Frozen cocktail popsicles make the perfect frozen dessert for BBQs or hot day parties. Colorful and fun cocktails, these are boozy popsicles for grown-ups.
The grapefruit frozen cocktail popsicle is one of my favorite flavors, and in the summertime, when the weather is hot, it's so simple to make frozen cocktail popsicles from the classic cocktail mix. Cocktail pops take just minutes to prepare, and then you can pop them in the freezer to enjoy whenever the mood takes you.
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My favorite cocktail of all time goes has to be the Greyhound cocktail, which is, in essence, a drink with grapefruit juice and vodka. It's an incredibly easy cocktail to make and even easier to turn into an alcoholic popsicle. There are a few ways to elevate it, and one of my faves is to add some lemon juice and a tiny pinch of rosemary salt to the cocktail mix; it just gives it this fragrant twist.
Summer is popsicle season, and alcoholic ice lollies are always on the menu chez Rosanna. I like to serve these freezer pops after a BBQ, and my go-to recipes this summer have been BBQ black garlic chicken or heirloom tomato salad. Such refreshing flavors, and of course, no BBQ is complete without some buttered sweetcorn.
Ingredients
You can adjust the ingredients in these frozen cocktail popsicles to suit you, but beware of making them too strong; if the amount of alcohol content is too high, they won't freeze properly. These quantities make enough for 600 ml or 20 fluid ounces, which will be enough to make 6 popsicles and a bit leftover, which I consider the 'chef tax' - meaning I get to drink it.
Grapefruit frozen cocktail popsicles
- Vodka
- Grapefruit juice
- Lemon juice
- Powdered sugar
- Rosemary salt (optional)
See the recipe card for quantities.
Blue raspberry frozen cocktail popsicles
- 100 ml blue raspberry vodka (or any berry-flavored vodka)
- Lime juice (Half a lime juiced)
- 500 ml Blue raspberry soda or juice
- Powdered sugar
- Rosemary salt (optional)
Cherry limeade frozen cocktail popsicles
- 100 ml cherry-flavored vodka
- 500 ml limeade (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grenadine syrup (for extra cherry flavor and sweetness. You can also use powdered sugar)
- 2 or 3 drops of red food coloring (If you want the cherry color)
Piña colada flavored frozen cocktail popsicles
- 100 ml rum (white or coconut rum works well)
- a cup of canned coconut milk
- 500 ml pineapple juice
- ½ cup simple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
Grape juice frozen cocktail popsicles
- 500 ml grape juice (100% pure grape juice)
- 100 ml Vodka
- lemon juice (half a lemon squeezed)
- simple syrup (tablespoon) or powdered sugar (teaspoon)
- Rosemary salt (optional)
How to make frozen cocktail popsicles
- Juice any of the citrus ingredients like lemons, limes, or grapefruit and then sieve to remove the pith and seeds.
- Measure the vodka or other spirits into a jug and add the other ingredients.
- If adding sugar, sieve the powdered sugar into the mix and stir until it is dissolved. If you don't mind your frozen cocktail popsicles being quite tart in taste, you don't have to add sugar. But grapefruit, in particular, can be quite sharp, and not everyone is a fan!
- Pour the frozen cocktail mix into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Remove the vodka greyhound frozen cocktail popsicles or other frozen cocktail popsicles from the ice pop mold and serve immediately.
Hint: If you are struggling to remove boozy ice pops from their mold, run them very briefly under slightly warm water to release them.
Substitutions and variations
Here are some ways you can adapt these ice pop recipes to suit you.
- Alcohol - instead of vodka, use gin, rum, or even tequila.
- Juice - add some orange or even pineapple juice to change this up.
- Sweetener - instead of sugar, add a sweetener like simple syrup or a small amount of honey.
Love ice cream? Try these raspberry ice cream bars.
Equipment
You will only need a few bits of equipment for these alcohol popsicles recipes.
- Measuring jug
- Popsicle molds
- Popsicle sticks
You can use silicone molds or stainless steel, but I find silicone molds take longer for the cocktail mixture to freeze.
Storage
Store the frozen cocktail popsicles in the freezer until ready to serve.
Once melted, do not refreeze.
Top tip
Don't go too crazy on the vodka, as well as making the cocktail mixture hard to freeze, it also affects the taste. If you do take the popsicles out of the mold and find they haven't kept their integrity, simply serve them in a glass with a spoon.
FAQ
The best type of alcohol in popsicles depends on personal preference and the flavor combination you want to achieve. Vodka is a popular choice for boozy popsicles due to its neutral flavor, allowing other ingredients like fruit juices or natural flavors to shine through. Other types of alcohol, such as rum, tequila, or even wine, can also work well, depending on the popsicle's flavor profile you want to create.
The freezing time for boozy popsicles can vary based on the alcohol ratio and other ingredients. Generally, it takes around 4 to 6 hours for boozy popsicles to freeze completely in a standard home freezer. However, freezing times may vary, so it's a good idea to check on the popsicles occasionally to ensure they are fully frozen.
Yes, you can use wine instead of vodka in popsicles to create delicious wine popsicles. Wine, particularly fruity and refreshing varieties like rosé or white wine, can be a perfect addition to create flavorful and boozy popsicles. You can mix wine with your favorite juice or fresh fruit purees to make crave-worthy flavors that are sure to be a hit at any summer party.
More recipes
Recipe Card
Frozen Cocktail Popsicles
Equipment
- 1 measuring jug
- 1 popsicle mould
Ingredients
- 100 ml vodka
- 500 ml grapefruit juice (approximately 2 whole grapefruits)
- ½ lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1 pinch rosemary salt (optional)
Instructions
- Juice the lemon and the grapefruit and then sieve to remove pith and seeds.
- Measure the vodka into a jug and add the grapefruit juice and lemon juice.
- Sieve the powdered sugar into the mix, and stir until it is dissolved. If you don't mind your frozen cocktail popsicles being quite tart in taste, you don't have to add the sugar. But grapefruit can be quite sharp, and not everyone is a fan! For added sweet/savoury flavour and added fragrance, stir in a pinch of rosemary salt.
- Pour the frozen cocktail mix into mould and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Remove the vodka greyhound frozen cocktail popsicles from the mould and serve.
Nutrition
Food safety
Drink responsibly! And this recipe is best saved for adults only.
Stacey says
So good for summer parties, me and my mom friends loved these so much
Michelle says
Never thought of adding alcohol to popsicles! Such a cool idea!
Giangi Townsend says
You had me at vodka. I must make this recipe this weekend, it sounds so refreshing and packed with flavor. Thank you.
Shelby says
Omg these are the perfect summer indulgence! Definitely whipping them up the next time the neighbors swing by!
Gina says
Love! A cocktail and popsicle all in one. Great idea!
Amy says
These are so good! I love the addition of rosemary salt!
Katie says
Such a fun boozy pop recipe! Can't wait to make these for pool parties all summer!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
OMG I HAVE to make these for the cottage next weekend!! Thank you for such a simple adult popsicle recipe!
nancy says
what a beautiful adult boozy popsicle!