Bomb Pop Float Recipe

Prepare simple syrup (if using fresh puree)

In a small saucepan combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water. Warm over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This syrup will sweeten and loosen fruit purees so they freeze with good texture.

Prepare red layer

If using fresh fruit, blend 1 cup of strawberries or cherries until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the cooled simple syrup (or 1 tablespoon sugar if using juice) to taste. If using bottled juice, measure 1 cup and add 1 tablespoon sugar if the juice is unsweetened. Pour the red mixture into the bottoms of 4 popsicle molds, filling each about one-third of the way. Insert sticks and freeze until firm, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Prepare white (lime) layer

Mix 1/2 cup limeade (or 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice plus 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon sugar) until combined. Remove molds from freezer briefly (a minute or two), pour the lime mixture on top of the frozen red layer to fill the next third of each mold. Return molds to the freezer and freeze until firm, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Prepare blue layer

Blend or measure 3/4 cup blueberry or raspberry juice/puree. If using puree, add 1 tablespoon simple syrup to sweeten and thin slightly. Pour on top of the frozen white layer to fill the remaining third of each mold. Freeze completely, at least 4–6 hours or overnight for best results. When fully frozen, run molds briefly under warm water to release popsicles.

Place one scoop of vanilla ice cream into each tall glass (use two scoops for larger glasses).

Unwrap one Bomb Pop popsicle per float. Hold the popsicle vertically and press gently into the ice cream in the glass so the stick rests on the rim and the popsicle stands upright in the ice cream. If the popsicle is too large to fit, let it soften at room temperature for 30–60 seconds first.

Pour 3 ounces (approximately 1/3 of the bottle) of chilled club soda or lemon-lime soda gently around the popsicle and ice cream so the soda fizzes and lifts some foam. For a creamier float, stir 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream into the soda before pouring, or add it directly to the ice cream.

Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a few fresh berries on top of the ice cream. Serve immediately with a long spoon and straw.

Repeat for remaining glasses. Leftover popsicles can be returned to the freezer; leftover soda should be kept chilled.