August can be delightfully warm (fingers crossed), making it the perfect time to harvest from your garden — and treat yourself too. And what could be better (or tastier) than homemade ice lollies? Especially when you use herbs fresh from your own garden or balcony pots. Think refreshing mint, floral lavender, or spicy basil. With a bit of creativity and a handful of green goodness, you’ll have a frosty treat that not only cools you down but also surprises your taste buds!
Ice Lollies with a Herby Twist
Herbs in ice lollies? Absolutely! They add that special something to fruit sorbets, yoghurt-based ice lollies, or even creamy varieties. Herbs bring aroma, flavour, and a dash of elegance. It’s like running your own ice cream parlour right in your kitchen. Consider these combos:
- Mint + lime: super fresh, perfect for those warm Gloucestershire days
- Basil + strawberry: a match made in heaven
- Lavender + blueberries: subtle, floral, and surprisingly delightful
- Lemon balm + peach: soft and summery
- Rosemary + orange: for those who like a bit of adventure in their ice lolly
You don’t need to be a chef — just a blender, some lolly moulds, and a pinch of imagination will do the trick.
Fresh from Your Own Garden (or Balcony!)
Got a herb garden? You’re already halfway there! Mint, basil, lavender, lemon balm, dill, and thyme all thrive in pots, planters, or tucked between flowers. In August, they’re still growing strong, especially if you keep them watered and regularly harvest. Snip your herbs in the morning when their aroma is at its peak, and give them a quick rinse before use. No herb garden yet? No worries! At Trioscape Garden Centre in Gloucestershire, you’ll find plenty of herb plants that are still flourishing. Plus, we have the best seeds to get you growing in no time.
How to Make Them: 3 Easy Recipes
Here are three delicious and simple recipes to get you started. All 100% natural and easy to tweak to your taste!
1. Mint-Lime Ice Lollies: fresh, funky, and a favourite for all ages
- Juice of 3 limes
- 250 ml water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- A handful of fresh mint leaves
Blend everything, give it a quick taste, then pour into moulds. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Perfect for quenching your thirst!
2. Strawberry-Basil Yoghurt Ice Lollies: creamy, surprising, and a bit posh
- 200 grams strawberries
- 100 ml (plant-based) yoghurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- A few fresh basil leaves
Puree everything until smooth and pour into ice lolly moulds. For an extra fancy touch, stick some thin strawberry slices along the edges before filling.
3. Lavender-Blueberry Ice Lollies: a purple dream
- 150 grams blueberries
- 1 teaspoon dried (edible) lavender
- 250 ml apple juice
- Optional splash of lemon juice
Warm the apple juice with the lavender and let it cool. Strain, mix with the blueberries, and puree. Freeze and serve with a sprig of lavender as decoration.
Tips for Extra Ice Lolly Fun
Making your own ice lollies isn’t just delicious — it’s a party in itself. Great to do with the kids during holidays, or as part of a garden party or barbecue. Here are some more tips!
- Sweetness to taste: add honey, agave syrup, or stevia depending on your preference.
- Forgot your ice lolly moulds? Small yoghurt pots or muffin tins work just as well! Just pop in a spoon or wooden stick.
- Ice lollies for adults? Add a splash of prosecco, gin, or liqueur. Just remember, alcohol makes them freeze less solidly.
- Want some texture? Throw in pieces of fruit, desiccated coconut, or even edible flowers for a surprising twist.
Let everyone pick their favourite herb combo and turn it into a fun ice lolly tasting party!
Get Your Inspiration and Herbs at Trioscape Garden Centre in Gloucestershire
Still need mint? Or fancy a lavender plant that smells divine and tastes even better in ice lollies? Pop into Trioscape Garden Centre in Gloucestershire. You’ll find a wide selection of fresh herbs and plenty of green-fingered advice from our experts. We’re here to help turn your garden, balcony, or kitchen into a summery treat haven. Homemade, garden-fresh, and 100% summer — what could be better?