Boozy Concord-Grape Ice Pops
If you want boozier pops, increase the gin to ⅓ cup. They will still freeze but not quite as hard, and they will get slushy quickly once unmolded. This recipe is from Bad Hunter in Chicago, IL.
Ingredients
Makes about 10
¼
⅓
2
¼
2
Special Equipment
Preparation
Step 1
Toast juniper berries in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant and skins are very glossy, about 1 minute. Let cool slightly, then crush with a mortar and pestle (or place in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin). Transfer berries to a small saucepan. Add sugar and ¼ cup water and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let sit 30 minutes. Strain juniper syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl; discard solids. Place bowl in a bowl of ice water and let juniper syrup sit, stirring occasionally, until cold, about 30 minutes.
Step 2
Stir juniper syrup, grape juice, gin, and lime juice in a large measuring glass or a medium pitcher; taste and add more lime juice if needed. Divide mixture among ice-pop molds and freeze until liquid is beginning to crystallize, about 1 hour. Cover and insert sticks (waiting until liquid is slushy ensures straight sticks), then freeze ice pops until solid, at least 4 hours but preferably overnight. Dip molds briefly in hot water to release pops.
Step 3
Do Ahead: Ice pops can be made 1 week ahead. Keep frozen.