How to Make Snow Cones and Chill Out at Your Fourth of July Party

Fourth of July parties are known for many things: barbeques, fireworks, pools, and most especially, heat. Sunny summer days, outdoor venues, and vigorous activities combine to create a sweltering event, but it's easy to beat the heat with patriotic snow cones to make your Fourth of July party the coolest in the neighborhood.

Basic Snow Cone Equipment

Snow cones are simple treats of crushed ice and flavored syrup served in a paper cone, but without proper planning they can melt into inedible puddles of slush. Before the celebration begins, it is necessary to stock up on:

- Ice cubes - Plan 5-6 cubes per snow cone

- Food processor - To crush the ice on site if possible

- Paper cups or cones - Available with seasonal summer supplies at most stores

- Assorted syrups - A wide array of flavors will give guests plenty of variety

- Spoons and straws - Both are preferred for eating snow cones

- Insulated cooler - To store unused ice

- Plastic wrap - To line the cooler and keep supplies chilled

To give your party an even more festive atmosphere, consider adding paper umbrellas, crazy straws, or holiday-themed cups to your supply list.

Making the Snow Cones

Shaved ice and syrup may sound like an easy recipe, but when planning a Fourth of July party special considerations need to be made. Depending on the guest list, the ice may need to be crushed or shaved ahead of time. A food processor or blender can crush ice as efficiently as any specialized snow cone maker, but be sure to crush the ice to a fine grain to avoid large pieces. If it melts even slightly after crushing, it may refreeze into unpalatable chunks. To keep the ice loose, use a metal scoop (ice cream scoops work well) to break up chunks periodically. Keep the ice in a closed cooler, preferably in a shady spot, until ready to dish up the snow cones.

Scoop the crushed ice into a paper cone or cup to serve. Cones work well because they help concentrate the syrup flavor into the base of the treat, but paper or Styrofoam cups may be a more economical alternative for large parties. When scooping the ice, round the top for a classic appearance, but be sure to leave sufficient space for the syrup to soak around the edges of the cup without messy drips.

The best idea for a Fourth of July party is to allow each guest to choose their own snow cone flavor. There are hundreds of potential flavors and combinations available, but for a successful party be sure to have the most popular choices on hand, including:

- Cherry
- Grape
- Pink Lemonade
- Watermelon
- Fruit punch

More outrageous flavors include pina colada, root beer, coffee, blackberry, kiwi, and strawberry daiquiri, and there are virtually unlimited choices and combinations to create wacky summer taste sensations. Flavors that will be particularly popular for Fourth of July parties come in red and blue colors: cherry, strawberry, and blue raspberry make fantastic patriotic treats.

Guests can pour their own syrup, but in order to regulate the quantity of flavoring and conserve supplies - particularly with a children's party - it may be best if there are several designated assistants. When pouring syrup, note that the ice will immediately begin to melt, and only 3-4 tablespoons of syrup is needed for the most flavorful snow cone. Even if the ice at the bottom of the cup appears to be unflavored, as the treat melts the syrup will leech toward the bottom and fully coat every chilly bite. Flavors can be combined in layers, but be sure to caution overly experimental children about incompatible choices.

Tips for Lasting Treats

To make snow cones last even longer, particularly during a hot Fourth of July party, chill all the equipment prior to use: cups, spoons, and scoops. If a large quantity of snow cones will be needed, consider storing the ice in several small coolers rather than one large one in order to keep it as cold as possible. Most syrups can also be chilled, further prolonging the life of the fruity treat once the flavoring is added - for the best result, keep several buckets of ice cubes handy to keep syrups in as guests make their selections.

Making Your Own Snow Cone Syrup

While ready-to-use snow cone syrup can usually be found at grocery stores and specialty boutiques, particularly during the summer, it is often more economical to make your own for a large party. To create your own syrup, follow this easy recipe:

1. Combine 2 cups sugar and 3/4 cup water in a medium saucepan (adjust sugar to taste).

2. Bring to a full boil to insure all sugar is dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and add 1 package unsweetened drink mix (2 quart size).

4. Stir well and chill.

This allows you to use any preferred flavor of drink mix, including special blends and limited-time flavors that are perfect to create a memorable treat. You can also substitute non-sugar sweeteners if desired. If this recipe does not match your cooking skills, there are other variations available at numerous cooking sites and recipe-sharing bulletin boards.

Snow cones are the perfect icy treat for a Fourth of July party: they are lower in fat and calories than most ice creams, the flavors can be adjusted to suit any tastes, and the bright colors create a festive atmosphere for any gathering. At your next summer party, grab the ice and chill out!