For years, my multigenerational parties couldn’t include something as fun and tempting as today’s Vodka-Infused Berry Pops because the kids would have wanted one too. What’s more fun than a cool frozen fruit pop on a steamy summer evening — at any age?
Instead, these are reserved only for the “young at heart,” and no laws are broken! These frozen pops can absolutely be made without the alcohol, and if that is your desire, go right ahead. The amount of vodka for the entire batch is just enough to spike the pops without leaving everyone draped over your deck chairs.
You don’t need any special pop makers or forms; these pops can be made in paper or plastic cups with plastic forks or spoons as the “stick,” so you probably have the “equipment” at home right now. You can use fresh fruit if you desire, but because it’s going to be frozen anyway, cheaper frozen fruit is perfectly fine.
With summer here and outside dining in full swing, Vodka-Infused Berry Pops are a fun way to savor fruit adult-style.
Vodka-Infused Berry Pops
⅓ cup fresh lime juice
⅓ cup sugar
1 cup water
2⅔ cups frozen mixed berries, such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries
⅓ cup vodka
In a small saucepan, combine the lime juice, sugar and water; stir over medium heat just until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
Using four (8-ounce) plastic or paper cups, fill each cup with ⅔ cup frozen fruit. Stir the vodka into the semi-cooled lime-sugar mixture. Divide the vodka mixture among the four cups, pouring directly over the fruit.
Stick a plastic fork or spoon in the center of each cup, anchoring it with the fruit so it will stand erect. Carefully place the cups on an even surface in the freezer for a minimum of 12 hours to freeze through. (It does take longer for pops to freeze because of the alcohol.)
To serve, swirl the utensil handle to release frozen fruit from the cup. Serving with the cup is good in case of drips, if you desire. Enjoy!
Makes four servings.
Each serving has about 174 calories, no fat, no cholesterol, 1 gram protein, 33 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams dietary fiber, 3 milligrams sodium.
Alicia Ross is the co-author of three cookbooks. Contact her c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106, email tellus@kitchenscoop.com, or visit http://kitchenscoop.com.
