7 Refreshing Ice Pop Recipes for Hot Summer Days
As a kid, nothing was more refreshing than a cold ice pop after a long day of playing outside in the hot sun. You probably had a favorite flavor, and maybe you and your friends had to play a round of rock paper scissors to decide who'd get the last one.
But ice pops aren't just for kids or feeling nostalgic; they're the perfect summer treat for young and old because they're a refreshing, fruity way to beat the heat. You can make them with your favorite fruit or add alcohol for an adult-only pop!
Here are our favorite ice pop recipes to try out on the next sunny summer day.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Berry Yogurt Ice Pops
If you've got some greek yogurt in the back of your fridge that you know is nearing its expiration date, don't let it go bad! Utilize it to make these creamy berry yogurt ice pops!
You can use whatever berries or greek yogurt you have on hand to make this recipe, and the rest of the ingredients probably already live in your kitchen too.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh berries, washed and chopped
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp. honey
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 cups plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
Directions
In a saucepan, bring the berries, sugar, honey and water to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes to dissolve the sugar, remove from heat, and pulse in a food processor until just chunky. Place the mixture into a small bowl and cool it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Whisk or fold the yogurt and lemon juice into the berry mixture until thoroughly combined. Pour the mixture into molds (see Tips & Notes) and freeze for at least 5 hours. Run molds under hot water to release the ice pops.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Minty Green Tea Pops
These simple green tea popsicles only call for a few ingredients that you probably have at home already, especially if you have a mint plant in your garden that's grown out of control!
If you don't have green tea on hand, black tea or herbal tea can be used instead.
Ingredients
4 cups of water
4 tea bags green tea
1/2 cup fresh spearmint, plus 10 small leaves
1/4 cup honey
Ice pop molds and sticks or 3-oz. paper cups and sticks
Directions
Prepare your pop molds. If using paper cups, place them on a sheet pan.
In a 2-quart pot, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool for a few seconds, then drop in the teabags and 1/2 cup mint. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags and stir in the honey until dissolved. Let cool.
When cooled completely, strain into a pitcher, pressing on the mint gently. Pour the tea mixture into the prepared pop molds, place a mint leaf in each, then freeze completely. If using paper cups, freeze for half an hour before inserting sticks.
When frozen, store in an airtight bag or container for up to a month.
Recipe and photo adapted from Co+op
Firecracker Ice Pops
Calling for just 4 ingredients, these firecracker ice pops from Martha Stewart take 10 minutes to prep and just a couple hours in the freezer.
If you’re wanting something a little more tropical, simply sub in kiwis and mangoes for the berries.
Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Melon Lemonade Margarita Popsicles
If you're looking for the perfect boozy popsicle to enjoy all summer long, this is the recipe for you!
And if tequila isn't your jam, vodka or rum would also work well in this recipe. Bonus points if you use fun popsicle sticks!
Photo Courtesy of Feasting at Home
Healthy Carrot and Orange Ginger Popsicles
This recipe is incredibly simple and produces an ice pop that's healthy, but still full of sweet flavor.
Though turmeric is optional, it provides the ice pop with a bright orange color that's pretty incredible.
Rosé Popsicles
Pick up your favorite bottle of rosé from our wine department, pour yourself a glass, and then use the rest to make these popsicles!
Simple syrup, sweet pear, and fresh strawberries provide the rosé with some sweetness to turn it into a dessert.
Photo Courtesy of The Cookie Rookie
Red, White & Blue Popsicles
Here's the perfect popsicle to enjoy with your family on the 4th of July!
These are also super simple to make, only call for 7 ingredients, and feature fresh berries.
Greek yogurt provides these popsicles with a decadent creaminess that compliments the fruit well.