Cocktail-Inspired Ice Creams, Sorbets & Ice Lollies For Long Hot Summer Days

Sunshine’s out, spirits are high, and whether you’re raising a glass, cone, or ice lolly, Summertime is the perfect time to toast with something a little more colourful and grown-up!

Inspired by classic cocktails and bold mocktails, these frozen treats are packed with flavour and flair — perfect for keeping cool while celebrating summer.

From zingy mojito sorbet to creamy piña colada ice cream and refreshing rum & Coke lollies, we’re turning your favourite drinks into frozen delights that are as fun as they are fabulous.

In This Article

We’re taking your favourite cocktails and mocktails and spinning them into bright, boozy (or booze-free!) frozen desserts — perfect for sunny days, parties, or a little Pride Month indulgence.

Inside you’ll find:

✅ A handful of cocktail-inspired ice creams, sorbets, and ice lollies
✅ Easy-to-follow methods with prep times and serving sizes
✅ Vegan and alcohol-free options for everyone to enjoy — plus extra flavour boosters
✅ Guidance tips if you don’t own an Ice Cream Maker
✅ Tips for making your scoops, lollies, and layers extra special

Whether you’re serving up scoops in the garden or getting creative for a colourful celebration, these recipes are full of flavour, fun, and summer vibes.

If you’d like to head straight to our recipes and methods, please use the following link, or read along to find out more.

🍹Cocktails Reimagined — From Sip to Scoop

There’s just something exciting about a cocktail — the colour, the flavour, the flair. Whether shaken, stirred, or served with paper umbrellas, cocktails have always been a go-to for celebrating life’s moments big and small.

But why stop at sipping?

These iconic drinks are bursting with fruit, herbs, citrus, and syrups — all of which just so happen to translate beautifully into frozen desserts. By turning cocktails into sorbets and ice creams, or even ice lollies, we’re adding a fresh, summery twist that’s just as indulgent, but deliciously chill too.

Think creamy piña colada scoops at a barbecue, a zesty daiquiri sorbet for a garden party, or a rainbow of margarita-inspired flavours for a Pride picnic.

The best part? You can make them your own. Add the booze or leave it out. Churn it or no-churn it. Scoop it or serve in fancy glasses. These recipes are all about flavour, fun, and flair — with just a touch of cheeky cool.

🍹Turning Cocktails into Mocktails – Alcohol-Free and Just as Fabulous

Whether you’re catering for kids, skipping the booze, or just fancy something refreshing without the adult kick, every cocktail recipe in this article can be easily transformed into a mocktail version — no compromise on flavour, fun, or flair.

Here’s how to make the switch:

• Replace alcohol with juices or teas: Use citrus juice (lemon, lime, orange) or cold-brewed herbal teas to mimic flavour depth. For example, swap gin or vodka for a chilled Earl Grey, green tea, or even a splash of elderflower cordial diluted with water.
• Add a flavour booster: Alcohol adds punch, so you’ll want something bold in its place. Try the following:
  • A splash of pomegranate or cranberry juice
  • A few drops of bitters (alcohol-free if needed)
  • Freshly grated ginger or mint infusion
• Balance sweetness and acidity: Since alcohol tones down sweetness, your mocktail version may need a little less sugar. Taste your chilled mix before churning and adjust with extra citrus juice if needed.
• Keep it colourful: Garnishes go a long way. Use frozen berries, edible flowers, or fruit twists to add that cocktail-style finish, minus the alcohol.

So whether you’re scooping for little ones, sober guests, or just enjoying a bright summer afternoon, these mocktail variations deliver all the chill without the tipsy.

Shaken? Stirred? Around here, we like them Churned. 😎

Whether you like your cocktail bold and boozy or gently refreshing, these recipes are all about taking summer chilling to the next level.

Cocktail Inspired Recipes & Methods

Here are a selection of recipes and step-by-step guides for you to try:

🍸 Martini Sorbet – “Churned, Not Shaken or Stirred”

(Prep Time: 10 mins, Chill Time: 2 hours, Churn Time: 25–30 mins, Serves: 6)

Ingredients:

• 200ml dry gin
• 100ml dry vermouth
• 150ml water
• 100g caster sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional: 2–3 green olives (for garnish) or a lemon twist

Method:

1. Make a simple syrup by gently heating the sugar and water in a saucepan until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Once cooled, stir in the gin, vermouth, and lemon juice.
3. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight if possible) to chill thoroughly.
4. Churn in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until soft-set.
5. Transfer to a freezer-safe tub and freeze for another 2–3 hours for a firmer consistency.
6. Serve in a chilled glass, garnished with an olive or lemon twist for that classic Martini finish.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 185 | Sugar: 14g | Alcohol content: ~10% ABV | Fat: 0g
• Vegan friendly

Alcohol-Free?: Replace the gin and vermouth with a mix of cold-brewed Earl Grey tea (or chamomile if you want something gentler) and a splash of lemon juice.

🍋 Rainbow Margarita Sorbet Trio (Gloriously gluten-free & vegan-friendly)

(Prep time: 15 mins, Freeze time: 4–5 hours, Serves: 3 small batches)

Three scoops. One delicious celebration.

Base Ingredients (each flavour):

• 100ml juice (lime, blood orange, or blue curaçao syrup)
• 60ml sugar syrup
• 25ml tequila (optional)
• Zest to match the juice

Method:

1. Mix ingredients per flavour and chill.
2. Churn separately, then layer scoops for a rainbow effect.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 110 | Sugar: 16g | Fat: 0g | Alcohol content: ~3–4% ABV (if using tequila)

Alcohol-free? Leave out the tequila — use extra juice and add a splash of lemon or lime cordial for zest.

🍊 Negroni Sorbet — Bitter-Sweet & Beautiful

(Prep time: 10 mins | Chill time: 2 hours | Churn time: 25–30 mins | Serves: 6)

A frozen twist on the iconic cocktail — refreshing, sophisticated, and perfect for grown-up summer scoops.

Ingredients:

• 150ml gin
• 150ml Campari
• 150ml sweet vermouth
• 150ml water
• 120g caster sugar
• Juice of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 orange

Method:

1. Make a simple syrup: Heat water and sugar together until fully dissolved, then cool completely.
2. Stir in the gin, Campari, vermouth, orange juice, and zest.
3. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
4. Churn in your ice cream maker until soft-set. Transfer to a tub and freeze for 2–3 hours for a firmer texture.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
Calories: 200 | Sugar: 18g | Fat: 0g | Alcohol content: ~9% ABV

✅ Ice lolly variation: Simply pour the chilled mixture into lolly moulds and freeze for at least 6 hours — they’ll be softer due to the alcohol, but totally delicious!

Alcohol-free? Replace gin, Campari, and vermouth with a mix of pomegranate juice, orange juice, and a splash of hibiscus tea for a bitter-sweet kick.

🥥 Coconut Mojito Ice Cream (Dairy-Free Option Available)

(Prep time: 15 mins | Chill time: 2–4 hours | Churn time: 25–30 mins | Freeze time: 4–6 hours | Serves: 6)

Creamy, tropical, and refreshing — everything you love about a mojito, now in scoopable form!

Ingredients:

• 400ml coconut cream (or 300ml coconut cream + 100ml double cream for extra richness)
• 100ml lime juice
• 100ml sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
• Handful of fresh mint leaves
• 50ml white rum (optional)
• Zest of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt

Method:

1. Gently heat the sugar syrup with the mint leaves to infuse, then let cool completely.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut cream, lime juice, cooled mint syrup, lime zest, salt, and rum (if using) until smooth.
3. Chill the mixture in the fridge for 2–4 hours.
4. Churn in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Transfer to a freezer-safe tub and freeze for 4–6 hours until firm and scoopable.

✅ Ice lolly variation: Pour the chilled mix into moulds and freeze overnight for refreshing lollies.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
Calories: 210 | Sugar: 16g | Fat: 16g | Alcohol content: ~4% ABV (if using rum)

Alcohol-free?: Skip the rum — infuse extra fresh mint or add a splash of elderflower cordial for lovely layered flavour.

Love a Pina Colada? We’ve got a dedicated recipe guide for this tropical favourite — check it out here.
Strawberry Daiquiri fan? Our full sorbet recipe is waiting for you — read it here.

No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!

Not everyone has an ice cream maker tucked away in the kitchen — but that shouldn’t stop you from whipping up these cocktail-inspired frozen treats. With a little patience (and a fork), you can still create smooth, scoopable ice cream or sorbet at home.

👉🏽 Here’s how:
Pour your ice cream or sorbet mixture into a freezer-safe container.
Pop it in the freezer and, every 30 minutes, give it a really good stir with a fork, whisk, or even an electric hand mixer if you have one. This helps break up ice crystals and keeps your dessert smooth.
Repeat this for about 3–4 hours, or until your mixture is firm and ready to serve.

✅ Tip: This method works brilliantly for our cocktail ice creams and sorbets — just plan ahead, as it takes a bit of extra hands-on time.

👉🏽 Want more guidance? Check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker – for extra tips and techniques!

❄️ Ice Lollies Just Got So Much Cooler!

For an extra refreshing twist, many of these recipes can be poured into moulds and frozen into lollies — perfect for poolside lounging or sunny afternoon pick-me-ups.

In fact, my mum (who’s rather partial to a Rum and Coke) is giving Rum and Coke ice lollies a whirl this week. For experimental purposes only, of course… 😉

👉🏽 For more Ice Lollies, aka Popsicle inspiration, head over to our article – Fun & Easy Homemade Ice Lollies (Popsicles) — The Perfect Summer Treat!

Cocktail-Inspired Ice Lollies Recipes

So here’s our quick and easy Rum and Coke Ice Lolly recipe and method, you’ll be enjoying these in no time at all!

🥃 Rum & Coke Ice Lollies (Adults-Only Treat)

A firm favourite transformed into a cool, grown-up lolly.

Ingredients:

• 300ml cola
• 100ml dark rum
• Juice of 1 lime
• Optional: 1 tbsp sugar syrup (if you like it sweeter)

Method:

1. Mix everything together.
2. Pour into lolly moulds and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. Briefly run the mould under warm water to release.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 150 | Sugar: 21g | Fat: 0g | Alcohol content: ~7% ABV

Alcohol free?: Replace rum with cola plus a splash of cherry or vanilla essence and a squeeze of lime.

🌈 Layered Rainbow Fruit Juice Ice Lollies

A fun, colourful, alcohol-free treat — perfect for all ages and celebrations – Naturally alcohol-free!

Ingredients:

• 100ml each of:
  • Red: Strawberry or raspberry puree
  • Orange: Orange juice or mango puree
  • Yellow: Pineapple juice
  • Green: Kiwi puree (strained for seeds if preferred)
  • Blue: Blueberry juice or blue spirulina + coconut water mix
  • Purple: Grape juice or blackberry puree

Method:

1. Start with your first layer (e.g., strawberry) and pour a small amount into the moulds. Freeze for about 30-45 minutes until just set.
2. Add the next colour layer and repeat the process, freezing between each layer so they stay distinct.
3. Once fully layered, freeze for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.

Tip: For quicker layering, use thinner layers and pop in the freezer for 15-20 minutes between colours.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 90 | Sugar: 18g (depends on juice used) | Fat: 0g | Alcohol content: 0%

👉🏽 Looking for the perfect moulds to create your own ice lollies at home? Check out this selection of ice lolly moulds on Amazon — easy to use, fun for all ages, and ideal for bringing these recipes to life: Browse a selection of Ice Lolly moulds here.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

• Can I make these with my Ninja Creami?
  Yes! The ice cream and sorbet recipes adapt well — just follow your machine’s guidelines for churning and mix-ins.
  • Click here to learn more about the Ninja Creami
• Do alcohol-based lollies freeze solid?
  Alcohol lowers the freezing point, so they’ll stay softer. Try smaller moulds or up the cola/juice ratio for a firmer set.
  • Click here to learn more about using alcohol in frozen treats
• What’s the best way to unmould ice lollies cleanly?
  Dip the mould in warm water for a few seconds, then gently wiggle to release.
• Any ideas for adding punch to alcohol-free versions?
  Absolutely! Try fresh herbs (mint, basil), a dash of citrus bitters (alcohol-free), or cold-brew tea like hibiscus or Earl Grey to layer in flavour.

The Final Scoop, Churn & Shake

From classic mojito’s to rainbow margarita sorbet and cheeky rum & Coke lollies, these recipes bring summer fun straight to your freezer. Boozy or booze-free, they’re full of colour, coolness, and celebration — the perfect scoop for every sunny day.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Cocktail-Inspired Ice Creams, Sorbets & Ice Lollies For Long Hot Summer Days – and that we have inspired you to give easy, fun and delicious cocktail inspired recipes a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.

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