DIY Sno-Cones for the 4th of July

Do you like to create themed desserts for the holidays? It can be fun to make something special that brings “oohhs” and “ahhhs” with guests. In the past I’ve shared some great Fourth of July themed desserts with you: Patriotic Poke Cake, Red White and Blue Jello, and Patriotic Strawberries. It’s not a dessert, but I’ve also made a 4th of July Casserole Carrier.

What should I do this year?

I remember my sister telling me about the awesome Shave Ice that they would get in Hawaii. I thought it would be fun to make something similar but themed for the Fourth of July.

Walmart has a snazzy Rival Frozen Delights Snow Cone Maker for less than $20. They also stock several kinds of Hawaiian Punch flavor Syrups. In the weird way that fate works for me, I was at my sister in law’s house visiting before heading to Walmart to pick up a Snow Cone Maker, and her neighbors who have retired and are moving out offered me a few things for free from their garage. One of the items was a ice shaver! So I didn’t wind up buying the Rival one because hey, free beats inexpensive. But I would have if I hadn’t been given one.

As for the syrups, I knew there had to be a way to make my own at home, which would allow me more variety in flavor. The answer was simple–literally. You just make a 2:1 simple syrup and add either Kool-Aid powder or a 1/2 tsp of flavor extract!

I chose the blue mixed berry, red cherry and some clear vanilla extract. For each flavor I made a simple syrup by combining 1 C of water with 2 C of sugar, adding the flavoring and bringing to a boil. Take it off the heat, let it cool, and place it in a container in the fridge. This will make almost 2 cups of syrup.

Keep your syrup in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. You don’t want it warm enough to melt your ice!

Use your machine and make your shaved ice. Scoop the ice into your serving containers–I found treat containers in the party aisle at Walmart.

It’s easiest to make your flavor stripes using squeeze bottles–you can find Wilton bottles in the cake decorating aisle.

Squeeze the syrup on, give it a bit of time to soak down through the ice and then add a bit more.

Then serve with a spoon!

Here’s an extra tip–if you are making Sno Cones for a crowd, go ahead and make them up adding the syrup if you like, then pop them in the freezer until it’s time to serve. That way you won’t be stuck manning the Sno Cone machine when you should be enjoying your party! (Please ignore the slightly blurry quality of the photo)