This idea came to me after another unfortunate ‘I-left-the-beer-in-the freezer-too-long’ incident a couple weekends ago. You know what I’m talking about… you open the freezer door and yell a few expletives as an ice tear rolls down a frozen solid bottle of beer (and probably down your cheek, too). You’re left looking around frantically for that mediocre bottle of wine you were gifted from that neighbour you hear sneeze through the wall at 4 o’clock in the morning… every morning.

Beersicles aside, frozen booze can actually taste really good when planned properly. Beat the heat with these surprisingly simple yet super impressive popsicles that make the perfect frozen (and optionally boozy) treat.

Sweet Tip: Before you get in the kitchen make sure ALL your fruit is super ripe so you’ll get the maximum amount of natural sweetness and flavor.

Spicy Margarita Pops

Ingredients:
• 1 cup lime juice
• 4 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 oz. Cointreau or other orange liqueur
• 3 tbsp. raw cane sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon zest

For the topping:
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• Pinch of cayenne

Method:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until the sugar dissolves completely. Place mixture in moulds and freeze. When pops are ready, sprinkle on some of the spicy topping and serve. Makes 8 pops (2 oz. each).

Strawberry Watermelon Mint Pops 

Ingredients:
• 3 cups chopped watermelon (seedless or seeds removed)
• 1.5 cups chopped strawberries
• 1 handful mint leaves
• 2 tbsp. agave syrup

Method:
Blend all ingredients in blender at high speed until smooth (if it’s too thick, add a tbsp. of water to get it going). Place mix in popsicle mould and freeze. Makes 8 pops (2 oz. each).

Coconut Cinnamon Amaretto 

Ingredients:
• 1 coconut
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. amaretto liqueur
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup coconut water (from coconut)
• 2 tsp. maple syrup

Method:
Crack the coconut open (be careful!) and drain the water in a dish and keep for later. Using a spoon, peel off all the coconut flesh (if some hard bits come off, remove them with a knife).
Place coconut flesh and all other ingredients in a blender on high speed until smooth (if it’s too thick, add more coconut water). Check for desired sweetness and, if it’s good to go, pour mixture into moulds and freeze. Makes 8 pops (2 oz. each).