They always say you should write about what you know. Well, I know how to put alcohol in anything.
I learned a lot in college. Because I couldn't decide on a major for the longest time, I took classes in pretty much every subject out there. Everything from linguistics to psychology to art have been in my arsenal of "things I know from school", and my friends can attest to the fact that I remember a lot (maybe too much?) as a result of extreme exam-time cramming (which is surprising, because I can't remember what I ate for breakfast yesterday.) Every time I tie some obscure fact into conversation, my friend Wesley teases, "Oh yeah? Did you take a class on that?" Yes. Yes, in fact, I did.
Honestly, though, some of my favorite things I learned in college were learned outside of the classroom. I'll tell you what, knowing how to make Boozy Water Ice (or Italian Ice for you non-South-Jersians) will probably come in handy more often in the future than anything I learned in college math courses. Yay for calculators!
As you probably have guessed already, I also learned how to make cocktail popsicles while I was in college. Mind you, I have tweaked the recipe a lot since then, and I've experimented with different flavors to see what I like best. The hands-down winner? Margarita Popsicles.
They're creamy, they're lime-y, they're salty, and they've got tequila in them. Who can go wrong on a hot day with a glass of lemonade in one hand (or Strawberry Basil Spiked Lemonade-- we don't judge here) and a Margarita Popsicle in the other?
Surprisingly enough, even my boyfriend couldn't stop raving about them when I made them last time, saying, "You should sell these, Morgan; you could make a lot of money. They're so good!" and telling me about how people would line up around the block for tasty, tequila-filled popsicles. Maybe so, but I'd rather share the recipe with you, for free.
I like to consider myself a philanthropist. I give the people what they need. What better way to increase the well-being of humankind than to give them a recipe with tequila in it?
I'm just kidding of course, but here's the recipe anyway. Feel free to experiment by mixing in muddled fruits for, say, a strawberry margarita or a watermelon margarita after you get the basic recipe down. Enjoy, and make sure you take a picture and tag #hostthetoast on Instagram or Twitter!
Oh, and while you're here, you might want to check out my other boozy popsicle recipes: Boozy Red, White, and Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicles and Blue Moon Orange Creamsicles!
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Creamy Margarita Popsicles
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These popsicles really taste like popsicles, not just frozen liquid that's almost impossible to enjoy. They're extremely easy to make, and they'll be perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration or a warm summer day outside with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes), plus 4 limes for stabilizing the popsicle sticks
- 1 (14oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional)
- Kosher salt or margarita salt
You will also need:
- 12 (3oz) Dixie cups
- Small popsicle sticks or craft spoons
- A pitcher or large cocktail shaker
Instructions
- In a pitcher or large cocktail shaker, combine the lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, water, tequila, and orange juice. It is important to combine the ingredients in a container that has a spout because it will make it much easier to pour the mix into cups.
- Line out the Dixie cups on a baking sheet, so it will be easy to transport them to the freezer. Fill each Dixie cup 90% of the way with the tequila mixture.
- Slice the limes into ¼ inch thick rounds. Push a craft spoon through the center of each lime round, so that half of the stick pokes out from each side. Top the mixture with the lime sticks. Make sure the lime is resting directly on top of the tequila mixture.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight. When ready to remove the popsicles from the Dixie cups, simply snip a small cut in the rim of each cup and peel them away from the popsicle. Place the popsicles onto a dish with crushed ice to keep them from melting too quickly, Sprinkle the tops generously with kosher salt, and serve.
- Category: Cocktail
Dana says
A philanthropist, indeed!
Morgan says
Well thank you, Dana. I try my best, haha.
Rachel says
Wait. Hold on...not everyone calls it water ice?! Well, who knew?
Morgan says
I know; it's so weird! I thought everyone called it "Water Ice" until I went to college about 45 minutes north of where I lived. They found it hilarious that I called it "Water Ice" because they said that makes no sense. Up there they call it Italian Ice... even Rita's is "Rita's Italian Ice". So strange!
Kiki O'Connell says
Ohh dear god...I found this on Pinterest and would just like to thank you for being such a philanthropist. Cant wait to try these and sit by the pool!!
Morgan says
Thank you, Kiki! I hope you love them as much as I did. Also, I just checked out your blog-- what a great concept! =)
Dotti says
Sounds delish and can't wait to try them! Thanks!
Morgan says
Thank you, Dotti! Let me know what you think of them!
Karen says
Thank you for the yummy recipe! Hubby approved, both neighbors approved, it's a keeper and already sharing your recipe and website! OBTW, my store didn't have 3 oz cups, I bought 5 oz and they're waxed, so no need to peel the cup off. The popsicle just slips right out easily and we used the cup to set the popsicle down for a second. WORKS great! Tomorrow's batch will be doubled and I plan to take them to our Dart League for a cool treat.
Morgan says
Thanks, Karen! I'm so glad everyone enjoyed them!
Erica says
I loved reading this. Especially when I came to the non-South Jersians part really made me LOL! Great Recipe and I can not wait to try this!
Morgan says
Thanks, Erica! Glad I could give you a laugh =)
Mary L. says
Thanks for sharing.
Cindi says
These sound delightful and I can't wait to try them!! and I will definetly try muddling some fruit into them too. I'm a big mojito fan so I'll put that to the test as well. Thanks Morgan!!
Tammy says
yum need to give these a try !
Morgan says
@ Mary-- It's my pleasure!
@ Cindi-- I think mojitos will work out fantastically. I've been contemplating trying mojito pops out and posting them on here, too! Let me know how that works out for you if you get around to it before I do 🙂
@ Tammy-- I hope you do!
Jamie says
I'm going to make these this weekend! Thanks.
How stiff are these? I realize that's a relative question but I'd like to make them a tad stronger than a mild drink... Is one equal to one mild margarita?
Morgan says
Jamie, these are not very strong at all. Unfortunately, strong margarita popsicles won't freeze due to the alcohol content. You can certainly experiment with the amount of tequila in them (you should be able to get them to freeze if you add just a bit more) but for the alcohol to completely freeze, they can't be strong. If you're trying to get a nice buzz going, I'd serve some extra tequila (or other drinks) along with them.
Jamie says
Hah. I just saw your comment and made them with half a cup of tequila already... I'll report back on whether or not they freeze. 🙂
Morgan says
Half a cup isn't too too much; hopefully it works out!
Jamie says
It worked just fine. 🙂 thanks they were delicious.
Morgan says
I'm glad to hear it, Jamie!
Sue Klaus (@gabrielized) says
Would coconut milk work instead of the sweetened evaporated milk?
Morgan says
Sue, if your coconut milk is sweetened, it might. I have never tried to substitute with coconut milk, and I don't recommend it if sweetened condensed milk is an option (unless you won't be upset in the event that they don't turn out). However, if sweetened condensed milk is not an option, I'd say it's worth an experiment. The coconut milk must be sweetened, and you'll of course have a very different flavor to your popsicles, but it should succeed in giving the creamy texture that the sweetened condensed milk is supposed to give. If you do wind up trying it out, please let me know how they turn out!
Debbie T says
Be aware that sweetened condensed milk (as listed in the recipe) is much different than sweetened evaporated milk.
erika says
These were excellent...can't wait to make them for our annual family beach trip!!! I am new to your site and can't wait to explore the rest of it!!
Morgan says
Thanks Erika! Well then, welcome to Host the Toast; I hope you enjoy everything you find here!
Karen says
MORGAN!!! THAN YOU!!! I made Margarita Bomb Pops and they are even a bigger hit! Fresh Blueberries (instead of the limes), Your Margarita Popsisicle Mix and Fresh Strawberries (instead of the limes). Layered in the 5 oz wax cups. Whaaalah, Margarita Bomb Pops. We are all more than thrilled! Made virgin ones (no tequila) from the grandbabies, and the rest for adults all your recipe with a twist. Layered, worked, and more than yummy, sweet, sour, sweet. Scrumptious!!!! I try other mods once our berries go off "sale". Thinking Pina' Colada will be another fabulous twist! OH HELP ME, LOL I'm a popsicle freak! LOVE IT! Thank you soooo much!
Morgan says
I'm so happy to hear they turned out so well, Karen! I think they sound great with the strawberries and blueberries. Pina Colada does sound delicious, too; I'll have to try that soon!
Karen says
Morgan; I bought all the goodies I need for our Pina Colada Popsicles, I'll be experimenting this weekend. Trying Coconut Cream, Crushed Pineapple and Rum. If there is a problem with the Coconut Cream, Plan "B" is to try 7 oz of Sweetened Condensed milk and 7 oz of Coconut Cream and see if that works and tastes better.
Had a little giggle that I didn't make as many Virgin popsicles for the Grandbabies as I did our adult ones. They threw a fit when they saw Grandma and Mommy having our Margarita Bomb pops and there weren't any left of their special ones. Eeew, they didn't want an otter pop or store bought popsicles, NOW they want Grandma's Special Popsicles, LOL. To any of you with little one's, make sure you make the same amount (if not more) for the little guys and gals without the alcohol or you might see the melt down we saw.
Morgan says
Hi Karen. Please let me know how the Pina Colada ones go! I think they'll be great!
That story about your grandbabies is hilarious. I can only imagine the pouts and confusion when they realized they couldn't have Margarita Popsicles; poor things! Good tip for everyone, thanks for sharing.
Yolanda M says
Cool 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Candace says
how could I make them flavored like strawberry?
Morgan says
Candace, try cutting up some strawberries a cup or more) and mashing them up well in a bowl with a wooden spoon. Then mix them up with the tequila, water, and orange juice and make sure you really push down on the strawberries to get out all of the juices. Then strain the mixture to remove all of the solids and use the mixture to complete the rest of the recipe. You can also chop up some additional strawberries and add them to the popsicles! I'm not sure exactly how strong the strawberry flavor will be so you might need to experiment a bit, but the method should work! Let me know how it turns out!
Pam Savenelli says
My niece made them for fireworks get together. OMG!!!! Best part of the night.
Morgan says
So glad to hear you enjoyed them, Pam!
Jean Collins says
Have made these & love them so much I've hidden them in my freezer & have one as a treat when I get home from a long hard day at work. NOT SHARING. ....EVER!! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Morgan says
Haha I don't blame you! Sometimes you have to keep special treats for yourself!
Freedom says
I made these last night out of sheer boredom for my gf's. OMG! They wouldn't even let them finish freezing. I used vodka as I had no tequila on hand at that moment. Well, babeeeey, let me tell you! They couldnt get enough. They were delicious! I'm writing this while waiting for the liquor store to open up this morning! Thanx so much for sharing this wonderful recipe. I know my (tipsy) friends thank you too...
Morgan says
That's great! I need to try making a few batches with different spirits. I'm so glad you and all of your friends enjoyed them!
Julia says
I have a big bottle of margarita mix that I got for another recipe. I wonder if that would work in place of lime juice? It needs to get out of my fridge! My hubby is going to LOVE these!!!!!
Morgan says
Julia, that should work! Try it out and let me know how it goes!
Julia says
Thanks!! I will!
me says
So how do you make boozy water ice?
Morgan says
The consistency varies based on the ingredients, but you can make water ice-esque cocktails using this method: https://hostthetoast.com/boozy-pink-lemonade-slush/
LateToTheParty says
Uh oh... Looks like I'll be adding margarita popsicles to my party arsenal this summer! Have you made it like the slush? I'm thinking that might travel better in the summer.
Denise says
Would I be able to just buy lime juice or do I have to squeeze fresh limes? I have carpal tunnel, so squeezing limes is very difficult for me.
Morgan says
It wouldn't be exactly the same, but it should be fine that way!
Denise says
I guess I'll just have to get someone to help me squeeze... Thanks Morgan! 🙂
michaela c says
Did anyone else have a hard time keeping these frozen? Mine were melting almost immediately, even after being in the freezer for 1 1/2 days.
Morgan says
I'm sorry to hear that, Michaela! I didn't personally have that problem, but by any chance did you put extra tequila in these? That's the only cause that I can think of, but if anyone has some other idea please do comment and let us know!
michaela c says
Sure did, haha. I was thinking that was probably why. No one seemed to upset by it, though. On to the Red, White and Boozeberry pops next. Thanks for the great recipes. I'm so glad I found your website!
Suzanne says
These were so easy and delicious. I made a couple virgin cups for the kids and used a 1/2 tequila for the adults. They were so refreshing by the pool for 4th of July. I will be making these all summer long. Thanks for all your research in college!
Jo says
The Creamy Margarita Popsicles are super yummy! Thank you for sharing the recipe! I will make these again and again.
Jo
Maria says
Hey morgan I saw this post looong time ago and when i finaly found the tequila for doing it I couldn´t remenber the name so because i found it on buzzfeed try to found it there again, it didnt work, when I finally foun I realize that there is a youtube account that use the same recipe that you have here and didn´t gave the credit, well im waiting for the pops to froze and thank you for this
Tracie says
I think I will cook a pack or two of gelatin into the lime juice to help stabilize them so I can increase the tequila.
Suzanne says
I ordered some Zipcicle Bags (like Otter Pop baggies) from Amazon, and I am going to try to make Margarita Pops with them. Have you ever tried this? I am thinking they would be great out camping in the Arizona heat! Thank you for the recipe - once I get the main one down I am going to experiment with other fruit! LOVE this idea!
Susan says
So what you call the "top" of the pop is where the lime is? Which I think is actually the bottom as I would eat the top first. Also, I would think if one sprinkled salt on the pop it would melt. But I cannot wait to make these as I love margaritas and the addition of the condensed milk sounds fabulous.
Morgan says
It is the top (facing upward} while preparing, but not when removing from the cups and eating, if that makes sense.
Jillian B. says
Soooo good!!! I have a popsicle mold, so I just used that instead of The Dixie Cups, and it worked great. Love the salt on these!
Kylee says
These were a hit at our neighborhood 4th of July party! Everyone raved about them and I will be making them again. Thank you!