Rose Milk Popsicles Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Cooler

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Rose Milk Popsicles Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Cooler

Okay, let’s be real. Summer in India? It demands something cool, refreshing, and utterly delicious. And honestly, nothing hits the spot quite like a creamy, fragrant Rose Milk Popsicle. I remember making these with my nani (grandmother) during school holidays – the kitchen always smelled heavenly! It’s a simple recipe, but the flavour? Pure magic. You’ll absolutely love how easy these are to make, and trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Rose Milk Popsicles aren’t just a treat; they’re a little slice of nostalgia. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, needing just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, they’re the perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy a taste of traditional Indian flavours. They’re naturally vegetarian, and easily adaptable to your taste! Honestly, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful popsicles:

• 250 ml milk (about 1 cup)
• 100 ml cream (about ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
• ¼ cup rose syrup
• 1 tsp rose essence

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about the stars of the show – the rose flavourings! Rose syrup is readily available in most Indian grocery stores. It adds a lovely sweetness and that classic rose flavour.

Now, rose essence can vary a bit. Some are stronger than others, so start with 1 tsp and adjust to your liking. You can also find gulab jal (rose water) which is a more subtle flavour. If using rose water, you might want to increase the amount to 2-3 tsp, and potentially add a little extra rose syrup for sweetness. Different regions in India have their own preferences too – some prefer a stronger rose flavour, while others like it more delicate.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get making! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, in a mixing bowl, combine the milk, cream, rose syrup, and rose essence. Give it a good stir until everything is beautifully blended. You want that gorgeous pink colour to be consistent throughout.
2. Now, carefully pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top – liquids expand when frozen, you know! Gently insert the popsicle sticks into each mold.
3. Pop those molds into the freezer for at least 6 hours, or even better, overnight. Patience is key here! You want them completely solid.
4. Finally, the fun part – unmolding! Briefly dip the molds in hot water for about 15-20 seconds. This loosens the popsicles. Gently pull on the sticks, and voila! Beautiful rose milk popsicles.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overfill the molds! Leaving a little space prevents messy overflows.
• If you don’t have popsicle molds, you can use small paper cups and plastic wrap.
• For a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture before pouring it into the molds.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of cardamom powder to her popsicles – it adds a lovely warmth. You could also experiment with a hint of saffron!
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for Holi! The pink colour is so festive. They’re also a lifesaver during any summer celebration.
• Extra Fruity: My kids love when I blend in a few chopped strawberries or raspberries before freezing.

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are amazing on their own, but they’re also lovely with a side of namak pare (savoury snack) or a light Indian dessert like shrikhand. They’re perfect for picnics, parties, or just a relaxing afternoon treat.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover popsicles in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Though, let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is rose essence the same as rose water? Not quite! Rose essence is more concentrated in flavour than rose water. Rose water is more subtle and floral.
• Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of rose syrup? You can, but it will change the flavour and texture. Use about ⅓ cup of sweetened condensed milk and adjust to taste.
• How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in my popsicles? Using a higher fat content (like the cream) helps. Also, freezing quickly and storing in an airtight container minimizes crystal formation.
• What’s the best way to unmold the popsicles if I don’t have a water bath? Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds. Be careful not to hold them under the water for too long, or they’ll start to melt!
• Can I add nuts or fruit to these popsicles? Absolutely! Chopped pistachios, almonds, or small pieces of fruit like mango or berries would be delicious.