Three Refreshing - and Unique - Boozy Popsicles to Beat the Heat!

Imagine, sitting by the pool or on the patio on a hot summer day with your friends, enjoying one of these ice-cold treats. Perfect for a pool party or any backyard event, you've got to try them all!

This is how the big kids beat the heat.

Popsicles are one of those 'little things' that brings joy to everyone, young and old. But when you make them with your favorite rum, tequila or other liquor, they are a fantastic surprise-and-delight treat everyone will be talking about, especially when you serve these unique flavors!

Popsicles are fun for all ages. But these popsicles are perfect for the big kids.

Make room in your freezer, because you'll be keeping these boozy popsicles around all summer long!

Notes about making these boozy popsicles:

It's generally recommended to use disposable popsicle 'sleeves' instead of popsicle molds, as the alcohol can cause them to melt a bit faster. However, feel free to experiment if you have molds available.

When looking for sleeves, you may want those with a funnel included. If not, have a small funnel available.

Use a thin glass or mason jar to stand up the sleeves when pouring the mixture into them.

Leave a bit of space at the top of the sleeve when pouring, as they will expand when they freeze.

Some recipes suggest standing them up when freezing. I prefer laying them flat - just ensure they're sealed completely and on a tray or container with sides, if they do leak. Also try to lay them flat without stacking.

Cantaloupe Rum Pops

This one is so tasty - a personal favorite!

Ingredients (makes approx 12 popsicles)

• 4.5 cups sliced ripe cantaloupe

• 5 Tbl freshly squeezed lime juice

• Zest of 1 lime (finely grated)

• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbl sugar

• 3/4 c light rum (silver)
  

Mix it Up

1. Place cantaloupe and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until very smooth - you want it to be a liquid.

2. Transfer to a large bowl - add lime zest, sugar and rum. Stir to combine. Let this mixture sit until all sugar is dissolved. (You may need to stir a couple of times.)

3. Pour into the ice pop sleeves and place in the freezer. Allow at least 6 hours to completely freeze.
   

Peach Margarita Popsicles

The zest of a margarita with a sweet peach finish

Ingredients (makes about 9 popsicles)

• 6 oz limeade concentrate

• 3/4 c tequila

• 18 oz water

• 1 oz peach schnapps

• 1 ripe peach

• 1 lime (will also use for lime zest)

• 2 tsps agave nectar

• 
  

Mix it Up

1. Finely zest the lime and set it aside.

2. In a pitcher, combine the limeade concentrate, tequila, water, and peach schnapps. Mix until the concentrate is completely melted.

3. Chop the peach; leave some of the skin for color if you'd like.

4. Add the chopped peach, juice of the lime, and agave nectar (the more the nectar, the sweeter the popsicle) to a BLENDER. Blend until very smooth, almost a liquid.

5. Add the peach puree mix and the lime zest to prepared pitcher and stir until completely combined.

6. Pour into the popsicle sleeves.

7. Freeze for at least 6 hours.

For a regular margarita popsicle, simple omit the peach and the peach schnapps from the recipe above - a great way to use the remaining limeade!

Aperol Limeade Pops

Citrusy and refreshing!

Ingredients (makes 8 popsicles)

• 2.5 c sugar

• 3 c water

• 3 c fresh lime juice (about 10 - 12 limes)

• Zest of 2 limes

• 3/4 c Aperol

  
  

Mix it Up

1. First, make the limeade:

   1. Add the sugar and water to a saucepan and dissolve all sugar, using MEDIUM heat. Do not boil!

   2. Remove from heat when all sugar is dissolved and let it sit to cool slightly.

   3. Stir in the lime juice and zest.

2. Combine the limeade and Aperol in pitcher and stir until completely combined.

3. Pour into the popsicle sleeves.

4. Freeze for at least 6 hours.

Popsicles are everyone's warm-weather treat.