Gin-Laced Cucumber-Lime Pops

GIN LACED CUCUMBER-LIME POPS
½ c. sugar
¼ c. plus 1 T. water
¼ c. coarsely chopped mint leaves
1 T. finely grated lime zest
¼ c. fresh lime juice
¼ c. gin
1 ¼ c. cucumber, peeled, seeded and pureed
½ t. unflavored powdered gelatin

1. In small saucepan, combine sugar with ¼ c. water and mint and bring to boil.
2. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes.
3. Strain the mint syrup in large bowl and let cool to room temperature.
4. Whisk in zest, lime juice, gin and cucumber puree.
5. In microwave bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the remaining 1 T. water and let stand until softened, 5 minutes.
6. Microwave mixture on HIGH for 8 seconds, until gelatin dissolves.
7. Whisk gelatin mixture into cucumber mixture.
8. Arrange 10 (2-oz.) paper cups on a baking sheet.
9. Pour the mixture into cups and freeze for 1 hour, until partially frozen.
10. Insert a stick in center of each up and freeze until fully frozen.
11. When ready to serve, tear off paper and serve.