The last couple of weeks have been a scorcher and I’ve been turning to home made ice lollies (popsicles) to cool down. My mango lassi ice lollies made with fresh mango and natural yoghurt were superbly refreshing and so too are my latest batch – combining fresh nectarines, maple syrup and bourbon in mini ice pops for grown ups.
These will work equally well with peaches or nectarines or you could even use apricots if you have some to hand.
As I’ve used the darkest grade of Canadian maple syrup which is much stronger in flavour than light, medium and amber grades, I used half sugar and half maple syrup in my mixture to keep the maple flavour from overwhelming. However if you are using medium or amber syrup, you can use 100% maple syrup as your sweetener if you prefer.
Nectarine, Maple & Bourbon Mini Ice Pops
Ingredients
- 300 g nectarine flesh, skin on (about 3 nectarines)
- 4 tbsp dark maple syrup
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp bourbon
You will also need ice cube moulds (or regular ice lolly moulds) and lolly sticks. Because of the alcohol and maple syrup, this recipe remains a little sticky once frozen, so make sure you use flexible plastic or silicon moulds to allow for easy removal of the finished pops.
Notes
If your fruit is very sweet and ripe, you can reduce the volume of maple syrup and sugar a little.
As I used a power blender to blitz my mixture, I left the nectarine skins on as my blender purees them very well. You can peel the fruit if you prefer.
I used half and half dark grade maple syrup and regular sugar. If using medium or amber maple syrup, you can replace the sugar with another 4 tablespoons of maple syrup if you prefer.
Instructions
- In a blender, blitz the nectarine flesh until smooth.
- Add three quarters of the maple syrup / sugar and blend again. Taste before deciding whether or not to add more. As freezing changes the way we taste sweetness, the mixture should be a little over-sweet to your taste at this stage.
- Add bourbon and blend again.
- Pour into your ice cube mould or into regular ice lolly moulds if you prefer.
- Insert a lolly stick into each one.
- Freeze upright for 24 hours.
- Once frozen, unmould individual ice pops by stretching and flexing the mould and gently teasing out the ice pop.
- Eat straight away, returning the rest to the freezer immediately if not serving.
I used my Froothie Optimum power blender to blend my nectarines into a super smooth smooth pulp, much as I use it to make smoothies. The powerful motor can also blend solid frozen fruit straight from the freezer to make an instant sorbet.
Save for later on Pinterest using this handy collage pin.
Please leave a comment - I love hearing from you!22 Comments to "Nectarine, Maple & Bourbon Mini Ice Pops"
Oh wow the flavours in these sound amazing! I would never have thought of putting this combination together. Yum!
Thanks Becca, they work together really well! I’m so pleased with them!
Now these look super tasty! I love making peach and Greek yoghurt lollies, but really like the addition of bourbon in these to give them a cheeky kick.
There’s something about bourbon (and maple syrup) that just goes perfectly with peaches and nectarines!
It’s soooo hot here- these sound amazing. I love that you added bourbon! Yummm
One for just the adults! 😉
Yes. An ice pop recipe after my own heart. Peaches/nectarines and bourbon are made for each other. It’s one of my favorite combos!
They really are, aren’t they?!
Yes definitely time for those popsicles. We too have been making lots of variations. The trusted mango kulfi and recently a almond butter one. Seeing this – I think I need to make another batch soon. I do like the addition of bourbon here!
Mango kulfi always a favourite here too!
Such a wonderful combination of flavors! I love that it is only four ingredients. Definitely perfect for summer.
Yes, it’s so easy to create delicious ice lollies with only a handful of ingredients!
These look like cubes of fudge on a stick! I have so got the ice lolly making bug now.
Get your lollies on, Claire! 😉
Looks delicious 🙂
Thanks Pete!
These are seriously the cutest!!! I’d probably have 2 or 3 though 😛 because I am greedy!
I’m only letting myself have one at a time to try and eke them out longer!!
Massive yes to bourbon ice pops! I love all of these flavours together – sounds amazing.
Thanks Kate!
These are just fab Kavey. Love the addition of bourbon and the pic of Pete enjoying one. Nice colour too.
Ha, thanks, can’t go wrong with bourbon. And an action photo!!