Rainbow Popsicles Summertime Treat

I found this idea on babble.com.

There seems to be a plethora of rainbow ideas available this summer.  Just search rainbow food and you'll find a host of new ideas.  One idea our daughter found and was so excited to make was Rainbow Popsicles. These can be a bit tedious in the making, but the result is fabulous! The littles in our home thoroughly enjoyed the process.  I would say the hardest part was the waiting time.  Between each layer there is 30 minute freezing time and then a final 3-hour freezing time. Three hours is a long time on a hot summer afternoon.


We used organic juices found at the market.  I bought a pomegranate juice, not the $6-$8 bottle of super antioxidant juice, just a pomegranate juice about $3 a bottle.  Also, if your concerned about food coloring, there are natural food coloring alternatives available at healthier food stores. 


Ingredients


1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 cups pomegranate juice
3 cups lemonade
1 cup orange juice
food coloring
Dixie Cups (we just used Popsicle containers and cups we had around the house)
Popsicle sticks


In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and stir until sugar has dissolved.  Remove from heat.  Stir in corn syrup.  Set aside to cool.


Prepare and chill the liquid layers.


Red: Combine 1 cup pomegranate juice, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 2 drops red food coloring.


Orange:  Combine 1 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 1 drop red & 1 drop yellow food coloring.


Yellow:  Combine 1 cup lemonade, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 1-2 drops yellow food coloring.


Green:  Combine 1 cup lemonade, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 1-2 drops green food coloring.


Blue:  Combine 1 cup lemonade, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 1-2 drops blue food coloring.


Purple:  Combine 1 cup pomegranate juice, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, 2 drops blue and 1 drop red food coloring.  We have a neon food coloring pack that has purple.  If you have that, then 2 drops purple.

Pour the red layer into your Dixie cups (or Popsicle containers), to about 1/4” thickness, and freeze for 30 minutes. Add the orange layer, in the same way, and freeze for another 30 minutes. Place the sticks in the center (the two layers should hold them pretty well), pour in the yellow layer, and freeze for another 30 minutes. Add the green, blue, and purple layers in the same fashion. The purple will come very close to the top of the cup, so handle carefully. Allow the Popsicles to freeze for 3 hours, though for optimal curing, let them freeze overnight.

We used juice glasses and IKEA Popsicle holders

Fresh from the freezer.  Just run warm water over the glass and the Popsicles loosen up easily.

Refreshing!

This is a BIG Popsicle!

There will be some simple syrup leftover–keep it in your fridge for future Popsicle, lemonade, or cocktail making.

To serve, simply make a small incision in the rim of the Dixie cup and tear the cup off.