I'm obsessed with popsicles. It's been oppressively hot this summer and a popsicle seems like the only reasonable option when even breathing causes you to break a sweat. Popsicles are also easy to make. You can even easily create your own unique recipes, which is what I exactly what I decided to do.

Nothing says Kentucky like Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky. There are already a wide variation of bourbon and peach popsicles, as well as bourbon and chocolate popsicles. However, I like to keep things simple and there is nothing simpler (or more Kentucky) than Maker's Mark and Ale-8.

Bourbon and Ale-8 Popsicles

1. Determine how much your popsicle molds hold. Mine held about four ounces.

2. Keep the alcohol content below 10%. I mixed up enough for about two molds at a time.

3. Mix bourbon and Ale-8. I used one ounce of bourbon and seven ounces of Ale-8.

4. Fill your molds about 3/4 of the way full and freeze for at least four to six hours.

If you don't have access to Ale-8 or you don't really care for it, then you can use coke for a classic bourbon and coke popsicles. I actually made a batch of each. Coke has a slightly higher sugar content so I preferred the bourbon and coke combo.

Once frozen, find a shady spot, take a seat, and enjoy!

~ Sarah Stewart Holland