From the beginning of childhood, popsicles enter our world as a safe, delicious treat and continue on as a memory like no other. In 1905, a San Francisco Bay kid by the name of Frank Epperson accidentally invented the icy treat. He had mixed some sugary soda powder with water and accidentally left it out overnight. It happened to be a cold night, and the mixture froze. He began selling his discovery at Neptune Beach and by 1924 he had a patent. Originally called the “Epsicle ice pop” it was later renamed to Popsicle, as insisted by his children.
Today, children still look forward to the variety of flavors that combine to make summer extra special. Kids of all ages, yes, from one to ninety-two…have a deep love and craving for the Popsicle. With a few twists and a little imagination, there is a frozen creation suited for everyone! Here are five of them to get you started!
Wake Up Pop
Iced coffees have become a popular choice next to the original hot versions. With this mocha coffee popsicle, you can pop up and get going quickly with your frozen coffee on a stick!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of strong, chilled coffee
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk, reserving 1/2 cup
- 2 T cocoa powder
- 2 T sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Combine coffee and 1 cup almond milk.
- Combine 1/2 cup almond milk, sugar, and cocoa in a mug.
- Heat cocoa mixture for one minute in the microwave.
- Whisk until well combined and sugar and cocoa are dissolved.
- Mix into coffee and milk mixture.
- Add vanilla and salt and mix well. .
- Pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight.
- Run molds under hot water to loosen when ready to serve.
Push Pops
Take a step back to childhood or give your kids today a less drippy option with the popsicle that pushes! Make your favorites and freeze them in these reusable push pop molds! No more plastic tubes trashing your yard and these even have lids! For another traditional mold, try these! Now, how about making the original tasting push pop to go with the fun?
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple juice, chilled
- 1 2-liter bottle orange soft drink, chilled
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Pour ingredients into the container of an ice cream mixer.
- Process the ice cream/sherbet according to manufacturer’s directions.
- While still soft. carefully pour it into the molds.
- Freeze upright for several hours until hard.
Night Cap
Adults deserve a special treat too! These are the perfect grown-up popsicles for a special something to look forward to at the end of a hot summer day! Pineapple, coconut, and rum, yum!
Ingredients
- 5 slices of pineapple. (About 3/4 of a fresh pineapple. For super smooth pops, use only use the outside portion)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp coconut rum
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until very smooth.
- Pour into these adorable popsicle molds using wooden popsicle sticks.
- Freeze overnight.
PupSicles
When you’re striving to make all family members cool and happy, don’t forget the pups! Keeping your pet hydrated is imperative and this is one tasty way to do it! These watermelon treats are beyond cute as well as safe and healthy, making them the perfect summer reward!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of watermelon, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
*Be sure there is no xylitol present as it is VERY harmful to dogs!
Instructions
- Combine the watermelon and the yogurt in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into paw or bone-shaped molds.
- Place the molds in the freezer until frozen solid.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the freezer.
Strawberry Orange Firework Pops
What better way to say goodbye to summer than with fireworks? Well, maybe with a fun surprise of a fruity popsicle that crackles in your mouth like fireworks! Using these rocket molds will make these popsicles an out-of-this-world treat and the perfect summer send-off!
Ingredients
- 1 pint of fresh, ripe strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups orange juice
- 3 tablespoons of Spiceology carbonated sugar (like Pop Rocks but with more “pop”) or Pop Rocks Candy
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and chop strawberries.
- Combine cut strawberries with orange juice and mix in a blender.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, adding sticks and freeze for 2-4 hours. (or until frozen).
- Prior to serving, remove from mold and roll in Carbonated Sugar or Pop Rocks candies.
Watermelon Popsicle
Here is an added bonus when you need something super easy and totally natural!
Ingredients
- 8 Watermelon Wedges
- 8 Popsicle Sticks
Instructions
- Insert the popsicle sticks through the rind and into the flesh of each watermelon wedge.
- Place each one on a baking sheet and freeze.
