The temperature is on the rise this summer and you do not want to get stuck in the heat with nothing to help battle the heat and humidity. Cool off with a delicious treat this summer that is easy to make for any occasion, whether it’s relaxing at home or enjoying the sun on the beach this will definitely make your day.  Chef Marcela Valladolid has an excellent spin on popsicles that is perfect for you!

Cucumber Mint Margarita Pop

For the lime pops you will need:

1 cup granulated sugar

2 cups water

1 tablespoon lime zest

1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

8 wooden sticks (depending on how much you make)

Directions:

Combine sugar, 1 cup of water, and lime zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Let cool. Combine simple syrup and lime juice in a large pitcher. Add remaining 1 cup of water and stir well.

Divide liquid evenly throughout popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours. After the first 2 hours, place the wooden sticks into the partially frozen pops and continue freezing.

You can stop at the pops once they are completely frozen and save them for an summer outing or for a snack that everyone can enjoy. However, for those who want something a little extra to pair with their treat. Chef Valladolid has added an excellent cocktail that will be an amazing addition.

For the cocktail you will need:

1 whole lime, cut in half

Chile Lime Powder like Tajin enough to rim the top edges of 8 cups

1 whole cucumber cut into 1/2-inch rounds

1/2 cup sugar

24 fresh mint leaves

8 cups club soda

1 cup tequila blanco

8 Lime Pops (recipe above)

Directions:

Preferably using mason jars as cups to serve, rub lime all over the top edge of the cup. Place chile lime powder in a bowl. Turn the cup up side down to rim the cup with chile lime powder.

Add 4 to 5 cucumber rounds to each cup. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to each cup and top with 3 fresh mint leaves. Continue doing so to the remaining cups. Using a muddler, carefully mash the cucumber, sugar, and mint together. Top with about 3 ice cubes. Pour 1 cup club soda into each cup. Top it off with 1 ounce of tequila blanco. Insert 1 lime pop upside down, leaving the wooden stick on top to stir, into each of the cups. Serve immediately.

Step up your summer with this thirst quenching cocktail and treat that will offset your weekend or weekday.Try out this refreshing drink and tell us what you think! For more recipes and ideas visit www.queenlatifah.com and Chef Valladolid on Food Network to see what is cooking up for the upcoming summer festivities.