Boozy Screwdriver Pops

Refreshing Adult Screwdriver Popsicles: Your Ultimate Summer Treat Guide

As the temperatures soar and the sun shines brighter, there’s nothing quite like a chilled treat to provide a much-needed escape from the heat. Here in Spokane, we’ve already experienced some seriously hot days, sparking a craving for innovative ways to keep cool and refreshed. Forget ordinary ice pops; this summer, we’re taking our frozen delights to an entirely new level with the sensational Alcoholic Adult Screwdriver Popsicle Recipe. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vibrant, boozy, and incredibly refreshing experience designed exclusively for grown-ups.

Orange popsicles in a bowl filled with ice and maraschino cherries and orange wedges

Imagine a delicious adult beverage transformed into an icy-cold dessert that melts delightfully on your tongue. It’s the perfect antidote to a scorching afternoon – a chilled, boozy treat that lets you relax in the shade without a care in the world. Who says popsicles are just for kids? This summer, adults reclaim the joy of a frozen treat, adding a sophisticated, celebratory twist.

Why Adult Popsicles are a Game Changer for Summer Fun

The concept of adult popsicles has been gaining immense popularity, and for good reason. They offer a nostalgic nod to childhood summers while perfectly blending with the grown-up enjoyment of a finely crafted cocktail. Our adult screwdriver cocktail popsicles are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to elevate your summer gatherings, poolside lounging, or quiet evenings on the patio. They’re convenient, mess-free, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Whip up a batch, and you’ll instantly understand why these boozy delights are making such a splash!

If you’ve been following our culinary adventures, you know our journey into the world of boozy popsicles is a full-blown summer tradition. This isn’t our first rodeo when it comes to infusing classic cocktails into frozen form. We’ve previously delighted taste buds with our tropical Bahama Mama Ice Pops, the refreshingly zesty Boozy Blueberry Mojito Popsicles, and the elegantly pink Cosmopolitan Boozy Popsicles. Each one offers a unique flavor profile, proving that almost any cocktail can be reimagined as a delightful frozen treat.

Last year’s creation, the Cherry Lemonade Ice Pops, truly ignited our passion for exploring endless possibilities within the realm of cocktail popsicles. The success of that simple yet brilliant idea opened our minds to the vast array of flavors and combinations just waiting to be frozen. The Screwdriver, with its straightforward ingredients and universally loved taste, was an obvious next step on our boozy popsicle journey.

Vodka bottle next to a blue bowl filled with popsicles, ice, lime wedges, and maraschino cherries

Just looking at these vibrant, frosty treats, you can almost feel the chill and taste the sunny orange notes. They are truly the epitome of refreshing! The sheer simplicity of this recipe makes it incredibly appealing, especially when you’re craving something cool and effortless. I can honestly say, living through a hot Spokane summer makes me want to whip up another batch of these right now!

Crafting Your Own Adult Screwdriver Popsicles: A Step-by-Step Guide

The beauty of the Screwdriver popsicle lies in its simplicity. The classic Screwdriver cocktail is merely a harmonious blend of vodka and orange juice, a combination that translates beautifully into a frozen delight. The key to successful alcoholic popsicles, however, often comes down to the alcohol-to-mixer ratio. Alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, so too much can prevent your popsicles from ever fully solidifying. Our recipe strikes the perfect balance, ensuring a firm yet delightfully slushy texture that is both easy to enjoy and perfectly boozy.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Freeze

While the basic Screwdriver only calls for two ingredients, the quality of each makes a significant difference. Opt for a good quality vodka – it doesn’t have to be top-shelf, but avoid anything harsh. For the orange juice, fresh-squeezed is always ideal, offering the brightest, most natural flavor. If fresh isn’t an option, choose a high-quality, 100% pure orange juice without added sugars or concentrates, which could alter the final taste and freezing consistency.

A bottle of Tropicana orange juice, vodka, along with paper cups and popsicle sticks.

Tools You’ll Need

Making popsicles is generally straightforward, but having the right tools can make the process even smoother. For this recipe, disposable Dixie cups work wonderfully as individual molds, making serving incredibly easy. Wooden craft sticks are standard, but you can also invest in reusable popsicle molds for an eco-friendlier option. A large pitcher is essential for mixing your ingredients thoroughly before pouring.

Tips for Optimal Freezing and Flavor

  • Mixing is Key: Ensure the vodka and orange juice are thoroughly combined in your pitcher. This prevents uneven freezing and ensures consistent flavor in every popsicle.
  • Don’t Overfill: Liquids expand when frozen. Filling your cups or molds about three-quarters full leaves enough room to prevent overflow and makes inserting the sticks easier.
  • The Two-Step Freeze: The initial 45-60 minute freeze until a thick slush forms is crucial. This semi-frozen state allows the wooden sticks to stand upright and freeze firmly in place, preventing them from leaning or falling out during the final freeze.
  • Patience is a Virtue: While tempting to dive in earlier, a full overnight freeze (or at least 4 hours) is essential for solid popsicles that won’t melt too quickly.
  • Easy Unmolding: Before serving, a quick slit with scissors up the side of the Dixie cup allows for easy unwrapping. For reusable molds, a brief run under warm water can help release the popsicle.

Beyond the Classic: Exciting Variations and Flavor Enhancements

While the classic Screwdriver popsicle is fantastic on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment! The world of boozy popsicles is rich with possibilities. Consider these ideas to inspire your next batch:

  • Screwdriver Sunrise Popsicles: Add a splash of grenadine to the bottom of each cup before freezing for a beautiful layered effect, mimicking the classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail.
  • Tropical Screwdriver: Replace some of the orange juice with pineapple juice, mango nectar, or passion fruit juice for an exotic twist.
  • Sparkling Screwdriver: If you enjoy a bit of fizz, you could try mixing your orange juice and vodka with a splash of sparkling water or even prosecco/champagne before freezing, though this will affect the freezing time and final texture due to carbonation.
  • Garnish Galore: Before the final freeze, add small orange segments, maraschino cherries, or even a sprig of mint to the liquid in each mold for an extra pop of color and flavor.

And why stop at Screwdrivers? If you enjoyed our White Wine Margarita or Watermelon Margarita, those too can easily be converted into refreshing adult popsicles. The possibilities are truly endless when you start thinking creatively with your favorite cocktails.

Serving and Responsible Enjoyment

These boozy popsicles are not just a treat; they’re an experience. Serve them in a bowl of ice with fresh orange slices, lime wedges, or bright red maraschino cherries for an appealing presentation. They are perfect for poolside parties, backyard barbecues, summer brunches, or simply as a relaxing adult treat at the end of a long day.

Remember, while these are delicious and refreshing, they contain alcohol. Please enjoy these adult popsicles responsibly and ensure they are only served to individuals of legal drinking age. Keep them clearly labeled and separate from non-alcoholic treats, especially if children are present.

The Unbeatable Charm of Homemade Frozen Treats

Making your own alcoholic popsicles at home offers numerous advantages. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, high-quality juices and spirits. This means no artificial flavors, colors, or excessive sugars often found in store-bought options. Homemade popsicles are also incredibly cost-effective compared to pre-made adult treats, and there’s immense satisfaction in crafting something so delicious and unique yourself.

Screwdriver popsicles on a bed of ice with maraschino cherries

Alcoholic Adult Screwdriver Popsicle Recipe

Delicious boozy adult screwdriver cocktail popsicles perfect for summer.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freeze: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 92 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ Cups orange juice
  • ½ Cup Vodka (or more, depending on preference for strength)

Instructions

  1. Add the orange juice and vodka to a large pitcher and stir well to combine thoroughly.
  2. Carefully pour the mixture into 6 disposable Dixie cups (or popsicle molds), filling each about ¾ of the way full. This leaves room for expansion during freezing.
  3. Freeze the cups for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This initial freeze will allow the mixture to become a thick slush.
  4. Once the mixture reaches a slushy consistency, insert a wooden craft stick into the center of each cup. This ensures the stick stands upright and freezes securely. Continue freezing overnight, or for at least 4 hours, until completely solid.
  5. Before serving, gently cut a slit up the top of each cup with scissors and unwrap the popsicle. Enjoy your refreshing adult treat!

Kitchen Tools

  • Popsicle Pouches (optional, for alternative molds)
  • Popsicle Molds (optional, for reusable molds)
  • Large Pitcher
  • 6 (5 oz) disposable Dixie cups
  • 6 wooden craft sticks

Notes

For best results, use a good quality orange juice and vodka. Adjust the amount of vodka to your personal preference, but remember that too much alcohol can prevent the popsicles from freezing solid. For a more vibrant color, you can add a drop of red food coloring to create a “Sunrise” effect by layering with a small amount of grenadine at the bottom of the cups before pouring the orange juice mixture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts
Alcoholic Adult Screwdriver Popsicle Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 92
% Daily Value*
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 206mg6%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Sugar 8g9%
Vitamin A 205IU4%
Vitamin C 51.6mg63%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and refreshing way to beat the heat, these Alcoholic Adult Screwdriver Popsicles are a must-try. Their vibrant flavor and icy texture make them an instant hit for any summer occasion. So go ahead, embrace the joy of homemade frozen cocktails, and make this summer truly unforgettable!





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Recipe originally shared on July 15, 2017. Updated January 2021.