Pretty Popsicles for Parents (Or Other Adultish People)

In most parts of the country June means summer.  Schools are letting out, no one wants to sit in an office all day, the sun is shining, and a pool or beach quickly becomes a necessity.  While the kids munch on avocado popsicles shouldn't there be something just for the adults?  How about a variation on a Maple Brown Derby Popsicle?  Let's spend the afternoon combing maple syrup, bourbon, and orange juice (or grapefruit if you prefer).

To get this recipe started off right we need some maple syrup.  Did you know that it's incredibly easy to make that yourself?  Let's begin!

Combine brown sugar, water, butter, and a dash of salt.

Once it's been boiling for a little big add maple extract and voila, that's it!

I think we've got enough maple syrup for many pancakes, waffles, and popsicles to come.

To get on with the popsicles combine maple syrup, orange juice, bourbon, and bitters. 

Pour into your popsicle molds, freeze, and enjoy!

There you have it!  A perfect summer treat for yourself this summer.  I have found all sorts of recipes out there for various liquor infused popsicles, what flavors would you combine or have you combined?

Maple Syrup Recipe:
1 1/2 C brown sugar
3/4 C water
1 T butter
dash of salt
1/2 tsp maple flavor

• Mix brown sugar, water, butter, and salt in a saucepan.  
• Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in maple flavor

Tips & Tricks:

• If you don't have maple flavor on hand vanilla extract will also work with minimal difference in taste.
• Be sure that your mixture has completely come to a boil, not a simmer, to ensure everything is combined well.

Maple Brown Derby Popsicle Recipe:

1 1/4 C orange juice

1/4 C maple syrup

1/2 oz bourbon

3 dashes bitters

• Whisk all ingredients together and pour into your popsicle molds.

Tips & Tricks:

• Traditionally this should be done with grapefruit juice which I did not have on hand as neither The Husband or I like it, orange juice worked just fine.
• I found that mine had a strong bourbon flavor whereas The Husband really enjoyed his.  In the future I may mix in the bourbon individually to create stronger and weaker popsicles.
• The amounts listed here will make enough for 2-4 popsicles.

Happy baking!