Celebrate Grape Popsicle Day with a Splash of Wine

Did you know that today is National Grape Popsicle Day? Yep. Do you know how the Popsicle was invented? It’s really an amazing story only because you wouldn’t think of California as the birthplace of the Popsicle.

Dateline: San Francisco, California – 1905. Eleven-year-old Frank Eppserson has just mixed a white powdered flavoring into a glass of water to mix up a soda drink. His mother has called him inside, and the boy left the glass along with the stir-stick on the front porch. A cold snap grabbed the city and temperatures reached record lows overnight. The next morning, Frank discovers a frozen treat on a stick and the popsicle was born. There’s more involved, with disputes and rivalry over the years for the rights to make, sell and profit from the idea of frozen treats on a stick. But Frank Epperson is credited with the invention of the popsicle. He even received a patent, but was later forced to sell it since he was broke.

One last little note – while Frank lived in San Francisco in 1905; when the story began, his family moved to Oakland in 1906. While there is no mention of the Great Earthquake in his story, one does have to wonder if the timing was just a conscience. Food for thought.

Speaking of food . . . Popsicles aren’t just for kids you know. Put a little booze in the mix and you’ve got a whole new frozen treat on a stick. Happy Grape Popsicle Day everyone!

Boozy Grape Popsicles
28 oz Grape Juice
8 oz White Wine
12 (3 oz) Popsicle Molds

In a large pitcher, mix grape juice with wine. If necessary, make in 2 batches. Fill each popsicle mold with the wine juice mixer. Place in the freezer overnight for best results.

Let popsicle molds sit on the counter about 8 to 10 minutes before un-molding. If desired serve upside down in wine glasses to catch any drippings.

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I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.