DIY Snow Cones: A Natural Taste of Summer

DIY Snow Cones: A Natural Taste of Summer

Ah, summertime.

Favorite memories of the season often include a combination of sun, water and delicious frozen treats, one of which is the classic snow cone. This flavored crushed ice is a simple but universal staple of many memorable summer adventures.

Unfortunately, snow cone syrup is often packed with chemicals, food dyes and hidden sugars that aren’t quite as nutritious as they are fun to eat. If you’re looking to capture the magic of summer in a delicious snow cone without any of the pre-packaged or way-too-sugary syrups, look no further! Here’s how to have fun while making healthier choices this summer.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: 

• 1 cup of 100 percent fruit juice
• ½ to 1 cup of sugar, depending on your preferred tartness of juice
• Ice
• Blender, food processor or snow cone maker to shave ice
• Small saucepan

WHAT TO DO: 

1. In a small saucepan, combine fruit juice and sugar.
2. Set saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
3. Turn to low and simmer for five minutes, stirring until sugar completely dissolves.
4. Pour syrup into a jar and allow it to cool completely.
5. Refrigerate for several hours before use.
6. To make snow cone, mound shaved ice in a snow cone cup or bowl. Pour your homemade syrup over the ice and dig in!

BONUS RECIPE: 

August also happens to be National Coffee Month. If you’re a kid at heart who still needs their afternoon caffeine, here’s a recipe for a delicious coffee syrup for a cold treat fit for grown ups.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 cup of strong coffee
• ½ cup of water
• 2 tbs of lemon juice
• Small pan

WHAT TO DO:

1. Boil ingredients in a small pan.
2. Set in fridge to cool.
3. Pour over shaved ice.

The summer celebrations don’t have to stop when school starts! Keep a taste of summer going as long as possible by enjoying after-school snow cones to cool off and celebrate a long day of learning.

What’s your favorite DIY snow cone syrup flavor? Let us know!