Vodka berry pops are for adults only

These berry pops also could be made without alcohol.

For years, my multigenerational parties couldn’t include something as fun and tempting as today’s Vodka-Infused Berry Pops because the kids would have wanted one too. What’s more fun than a cool frozen fruit pop on a steamy summer evening — at any age?

Instead, these are reserved only for the “young at heart.” These frozen pops can absolutely be made without the alcohol, and if that is your desire, go right ahead. The amount of vodka for the entire batch is just enough to spike the pops without leaving everyone draped over your deck chairs.

You don’t need any special pop makers or forms; these pops can be made in paper or plastic cups with plastic forks or spoons as the “stick,” so you probably have the “equipment” at home right now. You can use fresh fruit if you desire, but because it’s going to be frozen anyway, cheaper frozen fruit is perfectly fine.

With summer here and outside dining in full swing, Vodka-Infused Berry Pops are a fun way to savor fruit adult-style.

Vodka-Infused Berry Pops

Start to finish: 15 minutes prep; 12 hours minimum freezing time

Yield: 4 servings

⅓ cup fresh lime juice

⅓ cup sugar

1 cup water

2⅔ cups frozen mixed berries, such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries

⅓ cup vodka

In a small saucepan, combine the lime juice, sugar, and water; stir over medium heat just until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.

Using 4 (8-ounce) plastic or paper cups, fill each cup with ⅔ cup frozen fruit. Stir in the vodka with the semi-cooled lime sugar mixture. Divide the vodka mixture among the 4 cups, pouring directly over the fruit.

Stick a plastic fork or spoon in the center of each cup, anchoring it with the fruit so it will stand erect. Carefully place the cups on an even surface in the freezer for a minimum of 12 hours to freeze through. (It does take longer for pops to freeze because of the alcohol.)

To serve, swirl the utensil handle to release frozen fruit from the cup. Serving with the cup is good in case of drips, if you desire.

Approximate values per serving: 174 calories, no fat (0 g saturated), no cholesterol, 1 g protein, 33 g carbohydrates, 5 g dietary fiber, 3 mg sodium.

Visit the Kitchen Scoop website at www.kitchenscoop.com.