Bomb Pop

The Bomb Pop Cocktail: A Refreshing Tribute to a Frozen Icon

Since its creation in 1955, the Bomb Pop, a popular frozen treat in the shape of a rocket, has stood as a timeless representation of summer. This tri-colored ice pop, which was created in Kansas City, Missouri, by D.S. "Doc" Abernathy and James Merritt, swiftly won over Americans' hearts. Its flavors were cherry, lime, and blue raspberry. Its patriotic aesthetic made it a seasonal favorite, facing little competition until the Popsicle brand introduced the Firecracker Pop in 1989, a treat with a similar look and flavor profile. This rivalry led to significant legal battles, with Unilever, the parent company of Firecracker, suing Bomb Pop’s owner, Wells Enterprises, over packaging similarities. Wells countered, arguing that Popsicle’s “Original” branding was misleading, given that Bomb Pop was the first explosive-themed ice treat.

Regardless of your preference between these two iconic brands, they’ve both inspired a variety of adult versions, including boozy delights like Red, White & Booze Popsicles and Smirnoff’s seasonal Red, White & Berry vodka.

Introducing the Bomb Pop Cocktail

While this cocktail doesn’t taste exactly like its frozen counterpart, it’s equally delightful and captures the spirit of summer fun. The drink features layers of vibrant color and fruity flavor that evoke memories of childhood treats.

Flavor Profile

• Tart and Fruity Grenadine: The red layer of this cocktail is made using grenadine, a sweet and tangy syrup that provides a bright, flag-red hue. You can make your own grenadine at home, but for a consistently vibrant color, reaching for a bottled version is recommended.
• Citron Vodka: This ingredient adds a refreshing lemony kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile and contributing to the drink's summery essence.
• Blue Curaçao: Known for its electric-blue color, this bitter-orange liqueur brings a bittersweet citrus flavor to the cocktail. It's commonly used in tropical cocktails like the Blue Hawaiian, adding a striking visual element.

Crafting the Bomb Pop Cocktail

Creating the Bomb Pop cocktail involves simple yet precise steps. The key to achieving its beautiful layered effect lies in careful mixing and pouring.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce grenadine
• 1 ounce citron vodka
• 1 1/4 ounces blue mix* (mix blue curaçao with water to achieve the desired lightness)

Steps

1. Prepare Your Glass: Start by adding grenadine to a highball glass filled with crushed ice. This forms the vibrant red base of your cocktail.
2. Add Citron Vodka: Carefully pour the citron vodka over the grenadine. This will create the second layer of your drink.
3. Layer the Blue Mix: To achieve the stunning top layer, mix blue curaçao with water to ensure it’s light enough to float. Slowly and gently pour the blue mix over the back of a spoon or down the side of the glass to create a beautiful layered appearance.

Conclusion

The Bomb Pop cocktail is not just a drink; it’s a nostalgic journey back to summer days filled with fun and flavor. Perfect for barbecues, parties, or just a relaxing evening, this cocktail captures the essence of the iconic frozen treat. Whether you’re a fan of the original Bomb Pop or simply looking for a refreshing beverage, this cocktail is sure to impress. Cheers to enjoying a taste of summer in every sip!