When the weather heats up and you’re craving a refreshing, boozy treat, try these Margarita Popsicles. They capture the bright, tangy flavor of a classic margarita in an icy, handheld form — and at about 80–100 calories per pop, they’re a light way to cool off.
These boozy popsicles are simple to make and don’t require special equipment. Instead of dedicated molds you can use plastic-lined paper cups (like Dixie cups) and standard popsicle sticks. The recipe uses fresh lime and orange juices for bright, natural flavor, while simple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness — homemade syrup works great and keeps things budget-friendly.
Prep time is short — about 10 minutes — but the pops need several hours to freeze, so plan ahead if you’re making them for a gathering. These are for adults only, but kids can enjoy other frozen treats while you serve these at parties.
🍊 Ingredients:
- Fresh lime juice
- Orange juice – use a pulp-free variety for a smooth texture
- White tequila – any light tequila works (e.g., silver or blanco)
- Simple syrup – store-bought works, but homemade simple syrup is recommended
- Limes – extra limes sliced into rounds to top each pop
- Coarse salt – for rimming or sprinkling on the lime garnish
For ingredient amounts and a printable recipe card, see the recipe card further down.
Optional Garnishes:
Lime zest: a light sprinkle on each filled cup before freezing adds extra fragrance and color.
Sugar or salt crystals: after freezing, dip the exposed lime or the base of the pop in sugar or coarse salt for a decorative finish and extra flavor.
Equipment Needed:
Small plastic-lined cups – these release popsicles easily once frozen. Dixie-style cups are ideal.
Popsicle sticks
Substitutions and Variations
- Add a splash of orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Grand Marnier) for added depth of flavor.
- Swap in limeade for fresh lime juice to simplify the recipe; you may need less or no simple syrup depending on sweetness.
- If you have traditional popsicle molds, feel free to use them instead of cups.
- Try other cocktail bases: mint margarita, strawberry margarita (use strawberry puree), or even frozen sangria or limoncello for different boozy popsicle variations.
🔪 Instructions:
Prep: Roll and squeeze limes until you have ½ cup fresh lime juice. Slice additional limes into rounds about 1/4″ thick; large rounds will fit the cup openings and act as a topper for each pop.
Step 1: In a large measuring cup with a pour spout combine the lime juice, orange juice, tequila, and simple syrup. Stir well and taste; adjust sweetness if necessary.
Step 2: Pour the margarita mixture into the small cups, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.
Step 3: Make a small slit in the center of each lime round and pierce a popsicle stick through it. The lime wheel will act as a lid and help keep the stick centered.
Step 4: Set the lime-topped popsicle sticks into each cup so the lime rests on the liquid and the stick stands upright. Adjust to balance as needed.
Step 5: Place the filled cups on a baking sheet or tray (this helps prevent tipping) and freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Step 6: To remove a pop, warm the outside of the cup briefly with your hands or run the cup under lukewarm water for a second to loosen it. Gently pull the popsicle free, sprinkle the exposed lime with coarse salt (or dip the bottom in salt) and serve immediately.
Tips for Boozy Margarita Popsicles
- Arrange the cups on a baking sheet before freezing to keep them stable and easy to move in and out of the freezer.
- Roll limes on the counter before cutting to make juicing easier and more fruitful.
- Plastic-lined paper cups work best because they peel away more easily than plain paper.
- Cut lime rounds thick enough to cover the cup opening — expect about three rounds per large lime.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. When combined with juices at the proportions in this recipe, the mixture will freeze solid. Increasing the alcohol fraction too much can prevent proper setting.
Stored in an airtight container, they remain best for up to one month. If left unsealed, they’re fine for about a week.
Margarita Popsicles
Equipment
- 8 popsicle sticks
- 8 small (3 oz.) plastic-lined cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh-squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 1 cup orange juice (pulp-free)
- ½ cup white tequila
- 3 tablespoons simple syrup
- 3–4 additional limes, sliced into rounds
- Coarse salt for garnish
Instructions
- Combine lime juice, orange juice, tequila, and simple syrup in a 4-cup measuring cup. Stir and taste; adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour the mixture into small cups, leaving about ¼” space at the top.
- Slice limes into rounds (about 3 large rounds per lime). Cut a small slit in the center of each round and insert a popsicle stick.
- Place the lime-topped popsicle sticks into each cup so the lime rests on the liquid and the stick stands upright.
- Freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- To remove, briefly warm the outside of the cup or run under lukewarm water to loosen. Pull the pop free, sprinkle salt on the lime if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Place cups on a baking sheet before freezing so they stay upright and are easy to move in and out of the freezer.
- Roll the limes before juicing to yield more juice with less effort.
- Plastic-lined paper cups release popsicles more cleanly than plain paper cups.
- Cut lime slices thick enough to cover the cup opening; plan on about three slices per lime.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 13 g
| Protein: 0.5 g