Make your own: Summer Ice lollies

When the sun starts shining it’s only instinct to delve into your nearest corner shop for a cooling ice lolly. But before you do, why not consider making your own frozen treats? They’re a great way to use up fruit approaching its use by date and will often be healthier than the lollies you buy in the shops. Perfect for a summer BBQ treat or even breakfast on the go, I’ve picked three of my favourite fruity and refreshing summer ice lolly recipes. All of which can be easily created at home with a few simple ingredients and an ice-lolly mould. They’re mostly healthy so you can indulge guilt-free too! Here goes…

Cucumber, Lime, Gin & Tonic Lollies

For me, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a gin and tonic on a summer’s evening. If a G&T is your go-to summer cocktail too, then you'll love this refreshing classic in ice-lolly-form. They’re super easy to make and the frozen cucumber slices and squeeze of lime adds freshness and flavour. (To make 4) An ice-lolly mould 4 x 30ml shots of your favourite gin 350ml of slimline tonic ½ a lime, juiced 8cm of cucumber, sliced   1. Thinly slice your cucumber and cut into halves before placing into your ice-lolly moulds. 2. In a jug, mix together your gin, tonic, and lime before pouring into your moulds. 3. Freeze overnight - or for at least 12 hours (due to the alcohol) - before serving. 4. Run hot water along the body of the holders to loosen and pull out gently. Because of the alcohol in these they won’t freeze quite as well as a ‘normal’ lolly. They will stay solid, but be warned - the gin does tend to make them melt a little faster than normal ice-lollies. Perfect excuse to slurp them down in record time, then!  

Fruity Pimms and Lemonade Ice Lollies

Can't decide between a cocktail and an ice-lolly? I have the perfect solution with these Pimms ice-lollies. (To make 4) An ice-lolly mould 4 x 30ml shots of Pimms 350ml of diet lemonade 4 mint leaves 2 handfuls of fruit of your choice   1. Slice up your chosen fruit into small portions - I used traditional ‘Pimms fruit’ - strawberries, cucumber, orange and lemon. 2. Pop the fruit into the ice-lolly moulds, layering them along with a single mint leaf. 3. In a jug, measure our your Pimms and lemonade. I recommend letting the fizz subside for a few seconds, as it freezes better with less bubbles. 4. Pour your Pimms and lemonade into the moulds on top of the fruit. Fill until the line indicated on the mould and put the tops on. Freeze overnight and then serve.  

Raspberry, Yoghurt and Muesli Breakfast Ice Lollies

Grab these from the freezer in the morning for something different or have them as a healthy alternative to ice cream. Here’s how to make them (it’s really easy)… (To make 4) An ice-lolly mould A handful of frozen raspberries (or mixed frozen berries) 200g of low-fat Greek yoghurt 4 tbsps of muesli 1 tbsp maple syrup A couple of drops of vanilla essence   1. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the Greek yoghurt, maple syrup and vanilla essence. (Have a taste and if you want to add a little more maple syrup, you can.) 2. Add the muesli to the yoghurt mix and stir through. 3. Layer your ice-lolly mould with the frozen raspberries and spoon in your yoghurt mixture on top. 4. Place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until frozen. 5. Run under warm water to release them from the mould. Enjoy the lollies relaxing at home or on the go. Adapted from this original recipe by Gemma of Lush Loves. Have you made any ice-lollies of your own? I would love to hear about your recipes! Comment below or share your ideas on Facebook or Twitter.