Snow cones make you feel like a kid again. And summer is the perfect time to recreate that magic with your own kids.
When your kids are asking for a snow cone, or they just want a cool summer treat, there’s no need to purchase a fancy snow cone maker or bottles of syrup.
We’ve got you covered with 14 home snow cone syrup recipes, and tips on how to create a mountain of snowy ice right in your own kitchen!
How to Make Snow Cones without a Snow Cone Maker
No snow cone maker? No problem! You don’t need a snow cone maker to make the perfect snow cone. In fact, you may already have the tools you need at home.
Use a blender
The first option is to use a blender. You’ll want to make sure that it’s capable of crushing ice. Most blenders can accomplish this on the puree or pulse setting. Remember to keep an eye on it so the ice doesn’t get crushed too fine. A Ninja blender is always a good choice if you need a good blender.
Crush it yourself
Option two is to get the kids involved and crush the ice in a bag. Place the ice in a double layer of Ziploc bags or in this ice crushing bag. Then place the bag onto a rimmed baking sheet to help prevent making a big mess. Finally, crush the ice with a mallet or use a rolling pin to roll over it.
Freeze and shave!
The third option is to freeze water into a block and then shave it by hand. Pour water into any container you have on hand. Once it’s frozen, release it by running the container under warm water and then use this manual ice shaver to shave the ice down for your snow cones.
8 Snow Cone Essentials to Invest In
Before you begin creating your perfect snow cone, you’ll want to take some time to gather up these 8 snow cone essentials.
- Paper cones – These simple paper cones will make your homemade snow cone feel like it came from a snow cone truck.
- Snow cone spoons – Top off your snow cones with one of these colorful plastic spoons and have fun slurping or scooping.
- A funnel – Use one of these plastic funnels to help pour your tasty creations into a storage bottle or container.
- Plastic squeeze bottles – Use these handy plastic bottles to store your colorful homemade syrups. They’re easy to clean and fun for little hands to use.
- All-natural food dye – If you want to add an extra pop of color to your syrups, this all-natural food coloring will do the trick.
- Mesh strainer – If you’re mixing up a batch of syrups with fruits that contain seeds, such as strawberries or watermelon, you’ll want to use a mesh strainer to get rid of them before mixing.
- Food processor or immersion blender – Use these handy kitchen tools to help you chop up fruit or create fruit purees with ease.
- Snow cone machine – If you decide you want a snow cone machine, this is our favorite pick. It not only makes snow cones, but also shaved ice and slushies. Just add your favorite syrup (we have 14 tasty recipes below!) and you’ve got a delicious cold treat.
14 Homemade Snow Cone Syrup Recipes
Snow cone syrups aren’t something you typically have in your pantry. No worries! We’ve got everything you need to create delicious snow cone syrups at home – from traditional syrups to options with all-natural ingredients. Check out a list of our 14 favorite recipes.
- Watermelon Syrup | Fresh Flavorful – Nothing says summer flavor quite like watermelon. Mix up a batch of this watermelon syrup to top off your snow cones.
- Drink-Mix Syrup | Love Bakes Good Cakes – This recipe is super easy and only requires three ingredients to make. All you need is your favorite drink mix to create a bottle of delicious snow cone syrup.
- Kool Aid Syrups | Tastefully Frugal – Pick out your favorite Kool Aid flavor packet, add some sugar and water, to cook up a colorful batch of snow cone syrup.
- Lemonade Snow Cones | Food Network – Sweet and tart, this all-natural option is refreshing and a fun twist on a glass of lemonade.
- Natural Fruit Syrups | Fresh Flavorful – Choose from fresh berries, clementines, or blood oranges to create these fresh and fruity snow cone syrups.
- Frozen Juice Syrups | Real Food Deals – This yummy recipe combines frozen grape and apple-raspberry juices to create a healthier syrup option.
- Cherry Syrup | Simply Low Cal – Fresh, tart cherries make a healthy snow cone syrup that is perfect for summer.
- Pineapple & Strawberry Syrups | Butter With a Side of Bread – Fresh fruit is the main ingredient in these syrup recipes and make a tasty alternative to more sugary syrups.
- Cherry/Berry Vanilla Syrup | The Inspired Home – Use either cherries or your favorite berries along with vanilla extract to make this sweet syrup.
- Mango Lime Blast Syrup | Imperial Syrup – This syrup delivers a flavor punch with a combination of sweet mango and tart lime.
- Raspberry/Blueberry Syrup | Epicurious – Sweet berry flavor makes this snow cone syrup recipe a winner!
- Root Beer Syrup | Dine & Dish – This recipe uses just a dash of root beer extract to create a classic flavor you’ll love.
- Lemon Lime Syrup | Dixie Crystals – If your kids love tart flavors, they will love this simple syrup recipe.
- Vanilla Syrup | Milk Allergy Mom – If you like to bake at home, then you most likely have a jar of vanilla extract in your pantry to make this simple syrup recipe.
After you make your syrups, there is one important tip to remember…
Keep them cold – Once your syrups are done, make sure to store them in the refrigerator. They will need to be nice and cold (at least two hours in the fridge) before you pour them over your snow cones. Most syrups can last in the refrigerator for up to a week.
These 14 homemade snow cone syrup recipes are guaranteed to make your summer a little more delicious!
