Skip to content 
Sweat dripped down my glass of watered-down lemonade as I slumped against the picnic table, watching my margarita-loving sister-in-law wilt at last summer’s backyard barbecue. “This heatwave deserves a better tribute than sodas and melted ice,” she groaned. That’s when it hit me—what if we froze those tangy-sweet margarita flavors into popsicles? A week (and several happy accidents) later, these frozen margarita popsicles became our go-to summer lifesavers. They’re everything you love about cocktail hour—the bright lime kick, the tequila warmth, the fruity sweetness—but handheld and frosty cold. The best part? They couldn’t be easier to make. Just blend, pour, and freeze while you prep the rest of your party spread. And before you ask—yes, I’ve got a brilliant kid-safe swap that’ll have the tiny guests begging for seconds (hint: it involves extra strawberry purée and zero regrets).
Why You’ll Love These Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Let me tell you why these boozy ice pops are about to become your summer MVP – they’re the easiest way to turn any ordinary backyard gathering into an instant fiesta. Here’s what makes them so special:
- Refreshing magic: When temperatures spike, nothing cools you down faster than that first tangy-sweet bite of lime and tequila frozen perfection.
- Party ready: Imagine handing these out at your next BBQ – they’re conversation starters that keep guests happy (and your blender quiet).
- Effortless prep: Five minutes of stirring is all it takes before you pop them in the freezer and forget about them until party time.
- Endless flavor twists: My strawberry version is just the beginning – swap in mango, pineapple, or even watermelon purée for your own signature creation.
- Everyone’s included: The kid-safe version (just skip the alcohol!) means no one feels left out of the frozen treat fun.
Trust me, once you see how these disappear at your first summer gathering, you’ll keep popsicle molds in your freezer all season long.
Ingredients for Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Gather these simple ingredients to make the most refreshing summer treats – they’re probably already in your kitchen or easy to grab at the store. Here’s what you’ll need for about 8 popsicles:
- 1 cup tequila (I prefer reposado for its smoother flavor)
- 1/2 cup triple sec (orange liqueur – Cointreau works beautifully too)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes, none of that bottled stuff!)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (homemade or store-bought – low sugar works fine)
- 1 cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen berries work – see notes below)
- 1 cup water (balances the strong flavors perfectly)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Let me share my hard-earned tips about these ingredients – because not all tequilas or strawberries are created equal when it comes to frozen margarita popsicles!
About that tequila: Reposado (aged 2-12 months) lends a nicer depth than blanco, but use what you love drinking – just avoid cheap “mixto” tequilas that can taste harsh when frozen. For a kid-safe version, simply replace both tequila and triple sec with equal parts orange juice and sparkling water.
Strawberry purée secrets: Toss a handful of fresh or thawed frozen strawberries in a blender with a spoonful of water until smooth. Strain if you want crystal-clear pops, but I love the rustic texture with seeds. No berries? Mango or pineapple purée make fantastic swaps!
Sweetener shortcuts: That simple syrup is negotiable – I’ve used agave nectar, monk fruit syrup for low-sugar needs, even thawed frozen lemonade concentrate in a pinch. The goal is balance against that tart lime juice.
How to Make Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Okay, let’s turn that pitcher of margarita magic into the easiest frozen treats you’ll make all summer! I’ve learned a few tricks through trial and error (mostly error), but now I’ve got this process down to a science. Here’s my foolproof method:
- Prep those molds first: Lightly coat your popsicle molds with cooking spray or rub them with a tiny bit of coconut oil. Trust me, this makes release SO much easier later. Stick them in the freezer while you prepare the mix – cold molds help the pops freeze faster with fewer ice crystals.
- Mix the cocktail base: In a large measuring cup or pitcher, whisk together the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup until well combined. Take a little taste – it should be slightly sweeter than you’d want a drink, since freezing dulls flavors.
- Stir in your purée: Gently fold in the strawberry purée and water. Don’t overmix – we want pretty swirls, not a homogenous pink mess. Pour the mixture into your chilled molds, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top for expansion.
- Freeze it right: Pop in the molds and freeze for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal. If using traditional popsicle sticks, insert them when the mix is partially frozen (about 1 hour in) so they stand up straight.
- The big reveal: When ready to serve, run warm (not hot!) water over the molds for 10-15 seconds. Gently wiggle the sticks – they should release with smooth, clean edges. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container lined with parchment paper.
Tips for Perfect Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Here are my secret weapons for popsicle success that I’ve picked up over many sticky summers:
Strain for sophistication: Want silky-smooth frozen margarita popsicles? Strain both the lime juice and fruit purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds. It gives them that premium ice pop texture.
Get swirly with it: For gorgeous layers, pour the tequila base halfway up the molds first. Freeze for 30 minutes, then add the strawberry mixture. The colors stay distinct but still blend when you lick them!
Silicone is your BFF: If you make these often (and you will), invest in flexible silicone molds. They release like a dream and often come with built-in stick holders. Mine look like little margarita glasses – total party starter!
Sweet spot test: Still not sure about your mix? Freeze a spoonful in a small dish for 30 minutes before committing to molds. You can adjust sweetness or tartness before making the whole batch.
Variations of Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Why settle for just one amazing flavor when you can mix it up? Here are my favorite twists that’ll make your frozen margarita popsicles the talk of every summer party:
Tropical mango margarita: Swap the strawberry purée for ripe mango – that golden sweetness paired with lime is pure sunshine. For extra vacation vibes, add a tablespoon of coconut cream to the mix.
Spicy señorita: Before freezing, dip the filled molds in Tajín seasoning for that addictive chili-lime kick. My friends go wild when I serve these with an extra sprinkle of salt on top!
Sparkling mocktail magic: Replace the alcohol with grapefruit or lime-flavored sparkling water, plus an extra 1/4 cup of fruit purée. Kids love the fizzy texture – we call them “party pops” at our house.
Pineapple paloma pops: Try grapefruit juice instead of lime, pineapple purée, and skip the triple sec. It’s like a frozen beach vacation in every lick!
Serving and Storing Frozen Margarita Popsicles
Listen, I learned the hard way that even the best frozen margarita popsicles can turn into a melty, sticky mess if you don’t serve them right. Here’s my tried-and-true method: pull them from the freezer no more than 5 minutes before serving – they should be frosty but not rock-hard. For some extra party flair, roll the edges in coarse salt or Tajín seasoning right after unmolding (the still-cold surface helps it stick). A sprinkle of lime zest or tiny strawberry slices pressed into the molds before freezing makes them downright Instagram-worthy. Fun tip? Set up a DIY garnish station with small bowls of toppings so guests can customize!
As for storage, these boozy ice pops keep beautifully for up to 2 weeks if you wrap them right. I individually wrap each one in parchment paper (not wax paper – freezer burn is the enemy!) before placing them in an airtight container. Pro tip from my last pool party disaster: LABEL THEM clearly unless you want curious kids accidentally getting hold of the adult versions. If you see any crystallization after a week, just give them a quick dunk in warm water – it melts that thin icy layer and brings back that perfect creamy texture.
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into numbers – these values are estimates based on my standard recipe, and yours might vary slightly depending on your exact ingredients. For one popsicle made with regular simple syrup and strawberry purée, you’re looking at:
- About 120 calories
- 8g sugar (mostly from the fruit and syrup)
- 10g total carbs
Keep in mind that sugar-free syrup or extra lime juice will change these numbers – but hey, we’re here for the fun, not the math!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh for the purée?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries or mango work beautifully – just thaw them first so they blend smoothly. I always keep a bag in my freezer for last-minute popsicle cravings. The bonus? Frozen fruit is often picked at peak ripeness, so your strawberry margarita popsicles might taste even sweeter!
How strong are these boozy ice pops?
They pack about the same punch as a regular margarita cocktail – maybe even a tad milder since freezing dulls alcohol perception somewhat. Each adult frozen treat has roughly one shot of tequila split across multiple servings. But here’s a pro tip: for a lighter version, swap half the tequila with chilled green tea – it keeps the bite but lowers the booze.
Can I make these tequila lime popsicles ahead for a party?
Oh honey, that’s the best part! These summer cocktail pops actually taste better when made 1-2 days ahead – the flavors mingle beautifully. Just wrap them well (I swear by parchment paper) and they’ll keep for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. Bonus: no last-minute kitchen stress before guests arrive!
Why did my popsicles freeze rock-hard?
Ah, the classic rookie mistake! Too much water in your mix causes icy texture. Next time, try substituting fruit juice for some of the water, or add a tablespoon of corn syrup or honey to the mix – these sweeteners prevent large ice crystals from forming. Silky smooth boozy ice pops await your next attempt!
Any tips for getting them out of the molds cleanly?Any tips for getting them out of the molds cleanly?
After too many broken popsicle tragedies, I’ve perfected the method: Run *warm* (never hot!) water over the mold for exactly 15 seconds, then gently twist the stick while pulling. If they’re really stuck, wait 30 seconds and try again. And please – learn from my stained shirts – do this over the sink, not your party outfit!
More Summer Treats to Try
If these frozen margarita popsicles got your creative juices flowing (pun totally intended!), wait till you try some of my other favorite summer treats. For those sweltering afternoons when you’re too hot to even think about turning on the oven, my watermelon limeade pops are pure hydration magic – plus they’re naturally sweetened so you can skip the simple syrup altogether. Hosting a keto crowd? My coconut cream berry bombs (made with heavy cream and monk fruit) disappear faster than I can make them. Honestly, after discovering how easy it is to make boozy ice pops at home, I’ve totally rethought my approach to summer entertaining. Though I’ll admit – on those crazy-busy weeks when meal planning feels overwhelming, I’m not above letting one of those fancy meal delivery services handle dinner while I focus on perfecting dessert. Life’s about balance, right?
PrintFrozen Margarita Popsicles
Boozy popsicles with tequila, lime, and fruit purée, perfect for summer entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 min
- Yield: 8 popsicles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 cup tequila
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 cup strawberry purée
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Mix tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher.
- Stir in strawberry purée and water.
- Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Run warm water over molds to release popsicles before serving.
Notes
- For a kid-safe version, omit tequila and triple sec.
- Use low-sugar syrup if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popsicle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg