upside Down” dark swirl
1 hibiscus tea bag or 1 tbsp dried hibiscus adds a deep reddish tint
Ice cubes — keeps everything cold and helps the color sink dramatically
½ tsp edible glitter — optional but gives the drink a fun, floating shimmer
1–1½ cups lemon soda — the fizzy base
Optional: 2–3 tbsp mango or litchi syrup/juice — adds sweetness and more color
Sweetener of choice (only if needed)
Upside Down Drink
Equipment
- Glass or tumbler
- Small bowl for steeping hibiscus
- Strainer (if using dried hibiscus)
- Spoon
- Ice tray
Ingredients
- Frozen mix berries
- Hibiscus tea bag or dried hibiscus
- flowers Ice cubes
- Edible glitter
- Lemon Soda
- Optional — Add mango juice/syrup or litchi juice/syrup Your choice of sweetener
Instructions
- Brew some hibiscus tea in hot water and let it cool down
- Add berries to a glass and crush them. With a mortar or spoon
- Add Ice cubes and Edible glitter to the berries
- Add the brewed tea to the glass
- Add additional mango/litchi syrup and sweetner of your choice
- Top it off with Lemon soda and Enjoy
How This Drink Fits Into My Day
This drink helps on days when I want something cold but not overly sweet. It’s fresh, quick, and doesn’t need any prep time.
It’s also perfect when friends come over. Everyone loves watching the colors swirl and settle.
And when I want something simple after dinner, this is one of my go-to options. It tastes light but still feels like a treat.
Even on hectic days, mixing this up takes less than a minute. It’s the kind of drink that makes the day feel lighter without any effort.
What to Serve With This Drink
To make the moment more fun, I like pairing this drink with:
- Chocolate-covered strawberries
- Mini brownies
- Pretzels
- Gummies or sour candy
- Simple vanilla cupcakes
Everything feels even better when the drink adds that dramatic look.
Conclusion
This drink always reminds me that even simple recipes can feel fun. It doesn’t take long, but the final look always feels special.
The mix of berries, fizz, and hibiscus gives it such a cool, moody color. And the shimmer from the glitter makes it even more playful.
It’s the kind of drink I make when I want something quick yet dramatic. Cold, refreshing, and a little chaotic in the best Stranger Things kind of way.
