There’s something about an ice cold popsicle on a hot, sunny day. Go ahead, close your eyes and think about it. You’re smiling, right? You just can’t help it. Even as an adult, the thought of that refreshing, icy, sweet, fruity goodness still makes you happy. With these easy recipes, you can totally recreate that feeling, but with a few inventive ingredients and sophisticated flavors. We’re guessing you’ll never go for the store-bought freezer pops again!
Chili Lime Watermelon Popsicles
Don’t let the simplicity of these pops fool you: the combination of sweet watermelon, tangy lime and slightly spicy chili is anything but boring.
Ingredients
- 5 cups diced watermelon, seeds removed
- Juice of two limes
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- ½ tsp. chipotle chili powder
- ½ tsp. sea salt
Preparation
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until pureed
- Tap the blender to release some of the air bubbles (this is important!)
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and place in the freezer
- After about an hour, insert popsicle sticks in the molds and continue to freeze for at least four hours, until the popsicles have set completely
Click here for more popsicles with interesting flavor profiles from Ashdown & Bee. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try incorporating grilled fruits into your pops for a sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
Citrus Sunrise Pops
These popsicles are tasty, healthy and also a little sneaky: carrots are on the ingredient list, but those enjoying the pops will have no idea.
Ingredients
- One pineapple, cubed
- Two carrots, peeled
- One ripe banana
- Orange juice
This is one of those recipes where you don’t need precise quantities – just taste and edit as you go!
Preparation
- Cut pineapple into cubes. Not sure how? Check out this video.
- Peel carrots and cut into smaller pieces
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until pureed
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and place in the freezer
- After about an hour, insert sticks into your pops and let them freeze completely
- Enjoy this fruit and veggie powerhouse!
Looking for more popsicles with veggies? The Chic has some great suggestions here.
Mint Caipirinha Ice Pops
Now something for the adults: try the popsicle version of the Caipirinha – a traditional Brazilian drink.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mint leaves
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup superfine granulated sugar
- 1/3 cachaça (purchase it here)
Preparation
You know the drill now: purée all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Skim off any foam, then pour into molds. Freeze for an hour, insert sticks and freeze until firm.
Click here for more boozy popsicle recipes, or “poptails,” from Endless Simmer.
Have you tried to make popsicles at home? Which are your favorite flavor combinations?