July 20th is National Lollipop Day!
“Culinary historians believe that the lollipop (or at least some form of it) has been around since the prehistoric era. Early humans often enjoyed honey on a stick as a delicious treat. No one really knows how the modern-day lollipop was invented, but we do know how it got its name. George Smith, the owner of a small American candy store, came up with the sweet’s name. In the early 1900s, he called the candy a “lollipop” after his favorite racehorse—Lolly Pop.” (Source)
This post is going to be quick because I’m late in posting it. Sadly, I was not paying attention to my dates!
I did not want to make “regular” lollipops. I wanted something different. I found that with liquor lollipops! The liquor flavor isn’t very strong, but you know it’s in there!
Liquor Lollipops
Recipe lightly adapted from here
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoons hard liquor (I used Jack Daniel’s)
2 tablespoons cold water
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
pinch salt
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the 1/4 cup liquor, water, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, and continue to boil until the sugar reaches 300 degrees. Once the mixture reaches 300 degrees, remove from the heat and add in the remaining teaspoon of liquor, stirring well to combine. Carefully pour the syrup into lollipop molds or onto a silicone mat, forming little puddles (!). Quickly insert a lollipop stick and rotate it so that the syrup covers the stick. Let cool completely. Store in an air-tight container. Let the lollipops sit overnight to develop their flavors. Enjoy!
Made with love, not calories!
