Poptails | Pretty Pink Margarita

We still have a few weeks of summer barbecues, picnics and pool parties left to enjoy before we break out the oversized sweaters and boots.  So with the mercury high, I thought it appropriate to share a cookbook (rather 'drinkbook') with you  -  "Poptails" by Erin Nichols.   

Let me start by saying this book is genius.  It takes a childhood favourite, the Popsicle, and gives it an adult spin "with an alcohol-infused kick."  Cocktails on a stick?  Don't mind if I do.

This book features 60 boozy treats, each one sure to add excitement to any summertime gathering.   From classic cocktails, to dessert on a stick, the recipes featured will no doubt put the "happy in 'happy hour'."

As I flipped through page after page of recipes, I was immediately drawn to the 'Pretty Pink Margarita.'   I think we can all agree that the margarita is as much of a summer staple as flip flops and sunscreen.  Bonus, this one is flavoured like pink lemonade.  Double win!
Now to try my hand at the rest of Erin's recipes.  'Big Girl Root Beer Float' & 'Cherry Cheesecake' you're next!  Oh summer why can't you last forever?

"Spike!  Freeze!  Enjoy!"

Pretty Pink Margarita

Ingredients:

3/4 cup prepared silver tequila (see note below)
1/4 cup prepared triple sec (see note below)
1 1/4 cups pink lemonade
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Method:

Prepare and chill the silver tequila and triple sec of your choice.
In a medium bowl, combine the tequila, triple sec, pink lemonade, and lemon juice.
Carefully divide the mixture equally among your ice pop moods.  Do not fill the molds to the top.  Leave a small amount of space to allow for expansion when the liquid freezes.
Top with ice pop sticks or reusable ice pop tops with attached sticks.  Let pops freeze for at least 24 hours.
Unmold the pops.

Yields: six 3-ounce pops or four 4-ounce pops

NOTE:  

How To Prepare Alcohol for Use in Your Poptails

In order to have the alcohol freeze properly into your poptails you will need bring liquor to a boil.
After reviewing the chart (below), pour the indicated amount of liquor into a 2 quart sauce pan.  For instance, if you need 3/4 cup of vodka for your recipe, you will add 1 cup of vodka to the pan.
Turn the heat to high.  Watching for the next 5 minutes, keep a careful eye as the alcohol heats on the stove.
As soon as the liquid begins to bubble, set timer for 2 minutes.  Remove from stove.  Immediately pour the liquid into your heatproof container.  Place liquid in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely.

Amount of Alcohol in Recipe ------------------> Add this much Alcohol to Your Pan

1/4 cup ----------------------------------------------> 1/2 cup
1/2 cup ----------------------------------------------> 3/4 cup
3/4 cup ----------------------------------------------> 1 cup
1 cup    ----------------------------------------------> 1 1/4 cups
1 1/4 cups ------------------------------------------> 1 1/2 cups