# Remember making 'suicide' drinks at the drink fountain as a youth? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 17, 2023, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339 "2023-01-17T01:53:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/41 "2023-01-17T18:36:36Z")
I still mix my sodas at a self-serve. Diet Coke with a squirt of Dr.Pepper and the spicy Sprite that McDonald’s has. Cuts that diet taste. > [@Railer13](#): > > That would be an [Arnold Palmer](https://www.thespruceeats.com/arnold-palmer-mocktail-recipe-760357). Hot day, sunny patio bar, friend ordered a iced tea and Sprite. Me: “I need more caffeine than that. How about an iced tea with Coke in it?” “Sort of like… an Arnold Palmer?” “But darker… a Tiger Woods!” ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/42 "2023-01-17T19:59:51Z")
I told Ivy about the ‘Arnold Palmer’ name of her drink. She said: “Who’s that?” Jeez, she’s more sheltered than me. She never watched TV til she got around us. Now she’s addicted to ‘Rawhide’. It comes on precisely at my snack-time. So she runs in, throws me a banana during a commercial. I may have to discuss this with the cable channel she’s watching. ---
**Author:** ![Dogginit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogginit/32/16920_2.png) [@Dogginit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dogginit)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/43 "2023-01-17T21:41:17Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > IOW, for those of you saying you did this as kids, how old are you now, or equivalently, what decade were you doing this stuff as a kid? I’ll turn 55 next month, and it was prevalent when I was in grade school 45 or so years ago. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2023, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/44 "2023-01-17T22:18:56Z")
We called it a “suicide”, too, and it was especially prevalent at Boy Scout camp. The trading post had the fountain behind the counter, so you had to ask the guy behind the counter to make it for you, which they always did. And then there was the “atomic suicide”, same thing, but with an Atomic Fireball candy dropped in. Of course, the pop was already sugary enough that the candy dissolved almost not at all, but it was the principle of the thing, you know? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2023, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/45 "2023-01-18T23:51:35Z")
I think I used to make them on Girl Scout field trips. Always a fun treat, especially since my family never bought pop except on special occassions. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2023, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/46 "2023-01-19T00:07:45Z")
I used to serve at the refreshment stands during my brother’s Little League and Babe Ruth league games, until I got drafted into the sport myself. We made suicide pops for all kids, some directing us as to how much of each pop to add. As payment for my time, I got to make my own, plus I got to choose a candy bar (that I did not have to split with my brothers). I loved having access to sugar 2-3 times a week. We weren’t allowed candy otherwise. Good for you for pushing Ivy out of her comfort zone. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/47 "2023-01-20T03:02:06Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Ivy drinks tea and lemonade mixed together. Reminded me of ‘suicide’ drinks. You put a little of every soda in your cup and drink it. It’s called a Arnold Palmer. He used half and half. That’s a bit too much lemonade for me. I prefer a quick squirt into the tea. That’s about 6oz lemonade in a large tea. I remember suicide Slushs at Tastee-Freez. The offered 30?? Or more flavors. It wasn’t self service. The waitress would randomly add several flavors. Sometime it was good and sometimes toe curling. The same flavors were also used in their shakes. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/48 "2023-01-20T08:49:42Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s called a Arnold Palmer. Yes, as already noted in this thread. Twice, even. > [@Railer13](#): > > That would be an [Arnold Palmer](https://www.thespruceeats.com/arnold-palmer-mocktail-recipe-760357) > [@kenobi\_65](#): > > BTW, that combo (assuming it’s iced tea) is an “Arnold Palmer,” ---
**Author:** ![bretbernhoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bretbernhoft/32/13007_2.png) [@bretbernhoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bretbernhoft)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/49 "2023-01-20T09:52:04Z")
This is a nice walk down memory lane, thank you for posting this thread. Yes, I certainly do remember making those kinds of drinks. Doing so was one of the most exciting parts of going to a fast food restaurant as a child. Fun times. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 10:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/50 "2023-01-20T10:05:11Z")
Was there ever any grade school legends about such a concoction being poisonous? I remember being invited to try a “suicide” on a few occasions as a kid, and there was just _something_ about the branding that put me off. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/51 "2023-01-20T13:29:02Z")
I continue to be amazed that I got through a rather miscreant childhood and youth not only never doing any sort of soda mixing, nor ever hearing of any other kid doing so. And then survived another ~50 years post high school still not hearing of it either. Although not having kids probably helped with the latter run of ignorance. Meanwhile it seems everybody else here was having “suicide” parties whenever / wherever they could. I’ll crawl back under my rock now. Don’t bug me again for another 50 years. I don’t want to know what other miracles of youth I totally missed out on. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/52 "2023-01-20T17:04:47Z")
Reminds me of a “Jersey Turnpike”. The bartender basically pours the contents of the little tray where he mixes the drinks into a shot glass. It’s the sort of thing you order for people on a dare, their birthday, or an escalation of a “worst shot” contest or whatever. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/53 "2023-01-20T20:08:32Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > It’s the sort of thing you order for people on a dare, their birthday, or an escalation of a “worst shot” contest or whatever. Ah yes, college experimental drinking course. No credits, but you might be applauded for making it to your class the next morning… Did anybody have garbage can parties? All the alcohol, and mixer was poured into a large container, usually a freshly lined garbage bin. Somebody would sneak in a bottle of Everclear and that meant hell. I would show up, take a few sips and leave before everybody started getting too far gone. That way, they would remember me at the party so they couldn’t call me the goody-two-shoes that I actually was. 😇 ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/54 "2023-01-20T20:46:19Z")
I never could of partaken(word?) but I saw this happen at an outdoor party or two. Lord, I hope Son-of-a-wrek doesn’t remember this. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2023, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/55 "2023-01-20T23:41:11Z")
If he partook in one, chances are he doesn’t remember. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.winston_oboogie/32/2945_2.png) [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Winston_OBoogie)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2023, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/56 "2023-01-21T03:41:25Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > Did anybody have garbage can parties? All the alcohol, and mixer was poured into a large container, usually a freshly lined garbage bin. At my college, it was called Wapatooi. Add dry kool aid for flavor. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2023, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/57 "2023-01-21T05:23:37Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > Did anybody have garbage can parties? All the alcohol, and mixer was poured into a large container, usually a freshly lined garbage bin. We did this in my dorm when I was a freshman, at the start of the winter/spring term (so, mid-January), though we, too, called it “wapatui.” The drinking age in Wisconsin at that time was 18, and drinking in the dorms was legal, so most of the people on my dorm floor opened up their rooms as party rooms. I helped make the stuff – as I remember it, we made it with mostly vodka and rum, and used Kool-Aid as the mixer. I don’t think I’ve ever been as drunk as I was that night, and it was the first (and only time) I ever threw up due to drinking. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2023, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/58 "2023-01-21T23:14:14Z")
> [@Dr.Winston\_OBoogie](#): > > Wapatooi Yes, that was one name for it. Another was “Michigan Punch” though I don’t understand that connection. Maybe Everclear was originally made there? By my time, Kool-aid was considered uncool, so big bottles of cola and other sodas were added. ---
**Author:** ![JohnGalt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johngalt/32/184_2.png) [@JohnGalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnGalt)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2023, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/59 "2023-01-22T03:47:16Z")
We had the same kind of parties, but at the Holiday Inn in a room that was foolishly rented to one of the students; there was no way that kind of party would have been allowed on the college campus. It was in South Dakota where Everclear was available and was mixed in, probably with kool-aid. I remember it being red kool-aid, red both going down and coming back up. As with @kenobi_65 it was the first time that I ever had thrown up from drinking. Blow chunks, indeed, since I had foolishly eaten an apple an hour or so earlier. Don’t ask me about blowing my nose at that time. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2023, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339/60 "2023-01-22T04:08:28Z")
You haven’t really had a suicide unless it was done with a mix of carbonated and _phosphated_ sodas along with the drink concentrates. (yeah, I’m old) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remember-making-suicide-drinks-at-the-drink-fountain-as-a-youth/978339.md?page=4)