Good-for-your-Skin Poptails

Growing up in sunny SoCal, my sisters and I loved getting Popsicles, Fudgsicles and Creamsicles from the ice cream truck, so these frozen treats instantly take me back to lazy childhood summers. When it’s warm outside, I like experimenting with frozen versions of my favorite cocktails (otherwise known as poptails). Here are two yummy, good-for-your-skin recipes that I’ll be making this weekend. (For virgin poptails and fewer calories, leave out the alcohol.)

Bloody Mary Poptails. Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene and have been shown to protect skin from sunburn and sun damage, so serve these at any cookout. Look for low-sugar and low-sodium tomato juice. To make: Combine in a blender 2 cups tomato juice, 1 celery stalk (sliced), 1/4 cup vodka, a few drops Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Puree, then strain into a measuring cup with a spout. Pour into ice-pop molds (mine are from Crate and Barrel) and freeze at least 3 to 4 hours.

Sangria Poptails. Sangria, the popular Spanish red wine punch, is often very sweet, but you can make your own low-sugar version. Red wine contains polyphenol antioxidants and has also been shown to have sun-protective effects. To make: Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and 2 oranges into a large pitcher. Cut the remaining fruit into chunks or slices and add, along with any other sliced fruit of your choice (I like strawberries and peaches). Pour in 1 bottle red wine, and 1 to 2 shots rum or brandy. Chill a few hours, then add 2 cups chilled club soda and stir well. Pour into ice-pop molds (I like to add a thin slice of strawberry or peach to each pop) and freeze.