citrus popsicles for grown-ups

Two weeks ago I collaborated on a photography session with Soiree. and Rock Paper Scissors. Actually, it was a 6-week process of planning, shopping, meeting, envisioning, and shopping some more. The result was this Mid-Century Modern Wedding concept shoot that I shared on Andrea Hubbell Photography today, and I couldn't be more proud of what we created! I've said it before, but I love my job!!! These adult popsicles were created to help set the mood for a fun afternoon wedding and meal, meant to cool down energetic dancers when they step off the floor. 

I've only recently discovered Aperol, an Italian aperitif similar to Campari, but with more sugar and less alcohol. It is a blend of bitter orange, gentian rhubarb, and an assortment of herbs and roots. It happens to complement grapefruit juice beautifully, and adds a nice kick of color to a classic greyhound, or these popsicles that required an extra bit of orange to fit in with our 'wedding' decor. 

You have no idea how hard it is to find a simple, cylindrical popsicle mold! So, instead, I used double shot glasses and 'cookie sticks' bought at a craft store. The shot glasses worked really well, provided a place to wrap the fun pattern created by Rock Paper Scissors, and looked adorable!

Aperol Citrus Popsicles (fit for a wedding...)

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 cups grapefruit or orange juice (pulp free...fresh is best)
• 1/2 cup Aperol

Method

1. Mix the water and sugar together in a small pan over a low heat, and bring up to boil until the sugar dissolves. Allow the simple syrup to boil for 4 minutes, remove from heat and cool (makes a little over 1 cup).
2. Combine the citrus juice and Aperol and add 1 cup of the cooled syrup. Adjust to taste: for the grapefruit pops, you may want to add a tablespoon or two extra syrup if you prefer them less tart. Remember, the mixture will taste slightly sweeter in liquid form than it does when frozen.
3. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze at least 8 hours or overnight. To remove, run the molds quickly under hot water, and gently pull out the pops.

Comments

[Caroline]

Lovely! And I totally hear ya on popsicle molds; nice work!

[Dana@TheSundaySweet]

I love that dresser used for the shoot!! Beautiful set up.

[Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat]

These are so cute- makes me think of summer!

[Neil Butterfield]

These look and sound great, better make sure that the kids do not get hold of them :-)

[Aubrey]

Wow, these are adorable! They look perfect for a summer party. I think need to pick up some Aperol next time I'm at the liquor store!

[Kasey]

I feel like I keep seeing Aperol everywhere! I've never tried it, but I love other Italian aperatifs (like Campari and limoncello) so I imagine I'd enjoy this. These look so fun! Perfect for summer.

[Telebrand]

These citrus popsicles look great. Thanks for the recipe.

[Michael Lange Optometrist]

What is aperol???

[Andrea]

@Michael : Aperol is an Italian aperitif similar to Campari, with more sugar and less alcohol. It is a blend of bitter orange, gentian rhubarb, and an assortment of herbs and roots.

[Sophia]

Personally, i wouldnt touch them with alcohol, but it seems they would be nice for a sunny Floridian afternoon with just juice. =)