Look, I'm not saying I volunteered for this assignment because I wanted an excuse to eat ice cream with alcohol in the middle of the day. But I'm not NOT saying that either.
It's 28 degrees outside right now, and I've got six different boozy frozen treats melting faster than my resolve to stick to my summer diet. The things I do for journalism, honestly.
When did ice cream get so... adult?
Aldi just launched these "hard" desserts – vodka and rum-infused cocktail sorbets that promise to cool you down while simultaneously warming you up (if you know what I mean). And they're not alone in the alcoholic frozen treats market.
So I've spent the last week testing everything from fancy Italian gelato to what are essentially vodka ice pops. My liver and my dentist are equally concerned.
Let me tell you what's worth your cash and what should stay in the freezer section where it belongs.
Carte D'Or Rum & Raisin: The Disappointment
God. Where do I even start with this one? Carte D'Or has always been one of those brands I thought was fancy when I was a kid, but at £4.50 for what is essentially vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum (0.18% – that's basically homeopathic alcohol), I expected more.
The texture was weirdly light and airy – not in a good way. More like someone whipped air into cheap vanilla to make it stretch further. It melted in approximately 37 seconds flat on my kitchen counter.
The chocolate sauce was that weird, plastic-tasting stuff, and teh cake pieces were like eating stale biscuit crumbs. Save your money and just pour actual rum over decent vanilla ice cream.
Rating: 1/5 (and that's being generous)
Shuda Passion Fruit Martini Pouches: Messy But Fun
These are basically adult Calippos, and I'm here for it. At £1 each from Iceland, they're a bargain considering they pack a proper 4% vodka punch.
You freeze the liquid pouches, then squeeze them out like an alcoholic Frubes. They're slushy rather than solid, which makes them a bit of a nightmare to eat without dripping all over yourself (learned that one the hard way while wearing a white shirt).
Sweet – probably too sweet for some – but they do taste like an actual pornstar martini. I found myself wishing they were a bit more frozen and a bit less messy. My friend tried one and immediately texted: "are these meant to be this runny or did I mess up the freezing?"
Rating: 3/5
Tipsies Cocktail Pops: Nostalgia With A Kick
Remember those freezer pops from childhood birthday parties that always cut the corners of your mouth? These are the grown-up version that might actually make you tipsy.
At £19.99 for 12 from Amazon (that's about £1.70 each), they're not cheap, but each one contains 5% alcohol – mojito, pina colada and passion fruit martini flavors.
I had two of these while "testing" (ahem) and definitely felt a slight buzz. The mojito was genuinely refreshing – proper mint and lime flavors with rum that you can actually taste.
Rating: 3/5
Jude's Rum & Raisin: Holy Boozy Heaven
This ice cream doesn't mess around. With 4% rum content, it's practically a cocktail in frozen form.
I opened the tub and could smell the rum immediately. Back in 2019 I spent $80 on a bottle of fancy aged rum in Cuba, and this ice cream reminded me of that – it's not just alcohol, it's GOOD alcohol.
The texture is incredible – proper creamy richness that melts slowly and coats your mouth. Packed with plump, boozy raisins and rippled with extra rum sauce.
My boyfriend had three scoops and then tried to assemble an IKEA shelf. Poor thing.
Rating: 5/5 (worth every penny of the £5)
What's The Deal With Baileys Ice Cream?
I had high hopes for this one. I love Baileys at Christmas, and the idea of having it in ice cream form seemed perfect.
Reality: it's basically vanilla ice cream absolutely drowned in caramel sauce that's supposed to taste like Baileys (with a measly 0.21% actual liqueur).
The sauce is EVERYWHERE – each spoonful was like eating a tablespoon of liquid toffee with a hint of ice cream. After three bites, my teeth hurt adn I felt like I needed insulin.
I passed the tub to my housemate who loves sweet things, and even she said "this is... a lot."
Rating: 2/5
Aldi's Mini Cocktail Pots: Small But Mighty
These little pots from Aldi look innocent enough – cute little 110ml tubs that seem perfect for portion control. Don't be fooled.
While they only contain 1% alcohol, something about the combination of the booze and the intense flavors packs a surprising punch. The passion fruit martini ones were my favorite – smooth, tangy and just the right amount of sweetness.
At £2.99 for four, they're decent value too. I brought these to a garden party last weekend and they disappeared in about 15 minutes flat.
Rating: 3/5
The Unexpected Winner
Listen. I wasn't prepared for how good the Remeo Malfy Spritz Sorbetto lollies would be. At £5 for three from Ocado (about £1.70 each), these blood orange popsicles contain 5% prosecco and 2% gin.
They taste EXACTLY like an Aperol spritz – that perfect bitter-sweet combination that makes you feel like you're sitting on an Italian terrace somewhere.
The blood orange flavor is intense and natural, not that fake candy taste. I accidentally ate all three in one sitting (research purposes) and had to explain to my editor why my afternoon email had three typos.
Rating: 5/5 (I've already ordered more)
Tiramisu Gelato: Almost Perfect
I've eaten a lot of tiramisu in my time. My Italian ex-boyfriend's mother used to make one that would make you weep with joy.
This frozen version from Sainsbury's is surprisingly authentic – proper mascarpone gelato, rich coffee sauce, and a generous dusting of cocoa on top. The 0.5% Marsala wine gives it that classic boozy note.
My only complaint? The portion size. For £4.50, the tub is frustratingly small. I finished it in one sitting and contemplated driving back to the store for more.
Rating: 4/5
Summer just got a whole lot more interesting. If you need me, I'll be in my garden with a Malfy spritz lolly in one hand and a spoon of Jude's rum & raisin in the other. Sunscreen optional, designated driver recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
What is the definition of money?
Money is a medium of exchange that facilitates transactions for goods and services. It serves as a unit of account, a store of value, and a standard of deferred payment, allowing individuals to compare the value of diverse products and services.
Statistics
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
External Links
How To
How To Develop a Good Saving Habit
Developing a good saving habit begins with setting clear financial goals. Determine what you are saving for, whether it’s an emergency fund, a vacation, or retirement. Start by automating your savings; set up a direct deposit from your paycheck into a savings account. Aim to save at least 20% of your income, gradually increasing this amount as you become comfortable. Track your spending to identify areas where you can cut back and redirect those funds to your savings. Regularly review your savings progress and adjust your contributions as necessary to stay motivated and achieve your goals.
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