Cocktail Builder
Tips, tricks, and advice for mastering mixology.
5 Boozy and Nostalgic Treats to Cool You Off This Summer

When Mother Nature decides to crank up the heat, it can be tough to choose between a frosty drink and a cooling popsicle or ice cream cone. After all, there’s something about summer that takes us back to the days of our youth, when there was nothing more exciting than hearing the twinkling sound of the ice cream truck driving down the block.

Few things are better than an ice-cold treat on a scorching summer day, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo your spirits in favor of refreshing sweet eats. We’re adults, after all, and we can have our liquor and eat it, too. In honor of the beginning of the warm-weather season, we’ve rounded up five our favorite recipes that blend sugary, childhood nostalgia with all the benefits of being a grownup (ie: booze).

White Sangria Popsicles: Popsicles aren’t just for the little ones. When hosting your next summertime bash, freeze a big batch of white wine sangria for an adult version of the kid-approved treat. Just sit back, relax, and pretend you’re on summer vacation all over again. See recipe

Boozy Popsicle Mimosa: If you want to take your popsicle game up a notch, look no further than this inventive mimosa from Ready to Yumble (pictured above). A boozy popsicle made with orange juice, triple sec, and strawberries melts slowly into a glass of sparkling wine, keeping it cool without watering it down. See recipe

Arnie’s Gimlet Slushie: Is there anything better than a slushie on a hot summer day? Instead of the overly sugary, neon-colored concoctions we’ve become accustomed to, try this frozen rendition of a tart and fruity gimlet. You’ll never want a 7-11 Slurpee ever again. See recipe

Coconut Affogato: Affogatos — scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato topped with a shot of hot espresso — have been a favorite after-dinner treat of Italians for as long as we can remember. This recipe from Feast takes things to a new and boozy level thanks to coconut rum and coffee liqueur. We recommend using iced coffee and a few slices of banana for a grownup-worthy banana split on a hot summer night. See recipe

Gummy Bear Tequila: Want a booze-forward childhood treat without putting in much effort? Enter these gummy bears from candy boutique Sugarfina. The luxury brand has teamed up with George Clooney’s Casamigos Tequila to create a new collection of liquor-infused sweets. Drop a margarita- or paloma-flavored gummy into a shot of chilled tequila — or, you know, just eat them plain.