Deliciously refreshing: Eager's guide on how to make ice lollies with fruit juice

With summer in full swing, nothing says last-minute heatwave more than a fresh-from-the-freezer homemade treat. Ice lollies are the nation’s go-to for summer days, and they’re super easy to make at home. Simply pop them in the freezer a couple of hours before hosting, and you’re ready to dish them out to the whole family.

Whether you’re searching for a frozen fruity tipple or keeping the kids cool with orange classics, we’ve gathered some delicious ice lolly recipes to get you through the summer.

No ice lolly moulds? No problem

If you’ve got time for a trip to the shops or an online order, we recommend these stackable ice lolly moulds from Lékuké (also available at major retailers, including Amazon and John Lewis). 

Need homemade alternatives in a hurry? We’ve rounded up some of the best household items you can use to make ice lollies without a mould:

1. Plastic cups or even plastic wine glasses – Pour in the mixture and add a stick (any ice lolly or craft ice lolly stick as long as they are not coated, plastic cutlery, BBQ kebab sticks, anything to hold on to). Place upright in the freezer.
2. Ice cube tray – These make mini ice pops. Pour your mixture into an ice cube tray, add a stick and freeze. Simple!
3. Yoghurt containers – Pour in the mixture, add a stick and freeze upright.

Now you’ve got the right tools, it’s time to make ice lollies. Top tip when removing your ice lollies from any of their moulds - run the outside under warm water, and it will easily release from its casing.

Let’s make some ice lollies with fruit juice 🧃

1) Striped fruit juice lollies

Packed with delicious strawberries for extra fruity goodness, these striped beauties give rocket lollies a run for their money.

Pour 2 tablespoons of Eager orange juice into each mould, then put in the freezer for 1 hour. Divide your sliced strawberries evenly between your moulds, and push them to the sides so you can see them once set. Cover with 1 tablespoon of Eager pomegranate juice, and let freeze for another 30 minutes. After this time, push an ice lolly stick into the centre, and add 2 tablespoons of Eager orange juice for the final layer. Return to the freezer for two hours, and enjoy!

Ingredients: (Makes 8 servings)

• 400ml Eager orange juice
• 8 small strawberries, sliced
• 160ml Eager pomegranate juice

2) Bloody Mary ice lollies

A Bloody Mary in ice lolly form? Sign us up! Curated especially for adults, of course, these treats are the indulgence on a stick that will brighten any hangover. Omit the vodka for the non-drinkers, and you’ll have yourself a Virgin Bloody Mary.

Whisk together the Eager tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, lemon juice, celery salt, vodka and horseradish sauce and pour into the ice lolly moulds. Freeze for 2 hours, then remove from the freezer, stir, and add a lemon slice to the centre with a lolly stick. Return to the freezer for 4 hours, and then serve.

PSA: alcohol takes longer to freeze, so bear in mind when prepping for guests.

Ingredients: (Makes 8 servings)

• 750ml Eager tomato juice
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 8 drops Tabasco (or more, to taste)
• 1½ lemons – ½ juiced, 1 finely sliced
• ½ tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp horseradish sauce
• 80ml vodka

3) Orange juice ice lollies

Third and finally, here’s a fruity concoction that combines two Eager juice classics into one perfect pop. With fruit pieces for extra detail, these ice lollies are summer on a stick.

Mix together Eager orange juice with zingy Eager pineapple juice, and pour over the freshly cut fruit in their moulds. Freeze for around 8 hours, ideally overnight, and serve.

Ingredients: (Makes 8 servings)

• 240ml Eager orange juice
• 80ml Eager pineapple juice
• 8 strawberries, stems removed and chopped
• 8 raspberries, chopped

With any of these recipes, you can swap in different fruit juices and layer together to make your own creations. Just remember, if you’re adding alcohol to freeze for longer… and, if there are kids around, label your lollies as ‘adults-only’ in the freezer!

We’d love to see your Eager juice ice lollies - share your photos with us @eagerdinks on Instagram 📸