Have a ball

As renowned, early-2000s rapper Nelly would say, “It’s getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes.”

That may be a bit aggressive, but I hear ya, Nelly. It’s getting hot in Louisiana and when it gets hot all I want is a tall glass of something refreshing (usually mixed with alcohol). Luckily, Olive or Twist came to my rescue, masterminding the idea of alcoholic sno-balls and popsicles. What says summer like a cup of ice covered in sweet syrup and liquor? Nothing. The answer is nothing.

At first bite I realized they truly tasted like a sno-ball you can get at any local sno-ball shack. I could only faintly taste the alcohol at first and definitely couldn’t tell the specific mixer, which is shocking because it turns out the syrup is half alcohol. My only complaint was that the ice melted pretty fast, leaving me with a glass of sweet, syrupy Gin.

I was also really impressed with the sno-ball presentation. These things were the real deal, shaved ice and all. There are currently 12 different flavors; I chose the Ponchatoula Strawberry. It’s a mix of strawberry sno-ball syrup, Oryza Gin (out of Louisiana’s very own Thibodaux), and heaven. However, I was told (repeatedly) that the best is New Orleans King Cake topped with condensed milk and sprinkles.

I figured, why stop at the sno-ball? Go big or go home…BRING ME THE POPSICLE. They brought it out on pretty, white plate and it looked more like melting art than something I was supposed to eat. I went with the Pimm’s Cup, which consisted of layered Pimm’s No. 1, ginger ale, and Sprite. Also frozen into the pop were slices of strawberry, kiwi, and cucumber.

I ate it in what felt like record time, partially because I felt awkward sitting at a bar, eating a popsicle. It was, not surprisingly, refreshing and I think it will be a huge hit for lazy, post-pool summer days.

Long story short, if you’re looking for a way to cool down this summer and are feeling a bit adventurous (and aren’t afraid to get sticky) give the summer menu at Olive or Twist a try. It will definitely be one of my summer staples.

Ponchatoula Strawberry Sno-ball
• Strawberry sno-ball syrup
• Oryza Gin
• Shaved Ice
• Condensed milk (optional)

Pimm’s Cup Popcicle
• Pimm’s No. 1
• Ginger Ale
• Sprite
• Slices of strawberry, kiwi, cucumber