I’m a big fan of an ice lolly – especially when the sun’s out

So while we’re staying in and the sun is shining, there’s no better way to stop and appreciate the weather than with a fruity, refreshing treat.

And for those of you who don’t have a ready supply of frozen desserts, I’ve decided to share some of my favourite frosty recipes that aren’t just gorgeous (and boozy if you want to), they’re also quick, easy and fun to make. I’ve also included a delicious virgin piña colada recipe that I think you’re going to love.

Watermelon, Raspberry & Kiwi Ice Lolly

If you want to encourage (read: trick) your kids into eating more fruit, these fruit ice lollies are the ones for you. And with the British summer promising a much hotter July, it feels good to be able to reach into your freezer and pull out a little slice of cool.

Ingredients (makes 4-6 depending on size of moulds)

300g watermelon

30 raspberries

2 kiwis

A big splash of lemonade (or a different clear juice- like grapefruit)

Method

1. Cut the watermelon up. You won’t need the rind for this recipe, but no need to throw it away – chop it up and use it in slaws, salads or stir fry.
2. Put the chunks of watermelon flesh into your food processor and blend.
3. Strain the blended watermelon through a sieve into a jug or bowl.
4. Place about 5 raspberries at the bottom of each lolly mould, you need about 1cm of space at the top of the mould, so push the raspberries down.
5. Pour the watermelon juice into the mould, still leaving the 1cm space at the top. Pop the mould in the freezer for an hour, or until the watermelon juice is part frozen but not totally solid.
6. While they’re in the freezer, remove the skin from the kiwis. Put the skin to one side, you can keep it to use later in a smoothie.
7. Dice up the flesh of the kiwi and grab your partly-frozen lollies from the freezer. Add the diced kiwi fruit to the top of the mould, press them down so it’s packed in, top with your lemonade or clear juice. (do this over the sink to avoid mess from overflowing!)
8. Put a stick in each mould and pop them back in the freezer until fully frozen.

Gin & Tonic Ice Lolly With Basil, Lime & Strawberry

What’s the difference between a baby’s ice lolly and an adult’s? Gin.

And let’s face it, if there’s one thing better than a G&T, its a frozen, fruity G&T, on a stick.

Ingredients (makes around 4, depending on size of moulds)

25g sugar

16g strawberries

2 limes

4 basil leaves

100ml gin (you can lose less if you buy into the myth that less is more when it comes the gin)

2 cans of tonic

Method

1. Boil a small amount of water in your kettle. Put the sugar into a jug with a splash of boiled water and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Slice the strawberries length ways, cut one of the limes in half and squeeze the juice into the sugar water.  Cut the other lime into slices.
3. Add the gin and the tonic to the jug as well. Give everything a good stir.
4. Pop a basil leaf in to each mould, along with some strawberry slices and a couple of lime slices
5. Fill the moulds right to the brim and push a stick in each
6. Freeze overnight

Vegan Pina Colada Ice Lolly Vegan

After all this is over, I’m looking forward to sun, sea, and piña coladas. In the meantime, whip up your own vacation vibes with these tropical lollies.

Ingredients (makes around 8 depending on size of moulds)

250g pineapple

100ml coconut rum (make them virgin by leaving this out)

50ml agave nectar

400ml can coconut milk

Method

1. Cut the pineapple and add 200g of it to your blender, along with the coconut rum, agave nectar, and coconut milk. Blitz everything until it’s as smooth as possible.
2. Pour the mixture through a sieve to remove any fibres or bits that haven’t been blended
3. Slice the remaining 50g of pineapple chunks so they are thinner. Add these to your ice lolly moulds.
4. Top the moulds with the blended mixture and pop a lolly stick in each one
5. Freeze overnight and enjoy!

Tip: If your ice lolly mould doesn’t have a lid, cover with two layers of foil before adding the lolly sticks, then pierce with the lolly stick, this will keep them upright whilst the ice cream is freezing

Have you made your own ice lollies before? Share your favourite combos below!