Cool Mint Popsicles Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian Summer Treat

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cool Mint Popsicles Recipe – Easy Homemade Indian Summer Treat

Okay, let’s be real – summer in India is intense. And sometimes, all you need is something incredibly cooling and refreshing. These cool mint popsicles are exactly that! I first made these a few years ago when my nephew was visiting, and they were an instant hit. Now, they’re a summer staple at our place. They’re super easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are the perfect way to beat the heat. Plus, that gorgeous green color just screams ‘refreshment’, doesn’t it?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? These popsicles are:

• Incredibly Refreshing: The mint is seriously cooling.
• Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed!
• Customizable: So many fun variations you can try (more on that later!).
• Perfect for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will adore these.
• A Taste of India: Mint is a beloved flavor in Indian cuisine, especially in summer drinks and snacks.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these icy delights:

• 2 cups milk (about 475ml)
• 1 cup cream (about 240ml)
• ½ bunch fresh mint leaves (roughly 20-25 leaves)
• ⅓ cup raw sugar (about 67g) – you can adjust to your sweetness preference!
• A pinch of salt
• 3 small egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla essence (about 5ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using fresh mint is key here. It really makes all the difference. Don’t skimp on it! The aroma and flavor are just unbeatable.

The combination of milk and cream is what gives these popsicles that lovely, creamy texture. You can experiment with different ratios, but I find this balance perfect. Using full-fat cream will give you the richest result, but you can use a lower-fat option if you prefer.

And a little pinch of salt? Trust me. It enhances all the other flavors beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to making these! It’s simpler than you think.

1. First, in a saucepan, gently warm the milk and cream with the fresh mint leaves. Don’t let it boil! We just want to infuse the flavor.
2. Let the mint steep for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens. Then, strain the mixture to remove the mint leaves – we don’t want any leafy bits in our popsicles!
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. You want a nice, smooth mixture.
4. Now, slowly pour the warm milk-cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling!
5. Pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously. You’re looking for a custard-like consistency – it should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla essence. Let the mixture cool completely before pouring it into your popsicle molds.
7. Finally, freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until solid.

Expert Tips

• Don’t boil the milk-cream mixture! Gentle warming is all you need to extract the mint flavor.
• Whisk, whisk, whisk! Constant whisking is crucial to prevent the eggs from curdling.
• Patience is a virtue. Let the mixture cool completely before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals.

Variations

Okay, this is where things get fun!

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the milk and cream for equal parts coconut milk and coconut cream. It’ll give a slightly different flavor, but it’s equally delicious!
• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to the mixture. It adds a lovely warmth and complexity.
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for Holi or any summer festival. A cooling treat is always welcome!
• Sugar Alternatives: If you’re trying to reduce refined sugar, you can use jaggery or honey instead. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are amazing on their own, but you can also:

• Serve them with a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
• Pair them with a light dessert like fruit salad.
• Enjoy them as a refreshing afternoon snack.

Storage Instructions

Store the popsicles in the freezer for up to a month. I recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap once they’re frozen to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

Let’s tackle some common questions!

• How can I prevent ice crystals from forming in my popsicles? Cooling the mixture completely before freezing and using a higher fat content (like full-fat cream) can help minimize ice crystals.
• Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint? While fresh mint is best, you can use dried mint in a pinch. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried mint for every ½ bunch of fresh mint.
• What is the best type of popsicle mold to use? Silicone molds are the easiest to use because the popsicles pop out easily.
• How long will these popsicles keep in the freezer? They’re best enjoyed within a month for optimal flavor and texture.
• Can I add fruit puree to these popsicles? Absolutely! Mango, strawberry, or even a little bit of rose puree would be amazing additions.

Enjoy these cool mint popsicles! I hope they bring a little bit of summer bliss to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments if you try them and what variations you come up with!