Youbet Smirnoffice Hard Iced Tea Pop Recipe

Brew and chill tea

Brew 1 to 1 1/4 cups strong black tea (use 1-2 tea bags or 2 tsp loose leaf) and cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator until cold. Measure out 1 cup chilled tea for the recipe.

In a pitcher, combine chilled black iced tea, fresh lemon juice (1/2 cup), and simple syrup (1/4 cup). Stir until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust sweetness — the pop should be slightly sweet and pleasantly tart.

If you want a boozier pop, add 2 oz vodka to the mixture and stir to combine. If not, omit vodka — the Smirnoff Ice bottles will supply the carbonation and alcohol.

Pour approximately 2 to 3 tablespoons of frozen mixed berries into the bottom of each popsicle mold cavity to create a fruity center. Press down gently so the berries are evenly distributed.

Carefully fill each mold cavity about three-quarters full with the iced tea, lemon and simple syrup mixture, leaving enough room for the Smirnoff Ice to be added and for freezing expansion (leave ~1/2 inch headspace).

Open a Smirnoff Ice bottle and pour about 2 to 3 tablespoons into each mold cavity on top of the tea mixture. The carbonation will create small bubbles; pour gently to minimize overflow but maintain a little fizz in the pop.

If using vodka, you already added it to the iced tea base; do not add additional vodka to the molds or you may affect freezing. If not using vodka, you can carefully add a splash (1/2 tablespoon) of Smirnoff Ice per pop for extra alcohol, but be mindful of freezing consistency.

Insert popsicle sticks or mold lids (if the mold uses a top) into each cavity. If your mold doesn't secure sticks until partially frozen, place the mold on a small tray and freeze for 45-60 minutes first, then insert sticks and continue freezing.

Place the filled mold on a level surface in the freezer. Freeze for at least 6-8 hours, ideally overnight, until completely solid. Alcohol and carbonation can slow freezing; ensuring a strong tea base (less alcohol proportion per pop) helps set them fully.

To unmold, run warm (not hot) water briefly over the outside of the mold for 10-20 seconds, twisting gently to release each pop. Avoid soaking or using very hot water, which can melt the pops quickly.

Garnish each pop by placing a lemon slice or mint sprig alongside when serving, or serve immediately on a chilled tray. For a showy 'Smirnoffice' effect, serve with a small chilled glass of the remaining Smirnoff Ice alongside the pops for sipping.