Pineapple Margarita Ice Pops Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it perfectly combines the tangy sweetness of fresh pineapple with a zesty kick of lime and tequila, making it the ultimate adult summer treat. Plus, creating these boozy pops is a fun and creative way to elevate a classic cocktail into a delicious frozen delight that’s perfect for sharing with friends at a weekend gathering.

I adore an ice-cold dessert, particularly one showcasing punchy flavors like my Pineapple Margarita Ice Pops. They are partly made with pineapple, a fruit that, when frozen, becomes exceptionally juicy and refreshing, and in their tart shell (layered on the outside instead of the usual way on the inside), you’ll find an accomplished blend of lime juice and lime zest.

Rimming the pop in coarse salt takes these from just good to poolside-drink-level fantastic.

Ingredients

Pineapple Chunks: Abundant in vitamin C and bromelain, they contribute natural sweetness and a tropical flavor.

Lime Juice: It is high in vitamin C.

It adds a refreshing sourness and balances the sweetness.

Tequila Silver: Contributes to a smooth, earthy flavor, amplifying the margarita’s classic taste.

Liqueur de Orange: Infuses a sweet, citrusy depth that beautifully balances the tangy lime juice.

Sugar in granulated form: Provides sweetness to the mix, guaranteeing a nice balance with the lime and the alcohol.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup silver tequila
• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 1/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• Lime zest, for garnish (optional)
• Coarse salt, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a blender, mix together the fresh pineapple chunks, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, silver tequila, orange liqueur, water, and a dash of salt.

2. Mix at high speed until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.

3. Sample the concoction and fine-tune the sweetness or tartness to your liking by adding more sugar or lime juice, if you feel it necessary.

4. Strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pouring jug to eliminate any fibrous pulp.

5. Pour the strained liquid with care into ice pop molds, leaving a small gap at the top for expansion.

6. If you are using them, add a pinch of coarse salt and lime zest to each mold for an extra flavor boost.

7. Place sticks into the molds, making sure they remain standing up straight.

8. Position the molds filled with liquid on a level surface in the freezer.

9. For a minimum of 6 hours, or until the mixture is completely frozen and hard, store in the freezer.

10. To take out of the mold, quickly run warm water over the mold’s exterior before gently tugging each ice pop out. Enjoy right away!

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Fine-mesh sieve
3. Pouring jug
4. Ice pop molds
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Knife and cutting board
7. Small bowl (for optional garnishes)
8. Ice pop sticks
9. Freezer
10. Spoon (for adjusting sweetness or tartness)

FAQ

• Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple chunks?Using fresh pineapple will provide a more robust flavor, but you can use canned pineapple if that’s what you have on hand.
• Is it possible to omit the alcohol to make it kid-friendly?Certainly! The tequila and orange liqueur can be left out. To amp up the taste, try orange juice instead.
• How long do these ice pops take to freeze?Depending on your freezer, they typically require around 4-6 hours to freeze completely.
• Can I substitute a different citrus for the lime juice?Lemon juice or grapefruit juice can certainly be used, but they will change the flavor aspect slightly.
• What can be used as a garnish if I don’t have lime zest?A small slice of pineapple or a cherry can serve as a garnish. Coarse salt on the rim also adds a nice touch.
• How do I ensure the ice pops are not too sweet?Change the quantity of sugar to what you like or, before freezing, taste the blend and adjust it accordingly to your palate.
• Are there any alternatives to using granulated sugar?Honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute, but the taste and texture may be subtly, or not so subtly, different.

Substitutions and Variations

Pineapple chunks, fresh: If fresh pineapple is not available, use canned pineapple chunks (drained).
Sugar in granulated form: Use an equal amount of honey or agave syrup if you seek an alternative, with a different sweetness profile, to granulated sugar.
Lime juice, fresh: For flavor, use bottled lime juice as an alternative, but fresh is preferred.
Substitute gold tequila for silver tequila. This gives a slightly different taste. For a non-alcoholic version, just leave the tequila out.
Liqueur d’orange: Utilisez du Grand Marnier comme alternative au Cointreau ou au Triple Sec.

Pro Tips

1. Roasting Pineapple Consider roasting the pineapple chunks before blending. This will caramelize the sugars and add depth and a hint of smokiness to your ice pops.

2. Chill Ingredients Before blending, chill all liquid ingredients and even the pineapple. This helps the mixture freeze faster and can lead to a smoother texture by reducing the formation of large ice crystals.

3. Alcohol Content Awareness Be cautious with the alcohol proportions as it affects freezing. If you want a firmer ice pop, reduce the tequila slightly or increase the pineapple and water content.

4. Herbal Twist Add a few fresh mint leaves while blending for a refreshing herbal note. It pairs beautifully with lime and pineapple flavors.

5. Customization and Presentation Swirl a small amount of puréed raspberries or strawberries into the molds before freezing for a visually appealing and flavorful twist.