Summer heat calls for cool treats that don't require a trip to the shops. Making your own popsicles is dead simple and lets you control exactly what goes into them - perfect for fussy eaters or anyone watching their sugar intake.
Grab your lolly moulds and freezer space, because these refreshing frozen delights will keep the whole family sorted through those scorching summer days.
These popsicle ideas are shared for fun and general inspiration. Results may vary depending on ingredients and preparation. Images are for reference only.
1. Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles
Nothing beats the classic pairing of strawberries and lemonade when the mercury rises. Simply blend fresh strawberries with lemonade and a squeeze of real lemon for extra zing.
Pour into moulds and freeze for about 4 hours. The sweet-tart combination creates the perfect cooling treat for garden parties or after school snacks.
2. Mango Coconut Popsicles
Transport yourself to tropical shores with this Caribbean-inspired combo. Blend ripe mangoes with coconut milk and a touch of honey for a creamy texture that's utterly moreish.
The natural sweetness means you won't need loads of added sugar. Perfect for pretending you're on holiday while stuck in your back garden!
3. Watermelon Mint Popsicles
Fancy something properly refreshing? Whizz up some watermelon chunks with fresh mint leaves and a splash of lime juice for an instant cool-down.
The high water content freezes beautifully with minimal fuss. These pretty pink lollies are brilliant for barbecues and contain hardly any calories - if you're counting that sort of thing.
4. Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
British blueberries shine in these creamy treats! Mix fresh or frozen blueberries with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a breakfast-inspired lolly that's actually good for you.
The yogurt creates a smooth, tangy base while the berries add natural sweetness. These purple beauties pack a proper antioxidant punch with minimal effort.
5. Pineapple Orange Popsicles
Sunshine in a lolly! Combine fresh pineapple chunks with orange juice for a vitamin C explosion that tastes like summer holiday memories.
The natural acids in the fruits help create a brilliant texture when frozen. Add a tiny splash of ginger for grown-up appeal or keep it simple for the little ones.
6. Raspberry Lime Popsicles
British raspberries reach their peak in summer, making these tangy treats a seasonal must. Puree fresh raspberries with lime juice and a touch of sugar syrup for balance.
The gorgeous ruby color looks brilliant in your freezer. These sharp-sweet lollies are particularly smashing after a spicy curry night or alongside afternoon tea in the garden.
7. Kiwi Strawberry Popsicles
The striking green and red layers make these proper showstoppers at any summer gathering. Puree kiwis for the bottom layer, then add strawberry puree on top for a fabulous color contrast.
Wait for each layer to partially freeze before adding the next. The sweet-tart combination works brilliantly together, and they look dead posh with minimal effort.
8. Peach Iced Tea Popsicles
Brew some proper English breakfast tea, add sliced peaches and let them infuse as it cools. Blend the mixture with a drizzle of honey, then pour into moulds.
These sophisticated lollies are brilliant for grown-ups who fancy something less sweet. The subtle tea flavor pairs beautifully with the gentle peach notes for a properly refreshing experience.
9. Chocolate Banana Popsicles
Got spotty bananas languishing in the fruit bowl? Mash them up with cocoa powder and a splash of milk for an instant chocolate-banana pudding on a stick.
These creamy treats taste properly indulgent but are actually quite virtuous. Perfect for using up those overripe bananas when it's too hot to bake banana bread!
10. Mixed Berry Greek Yogurt Popsicles
Summer berries from British farms make these lollies extra special. Swirl strawberries, raspberries and blackberries into thick Greek yogurt with a touch of honey.
The marbled effect looks dead fancy with minimal effort. These protein-packed treats work brilliantly for breakfast on scorching mornings or as a post-workout cool-down.
11. Cherry Vanilla Popsicles
British cherries are at their peak in summer, making this the perfect seasonal treat. Pit and blend fresh cherries, then swirl with vanilla-infused yogurt or milk for a nostalgic flavor combo.
The deep burgundy color looks absolutely gorgeous against the creamy vanilla. These sophisticated lollies taste like proper cherry bakewell in frozen form!
12. Cucumber Lime Popsicles
Sounds bonkers, tastes brilliant! Juice fresh cucumbers and mix with lime juice and a touch of honey for the most refreshing lolly you've ever tried.
These pale green beauties are incredibly hydrating on scorching days. Perfect for cooling down after gardening or as a palate cleanser between courses at summer dinner parties.
