08. 20. 2014

VINO POPS: the Rosé edition (of course)

A Lavender and Rosemary-Tinged Rosé Pop to enjoy at whatever-o-clock during these dwindling dog days? It is nearing the end of our dear summer afterall and what better than a little pink booze to go with your herb infused popsicle? I mean really.

I have been intrigued by the array of boozy pops out there so I decided to make some of my own. Of course my first batch had to be rosé- it’s always rosé in this house, come rain or come shine so why not in a sunshiney ice pop? It’s pretty dope, I must say.

A little lavender/rosemary simple syrup, a bottle of rose, popsicle sticks and an ice cube tray are all you need.

You can of course make traditional-shaped pops as well but there’s something fun and festive about these little squares, they are especially fun to (quickly) pass around on a party tray as your peeps arrive- it’s rather like checking in at a tropical resort. Not a huge commitment, just a few choice bites before you get down and dirty with that craft beer or glass of vino at your bbq.

Here’s What You Need:

1. A bottle of good rosé, something you would drink alone. It doesn’t need to be expensive, if it’s from Provence and it’s $10, you’re probably good to go.

2. An ice cube tray (I prefer these jumbo cube silicone trays- love these) or popsicle molds.

3. Popsicle sticks

4. 4 sprigs of rosemary

5. A tablespoon of dried lavender buds

6. 1/3 cup of sugar

7. 2 cups water

*You will have some of your delicious Lavender Rosemary Simple Syrup leftover. Do what you will with it. I made some non-alcoholic popsicles using 1/3 simple syrup and 2/3 water- delicious. It also makes for a great gift in a cute little jar. Nothing like bringing homemade herb-infused simple syrup to someone’s door. But I digress… back to the pops at hand.

Here’s What You Do:

1. Make your simple syrup

- Put the lavender buds, rosemary sprigs, sugar and water into a big pot.

- Bring to a low boil, then turn down to a simmer for 2 minutes

- Remove from heat and let your syrup stand for 10 minutes

- Strain

- Ta-to-the-Da!

2. Pour 1/3 part rosé straight from the bottle and 2/3 simple syrup into each ice cube or popsicle mold.

3. Freeze for at least 6 hours so they can set.

4. Stick a popsicle stick into each mold (unless you are using a Popsicle set in which case you would have already done this). I actually stuck my sticks in after the pops had been freezing for about 2 hours (just a little easier) but you can wait until they are finished as well.

5. Serve

6. Cin Cin & Enjoy!