Boozy Concord-Grape Ice Pops
Adult-friendly frozen treats combining sweet Concord grape juice with gin and a subtle juniper berry infusion. These sophisticated ice pops offer a perfect balance of fruity and botanical flavors.
Ingredients
- •¼ cup juniper berries
- •⅓ cup sugar
- •2 cups chilled Concord grape juice
- •¼ cup gin
- •2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- •10 pieces ice-pop molds
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Toast juniper berries in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant and skins are very glossy, about 1 minute. Let cool slightly, then crush with a mortar and pestle (or place in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin). Transfer berries to a small saucepan. Add sugar and 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes. Strain juniper syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl; discard solids. Place bowl in a bowl of ice water and let juniper syrup sit, stirring occasionally, until cold, about 30 minutes.
65 min
- 2.
Stir juniper syrup, grape juice, gin, and lime juice in a large measuring glass or a medium pitcher; taste and add more lime juice if needed. Divide mixture among ice-pop molds and freeze until liquid is beginning to crystallize, about 1 hour. Cover and insert sticks (waiting until liquid is slushy ensures straight sticks), then freeze ice pops until solid, at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Dip molds briefly in hot water to release pops.
300 min
- 3.
Ice pops can be made 1 week ahead. Keep frozen.