UK Weather
Want to enjoy this week's SUPER mini-heatwave? These refreshing cocktail ice lolly recipes will help keep you cool
Adobe
-
After an absolutely dismal start to July, the weather report is finally looking up - forecasters are predicting a mini-heatwave will hit some areas in the UK - including London and the South-East
-
Forecasters say the mercury could hit 30C, with evening temperatures set to hover around the low 20s.
-
Why not enjoy this brief burst of summer with some tasty frozen cocktail lollies?
-
Tim-Martin Harvey, cocktail expert at online wine merchants The Bottle Club shares the best homemade recipes to make the ultimate adult-friendly
Breakout the chilled glasses and the garden furniture - We’ve got some warm weather!
After a pretty poor start to July, the weather report is finally looking up - forecasters predict a super mini-heatwave will hit some areas in the UK - including London and the South-East over the next few days.
It’s true the weather has been a bit hit-and-miss in 2024 so far - all the more reason to take advantage of this reprieve and enjoy it while it lasts!
If you’re after something a little different, then the team at the Bottle Club has you covered with some refreshing adult-friendly frozen treats - cocktail ice lollies!
“Cocktail ice lollies are the best of both worlds. They’re not only a great way to cool down, but also a fun way to enjoy the drinks we all know and love with a new twist” says Tim-Martin Harvey, cocktail expert at The Bottle Club.
Tim shares some of his favourite frozen cocktail recipes that would be perfect for everything from garden parties and BBQs to after-dinner treats and more.
Rosé Ice Lollies
“Looking for sophistication with a playful twist? Why not chill out in style with a Rosé ice lolly? This super refreshing treat is perfect for a weekend summer garden party with friends and family. These refreshing treats will definitely take your usual toast to a whole new level” says Tim.
“Simply pour your choice of Rosé in a popsicle mould (For some tasty results we recommend Miraval Rosé, but any refreshing choice will do) then pop your lollies into the freezer to freeze until solid. For added delight, why not add some fruit - strawberries or raspberries can be a game-changer.”
Once frozen, remove and enjoy your adult-friendly treat, or drop the icy delight into a glass and top it off with more! It's a frozen fusion that's perfect for hot summer days or any celebratory occasion.
Prep time: 4-6 hours
Serves: up to 6
Nutrition: 153 calories (per serving)
Equipment
-
Silicon or plastic Ice lolly moulds (roughly 70ml per lolly)
Ingredients
-
420ml of Rosé Wine
-
Chopped fruit (optional, strawberries and raspberries recommended)
Method
-
Pour your Rosé of choice into each popsicle mould
-
If you want, add in your choice of fruit
-
Freeze for around 4-6 hours until frozen solid
-
Remove from the mould and enjoy
OR
-
Add your popsicle to a champagne glass
-
Top up your glass of Rosé and enjoy both at the same time!
Cucumber Gin & Tonic Popsicles
Tim says “As temperatures rise and the days grow long, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing gin and tonic to cool you down. A year-round favourite, there’s just something about a G&T in summer that just really hits the spot - the only way you could make it any better is by turning it into a refreshing lolly!”
This Cucumber Gin & Tonic lolly is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail that introduces a nice burst of cool cucumber. With the crispness of cucumber and the tangy zest of lime, these treats are the perfect grown-up way to cool down.”
Prep time: 4-6 hours
Serves: up to 10 (depending on mould size)
Nutrition: 107 calories (per serving)
Equipment
-
Silicon or plastic Ice lolly moulds
Ingredients
-
240ml of Tonic
-
45ml of a nice crisp Gin
-
¼, juiced Lime:
-
½ cup Cucumber Slices:
Method
-
Mix together tonic, gin, and lime juice in a bowl.
-
Place cucumber slices into popsicle moulds, ensuring an even distribution.
-
Pour the tonic mix into the moulds over the cucumber slices.
-
Freeze the mixture overnight or until solid.
-
Before serving, briefly run warm water over the outside of the moulds to release the popsicles easily.
Classic Margarita Ice Lolly
Tim says “Summer is in full swing, and what better way to chill out after than with a cool treat that brings a twist to a classic cocktail? Enter the Classic Margarita Ice Lolly - a delightful frozen treat that combines the zesty kick of white tequila with the sweetness of agave syrup and limeade.”
“Whether you’re lounging in the living room or hosting a backyard barbecue, these margarita ice lollies are sure to be a hit. Perfect for those warm days or as a unique addition to your party menu, these lollies are a refreshing way to enjoy your favourite cocktail in frozen form.”
Prep time: 4-6 hours
Servings: 4-6
Nutrition: 150 calories (per serving)
Equipment
-
Silicon or plastic Ice lolly mould
Ingredients
-
2 cups Ice
-
60ml White Tequila
-
1 tbsp Agave Syrup
-
30ml Fresh Lime Juice
-
240ml Limeade
-
Salt (for garnish)
-
Lime slices (for popsicle mould)
Method
-
In a blender, combine 2 cups of ice, the White Tequila, Agave Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice, and Limeade.
-
Blend the mixture until smooth.
-
Place a slice of lime halfway down each popsicle mould.
-
Pour the blended mixture into the popsicle mould.
-
Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top of each popsicle.
-
Insert popsicle sticks or holders into the mould.
-
Freeze for 4-6 hours or until fully set.
Baileys Ice Creams Baileys Ice Pops Recipe
“For anyone who has a sweet tooth, this absolutely incredible Baileys Ice Pops is just what you need. This recipe brings together Baileys Irish Cream, chocolate, and bananas to create a wonderfully creamy and indulgent ice cream.”
“While you can enjoy these at any point - and trust me they’re pretty hard to resist on a good - they are absolutely ideal for a gathering or a post-dinner treat. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up these up, just be handy with a blender!” comments Tim.
Prep time: 6-8 hours
Serves: 4
Nutrition: 264 calories (per serving)
Equipment
-
Silicon or plastic Ice lolly mould (4 moulds)
Ingredients
-
2 Frozen bananas
-
60ml Baileys (why not try some different flavours?)
-
2 tbsp Chocolate Syrup
-
120ml Milk (1%)
Method
-
1. Blend all ingredients in your blender until you achieve a consistent mixture.
-
2. Pour the mixture into moulds and place in the freezer.
-
3. When ready to serve, place moulds under warm water for approximately 10 seconds to loosen the ice pops.
-
4. Enjoy your homemade Baileys Ice Pops!
Notes: If you have only four moulds available, this recipe is a perfect match. To accommodate more, simply multiply the recipe according to the number of moulds you have.
For a non-alcoholic version, consider substituting Baileys Irish Cream Creamer for the Baileys and for part of the milk.
Frozen Aperol Spritz
Tim says “Ok, this one is a bit of a cheat - it’s not technically a lolly - but who doesn’t love a slushie during the summer? Especially one filled with Aperol Spritz!”
If you loved slushies as a kid - you’ll definitely love this one as an adult! This recipe transforms the traditional sparkling cocktail by combining the refreshing bitterness of Aperol with the sweet tang of mango and the bubbly charm of Prosecco. It's the perfect mix for those balmy summer days when you crave something cold, bubbly, and bursting with flavour.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2
Nutrition: 200 calories (per serving)
Ingredients
-
2 cups Frozen Mango
-
180ml Aperol
-
60ml Prosecco
-
60ml Club Soda
-
Juice of half an Orange
-
2 cups Ice
-
For garnish: Orange or Clementine Slices
Method
-
Blend the Mango and Aperol: Combine the frozen mango and Aperol in a blender. Blend until the mango is just pureed, ensuring a smooth texture without large chunks.
-
Incorporate the Bubbles: Add the Prosecco, club soda, and fresh orange juice to the blender. Blend briefly, just until these ingredients are incorporated. The goal is to mix them in while retaining as much fizziness as possible.
-
Add Ice: Introduce the ice into the blender and blend until just crushed. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect slushy consistency without watering down the drink.
-
Garnish and Serve: Pour the frozen mixture into two cocktail glasses. Garnish with slices of orange or clementine for a vibrant, citrusy flair. Serve immediately to bask in its chilled, refreshing glory.
Tim-Martin Harvey, Cocktail Expert
