Whether you're cooling down in the heat or cheering yourself up as the summer rain pelts down, ice lollies are a must at this time of year. But side-step the ice-cream van's samey selection – like so many of our favourite foods, the humble ice lolly has undergone an epicurean makeover. Here are six that we're loving...

Prosecco pops

Freshly-popped Prosecco + peach schnapps + all the fun of a traditional ice pop = a winning combination. Modern British brasserie Mews of Mayfair are serving frozen Bellinis in Calippo-style packaging for the fairly extravagant price of £7. If you're feeling flush and fancy a treat mid-shopping spree or post-work, try the frozen treats at the bar in the heart of London's Mayfair. Plus, at just 77 calories per lolly, you can enjoy them almost guilt-free!

Dairy-free lollies

Jaz & Jul's popular gourmet ice lollies have returned to their weekly stall at Broadway Market in Hackney. As with the London-based duo's award-winning 'proper' hot chocolates, the dairy-free lollies are made in small batches using fresh fruit and herbs in natural flavours like strawberry and basil or mango and chilli. For an utterly indulgent treat, the lollies can be dipped in melted single-origin organic dark chocolate and coated with nuts or sprinkles – yum! Lolly flavours change regularly to celebrate the best seasonal fresh produce, so there will be new fruity iced treats to enjoy every week throughout the summer.

Natural iced treats

Set up by two friends in 2015, Paradices is Manchester's first purveyor of handmade iced treats using locally sourced fruit. Flavours currently include rhubarb and Prosecco; avocado and lime; key lime pie; and, our favourite, strawberry and balsamic vinegar.

Boozy lolly cocktails

A new cocktail allows thirsty Londoners to enjoy both a cocktail and an ice lolly at the same time – genius! The refreshing treat is a glass of Prosecco garnished with a handmade fruity ice-lolly (see pic below). The limited edition ice sorbet cocktail creations are available at TwoRuba bar, near Tower Bridge, until the end of August.

Kahlúa 'poptails'

Lickalix have a fleet of ice-cream vans selling 'poptails' all around town, including one at Camden Lock Market. For a chocolatey chilly treat, try the Kahlúa Kick with cacao, coconut and coffee liqueur. It's basically a Mini Milk for grown-ups... hurrah!

Make your own!

It's so easy to make our ice pops, blended with a rose water, raspberries and yogurt for a refreshing summer treat. Click here and give them a go: