Strawberry Gin Basil Ice Lollies

These grown-up ice lollies blend the sweetness of strawberry purée with the herbal freshness of basil and the subtle kick of gin. Each bite delivers vibrant berry flavour, a hint of citrus, and a cooling, refreshing finish that’s perfect for hot days.

These strawberry gin basil ice lollies score a Nutri-Score B, mainly due to the natural fruit content and absence of dairy or refined fats. The recipe’s sugar, while present, is balanced by the antioxidant-rich strawberries and minimal processing. Each lolly is a refreshing, low-fat treat, but remember to enjoy these adult ice lollies in moderation because of the gin and sugar content.

Equipment

Ingredients

For the basil sugar syrup

• 200g caster sugar
• 2 stems fresh basil leaves
• 100ml water

For the ice lollies

• 240ml strawberry purée
• 160ml gin (London Dry or strawberry-infused)
• 60ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 100ml basil sugar syrup (from above)

To garnish (optional)

• Thinly sliced strawberries
• Fresh basil leaves, torn

Method

1. Make the basil sugar syrup

1. Put the caster sugar, basil leaves, and 100ml water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Let the syrup cool, then strain out the basil leaves and chill the syrup in the fridge.

2. Mix the strawberry gin lolly base

4. Pour the strawberry purée, gin, lemon juice, and 100ml of the chilled basil sugar syrup into a large jug.
5. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Taste the mixture. If you like, add a splash more lemon juice or syrup to balance the flavours—remember, freezing dulls taste slightly, so a little extra can help the citrus or sweetness shine through.

3. Assemble and freeze

7. If you fancy, pop a few thin strawberry slices or a torn basil leaf into each lolly mould for a pretty look.
8. Carefully pour the mixture into silicone lolly moulds, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion.
9. Insert the lolly sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until completely solid.
10. Once set, store your strawberry gin basil ice lollies in the freezer for up to a week—but they’re so tasty, they might not last that long!

For best results, let the lollies sit at room temperature for a minute or two before serving to make them easier to remove and enjoy.

What can you serve with this

1. Fresh fruit salad – Adds colour and extra freshness, making the strawberry gin basil ice lollies even more enjoyable.
2. Light summer desserts – Think sorbets or lemon drizzle cakes to keep the flavours bright and the mood relaxed.
3. Sparkling water with mint – A refreshing, non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites.

FAQs for Strawberry Gin Basil Ice Lollies

• Can I make strawberry gin basil ice lollies without alcohol? Absolutely—just swap the gin for extra strawberry purée or a splash of sparkling water.
• How long do these ice lollies keep in the freezer? They’ll stay delicious for up to a week if stored properly.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, just thaw and purée them for a quick and easy alternative.
• What other herbs can I use instead of basil? Mint or lemon thyme would work well for a different twist.
• Do I have to use silicone moulds? Silicone moulds are easiest, but plastic ones work too—just run them under warm water to release the lollies.
• Can children eat these ice lollies? No, these are adult treats due to the gin content. Make a separate batch without alcohol for kids.
• How can I make the lollies less sweet? Reduce the amount of basil sugar syrup or add a little more lemon juice.
• Can I make these with other fruits? Definitely! Raspberries, peaches, or mango would all be delicious alternatives.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe for strawberry gin basil ice lollies scores a B on the Nutri-Scale scale.

Positive Factors: The ice lollies are packed with strawberry purée (rich in vitamin C), are dairy-free, gluten-free, and use natural ingredients. The fresh basil adds a herbal note and a touch of antioxidants.

Negative Factors: The recipe contains caster sugar and gin, which mean these treats should be enjoyed in moderation.

This score has been automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide.