They always say you should write about what you know. I happen to know how to put alcohol in anything.
I learned a lot in college. Because I couldn’t settle on a major, I sampled classes across many subjects — linguistics, psychology, art — and ended up with a strange archive of trivia and useful skills. My friends joke about my exam-time cramming, and Wesley always teases, “Did you take a class on that?” Usually the answer is yes. But some of the lessons that stuck with me were outside the classroom: like how to make boozy water ice. That skill has proven far more useful than some of my old calculus notes.
One of my favorite discoveries from that era was how to make cocktail popsicles. I’ve refined the method over time and tested various flavor combinations. The clear winner is Margarita Popsicles.
These popsicles are creamy, bright with lime, lightly salty, and of course, spirited with tequila. They’re perfect for a hot afternoon, a backyard gathering, or a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration. Pair one with a glass of lemonade or another spiked refresher and you have an instantly more festive afternoon.
When I made these last time, my boyfriend insisted I should sell them — apparently people would line up for tequila-filled popsicles. For now I’d rather share the recipe for free. Consider this my little contribution to the greater good: a delicious, boozy treat.
Once you master the basic Margarita Popsicle, try mixing in muddled fruit for a strawberry or watermelon variation. If you make them, please take a picture and tag your post with #hostthetoast so I can see what you created.
Creamy Margarita Popsicles
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
4.7 from 3 reviews
- Author: Morgan
Yield: 12 (3 oz)
Description
These popsicles truly taste like popsicles — creamy and refreshing rather than icy and undrinkable. They’re simple to make and ideal for warm weather gatherings or any time you want a spirited frozen treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes), plus 4 lime rounds to stabilize popsicle sticks
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional)
- Kosher or margarita salt, for sprinkling
You will also need:
- 12 (3 oz) disposable cups
- Small popsicle sticks or craft spoons
- A pitcher or large cocktail shaker with a spout for easy pouring
Instructions
- In a pitcher or large cocktail shaker, combine the lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, water, tequila, and orange juice (if using). Use a container with a spout so pouring into cups is easy.
- Arrange the disposable cups on a baking sheet for stability. Fill each cup about 90% full with the margarita mixture.
- Cut the 4 limes into ¼-inch rounds. Push a popsicle stick or craft spoon through the center of each lime round so a bit of the stick protrudes on both sides, then set the lime on top of each filled cup so the stick is stabilized by the lime.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. To unmold, snip a small cut in the rim of each cup and peel the cup away from the popsicle. Serve on crushed ice, sprinkle the tops with kosher salt, and enjoy.
- Category: Cocktail
