Summer days are upon us, and what better way to cool off than enjoying a refreshing, ice-cold vodka popsicle? Vodka popsicles are a fun, easy, and delicious way to get creative with your favorite drinks while keeping cool. This guide will take you through the steps to making this icy treat, as well as provide you with some tantalizing flavor combinations to excite your taste buds.
Best Budget Vodkas Ranked
Smirnoff
A global vodka giant with Russian origins, Smirnoff delivers consistent quality and versatility for any mixer.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Crisp, mild sweetness with a clean finish
Best Cocktail Pairing: Classic Cosmopolitan
Best Food Paring: Grilled chicken skewers
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Absolut
Swedish purity in a bottle, Absolut is distilled from winter wheat, giving a smooth and rich experience.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Smooth with light grain and citrus hints
Best Cocktail Pairing: Absolut Elyx Martini
Best Food Paring: Smoked salmon canapés
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Ketel One
A Dutch treat, Ketel One is the result of over 300 years of distilling expertise; a refined choice.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Fresh with subtle citrus and honey notes
Best Cocktail Pairing: Dutch Mule
Best Food Paring: Aged cheeses or Dutch herring
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
What You'll Need
To make vodka popsicles, you'll need the following items:
- Vodka of your choice
- Juice or mixer of your choice
- Popsicle molds or small paper/plastic cups
- Popsicle sticks
- Blender (optional)
- Freezer
Choosing Your Vodka
The key ingredient in a vodka popsicle is, of course, vodka. When choosing a vodka for your popsicles, consider the taste you're aiming for. A high-quality vodka will result in a smoother, more enjoyable popsicle. Some popular choices for vodka popsicles include:
- Absolut
- Smirnoff
- Grey Goose
- Ketel One
- Belvedere
There are also numerous flavored vodkas available, which can add an extra layer of excitement to your popsicles.
Choosing Your Mixture
The next decision to make is the liquid with which you'll mix your vodka. Some popular options include:
- Fruit juice (orange, pineapple, cranberry, etc.)
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Coconut water
- Tonic or soda water
Feel free to think outside the box and mix multiple liquids for a unique flavor combination, or even blend your own mix using whole fruits.
Creating the Perfect Vodka Popsicle Mix
When combining your vodka and mixture, you want to ensure there's enough alcohol to give it some strength, but not so much that it prevents your popsicles from freezing. A general rule of thumb is to use a ratio of 1 part vodka to 3 parts liquid. This should result in popsicles that freeze properly while still carrying a punch.
Preparing and Freezing Your Vodka Popsicles
Once you've chosen your vodka and mixture, follow these steps to create your vodka popsicles:
- Mix your vodka and liquid(s) in a pitcher, ensuring they're thoroughly combined.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or cups, filling them to roughly an inch from the top.
- Cover the molds with lids (if included), or place plastic wrap over the cups, with a small slit to insert the popsicle sticks.
- Insert popsicle sticks through the lids or plastic wrap, ensuring they're centered.
- Carefully place the molds or cups in the freezer, ensuring they're level to prevent spills.
- Allow the popsicles to freeze for at least 6-8 hours, preferably overnight.
How To Make Vodka Popsicles Example:
Sample Vodka Popsicle Recipe: Raspberry Lemonade Vodka Popsicle
Give this delicious recipe a try for your first vodka popsicle making experience:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vodka (plain or raspberry-flavored)
- 1 1/2 cups lemonade
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
Method:
- Blend the raspberries and lemonade together until smooth. If preferred, strain the mixture to remove raspberry seeds.
- Stir in the vodka, combining thoroughly.
- Follow the preparation and freezing steps outlined above.
Congratulations, you now know how to make vodka popsicles – a perfect treat to enjoy on a hot summer day or to share with friends at a backyard party. We hope this guide has inspired you to experiment with different vodka and mixer combinations, exploring the world of ice-cold, boozy treats. Please share this article with fellow vodka lovers and be sure to check out more exciting vodka-related content on Vodka Doctors!
