Photo: Courtesy of Viviane Perényi
Who doesn't love popsicles? This childhood fave is the perfect afternoon antidote to bright sunshine and steaming sidewalks. What's more, they require nothing more than a little imagination and a set of popsicle molds.
For our second sub-zero sweets installment, we were inspired by the "pop-tail": an adult update on the classic treat. Makeover your summer happy hour with chilly mojito pops that look gorgeous and taste even better.
RECIPE
2 cups water (sparkling if you prefer)
1 lime
1 bunch mint
3 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp rum (optional)
Recipe courtesy of Viviane Perenyi of AtDownUnder. Visit AtDownUnder for preparation instructions.
Photo: Courtesy of Viviane Perényi
REGISTRY ITEMS
Mastrad popsicle molds
Silicone popsicle molds like these are a low-impact, worthwhile kitchen investment: they're small and inexpensive, yet produce results that cannot be matched by Dixie Cups. These stand upright for easy filling and freezing, and have a pull-tab that makes removal a snap.
Silicone ice pop molds, $11.99 for set of two, Mastrad
Oxo handheld slicer
Precision knifework not your forte? An adjustable handheld slicer will help you turn out paper-thin lime slices that look just like Viviane's. Use it on vegetables, potatoes and fruits too!
Adjustable slicer, $14.99, Oxo
Joseph Joseph herb chopper
A key step to preparing a mojito cocktail is muddling the mint to release its flavor. Get a similar effect in your mojito popsicles by chopping the herbs. This compact board-and-chopper-in-one is good for everything from garlic to chocolate.
Double-bladed herb chopper, $25.99, Joseph Joseph
Stonewall Kitchen brown sugar saver
Petrified brown sugar is a consistent culinary problem, particularly when recipes only call for a using a small amount of a standard box. Placing a damp terra cotta disc into the container is a simple and elegant solution that keeps brown sugar pliable for up to three months.
Terra cotta brown sugar saver disc, $3.95, Stonewall Kitchen
Bake It Pretty paper straws
Viviane's clever twist on the popsicle stick is both decorative and functional: pretty polka dot straws are a summery replacement for boring wooden sticks.
Paper straws, $4.50 for 25, Bake It Pretty
Weck jars
Another ingenious idea from this recipe's creator: serve popsicles in contemporary glass jars. The presentation is impeccable, all drips are contained, and you can slurp any lingering mojito goodness from the bottom of the jar with those polka dot straws.
1/2 L "Mold" jars, $18.40 for six, Weck Jars
MyDrap napkins
Step three for prettifying your popsicle presentation: tear-off cocktail napkins in a summery palette that can be tossed OR washed and re-used.
Tear-off cocktail napkins, $27 for roll of 50, MyDrap
Orrefors decanter
Don't let half-finished liquor bottles clog up your cabinet: store (and pour!) leftover rum in this attractive decanter with blue teardrop accent.
"Intermezzo" decanter, $275, Bloomingdales
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