The Ultimate Summer Treat with a Spicy Kick
When summer calls for something bold, boozy, and refreshing, these Firecracker Watermelon Tequila Pops hit the mark. Bursting with juicy watermelon, zesty lime, and a splash of tequila, these popsicles are everything you want in a frozen treat—with a cheeky twist of chili and salt to keep things interesting. Perfect for pool parties, backyard BBQs, or simply cooling down in style.
What You’ll Need:
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Popsicle molds
- Popsicle sticks
- Measuring tools
- Knife and spoon (for prepping the watermelon)
Ingredients:
- 1 medium seedless watermelon
- 1 cup silver/blanco tequila
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (from about 4–5 limes)
- ¼ cup simple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional, to taste)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- Popsicle molds and sticks
How to Make Them:
1. Prepare the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon in half, scoop out the flesh, and remove any seeds. Dice into smaller pieces for blending.
2. Blend It Up
Puree the watermelon in a blender until smooth. For a chunkier texture, pulse instead of fully blending.
3. Mix the Liquid Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, chili powder, and sea salt until well combined.
4. Combine the Goodness
Stir the watermelon puree into the tequila mix until it’s fully blended and vibrant.
5. Fill the Molds
Carefully pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a little room at the top (about ½ inch) for expansion.
6. Add Sticks
Insert the popsicle sticks, making sure they’re straight and centered.
7. Freeze
Place the molds in the freezer and chill for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) until fully frozen.
8. Serve and Savor
To release the pops, run warm water over the molds for a few seconds. Gently pull out and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pops:
- Adjust sweetness or alcohol to your taste—remember freezing mutes flavors.
- Strain the puree for a smoother texture if you prefer no pulp.
- Choose a good-quality tequila since its flavor really comes through.
- Always taste the mix before freezing—it should be a bit stronger than you want the final product to be.
Creative Variations:
- No heat? Leave out the chili or use Tajín for a tangy twist.
- Add herbs: Mint or basil adds a refreshing edge.
- Go alcohol-free: Swap tequila for more lime juice plus sparkling water or juice.
- Mix in fruit: Add chunks of mango, pineapple, or strawberry for a fruity blend.
Storage Tips:
Store pops in the molds or transfer them to a container with parchment paper between layers. Best enjoyed within 2 weeks for peak freshness, though they’ll last longer if needed. If they soften, just refreeze.
Nutrition Info (Approximate, per pop):
- Calories: 95
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugars: 10g
- Alcohol: ~8–10% ABV
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: <1g
Timing:
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Freeze: 6 hours minimum
- Total: About 6 hours 20 minutes