Water of the day
Water of the day! 🍬 is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Joseph Anthonii on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 10 min
Cost: $25.98 total, $25.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 ml Water (cold, filtered)
- 2 tablespoons Grape Flavoring (store‑bought grape drink mix or grape juice concentrate)
- 2 pieces Pink Starburst Candy (chewy pink‑flavored Starburst, unwrapped)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (crushed or regular cubes, keep extra on hand)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients & Equipment
Collect water, grape flavoring, Pink Starburst pieces, ice, a water bottle, spoon, and measuring spoon.
Time: PT1M
Add Grape Flavor to Water
Pour 500 ml cold water into the bottle, then add 2 Tbsp grape flavoring. Stir gently until fully dissolved.
Time: PT1M
Add Ice
Fill the bottle about three‑quarters full with ice cubes to chill the mixture and create a frothy texture.
Time: PT1M
Add Pink Starburst
Drop the two Pink Starburst candies into the bottle. They will begin to melt and release bubble‑gum flavor.
Time: PT1M
Layer the Drink
Using the back of the spoon, slowly pour the liquid over the spoon to create a layered effect. This helps the candy melt gradually and prevents the flavors from mixing too quickly.
Time: PT2M
Let It Sit
Allow the bottle to sit for 1‑2 minutes so the Starburst can fully dissolve, giving the water a bubble‑gum taste.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Cap the bottle, give it a final gentle shake, and enjoy your Bubblegum Grape Water straight from the bottle or pour into a glass.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Soy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Water: sparkling water, coconut water
- Instead of Grape Flavoring: grape juice, grape syrup
- Instead of Pink Starburst Candy: other pink fruit‑flavored chewy candy, gummy candy
- Instead of Ice Cubes: crushed ice, ice shards
Equipment Needed
- Water Bottle or Large Glass Jar
- Long Spoon or Stirring Spoon
- Measuring Spoon
- Ice Tray (if making ice) (optional)
- Small Bowl (optional for pre‑melting candy) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Add Pink Starburst to the bottle
- Layer the drink using the back of a spoon to control melting
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled water and ice for a crisp mouthfeel
- For a stronger bubble‑gum note, crush the Starburst before adding it
- If you prefer a clearer drink, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
Troubleshooting
Flavor is too weak
Add an extra Pink Starburst or a splash more grape flavoring and let it sit a few more minutes.
Candy does not dissolve
Give the bottle a gentle shake or warm the bottle briefly in warm water (no longer than 30 seconds) to speed melting.
Drink becomes too watery
Use less ice or add a few more Starburst pieces to balance dilution.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be kept sealed in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; flavor may mellow.
Freezer: Not recommended – ice will melt and dilute the drink.
Room temperature: Best consumed immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the grape‑flavored water base and keep it chilled; add the Starburst just before serving
- Store ice separately to keep it from diluting the drink early
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bubble‑gum flavored drinks in American snack culture?
Bubble‑gum flavored beverages emerged in the United States during the 1970s as novelty drinks marketed to kids, often using candy extracts or syrups to mimic the sweet, nostalgic taste of chewing gum. They remain popular in DIY home‑brew trends and social media challenges, celebrating a playful, retro vibe.
How does the concept of “Water of the Day” fit into Joseph Anthonii’s channel theme?
Joseph Anthonii’s “Water of the Day” series showcases creative, low‑effort flavored water recipes that encourage viewers to stay hydrated while experimenting with fun flavor combos, aligning with his channel’s focus on quick, entertaining food hacks.
What traditional regional variations of bubble‑gum flavored drinks exist in American cuisine?
Beyond the classic pink bubble‑gum soda, regional twists include adding vanilla ice cream for a “bubble‑gum float,” mixing with fruit juices like pineapple for a tropical spin, or using candy‑based syrups in the Midwest’s “candy‑kissed” lemonade variations.
What occasions or celebrations is bubble‑gum flavored water traditionally associated with in the United States?
Bubble‑gum drinks are often featured at children’s birthday parties, summer pool gatherings, and nostalgic retro‑themed events, where the bright color and sweet flavor add a festive, playful element.
What makes this Bubblegum Grape Water special compared to other flavored waters in American cuisine?
It combines a natural fruit base (grape) with a candy‑derived bubble‑gum note, creating a layered flavor profile that mimics the nostalgic taste of chewing gum while still delivering the hydration benefits of water—a unique hybrid of fruit and confectionery.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Bubblegum Grape Water?
Common errors include adding too much ice, which dilutes the flavor; not allowing the Starburst to melt fully, resulting in uneven bubble‑gum taste; and over‑shaking, which can cause the candy to break into gritty pieces.
Why does this recipe use the back of a spoon for layering instead of simply stirring?
Pouring over the back of a spoon slows the flow, allowing the candy to settle gradually and create a visual layer while preventing the grape base from mixing too quickly with the melting candy, which yields a smoother flavor transition.
Can I make Bubblegum Grape Water ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can pre‑mix the grape‑flavored water and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the Pink Starburst just before serving to preserve the bubble‑gum aroma and prevent over‑dilution.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Bubblegum Grape Water is ready?
The drink should be a clear to light‑purple hue with a faint pink swirl from the melted Starburst. Small bubbles may form, and the ice should be suspended without excessive cloudiness, indicating proper mixing.
What does the YouTube channel Joseph Anthonii specialize in?
The YouTube channel Joseph Anthonii specializes in quick, experimental food hacks and novelty drink creations, often featuring “Water of the Day” flavored water experiments that blend everyday ingredients with unexpected flavor twists.
How does the YouTube channel Joseph Anthonii’s approach to DIY beverage creation differ from other cooking channels?
Joseph Anthonii focuses on ultra‑simple, single‑serving experiments that rely on pantry staples and candy, emphasizing visual layering and rapid flavor testing, whereas many other channels prioritize multi‑step recipes or professional‑grade techniques.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
