There is nothing quite like a burst of refreshing summer flavor to brighten your day, and that’s exactly what the Watermelon Margarita Popsicles (No Sugar Added) Recipe delivers. This vibrant, natural treat perfectly balances juicy watermelon sweetness with a zesty lime kick and a splash of smooth tequila, all without any added sugar. It’s icy, invigorating, and oh-so-simple to make, turning a beloved adult beverage into a fun frozen delight that’s perfect for sun-drenched afternoons or casual get-togethers. Trust me, these popsicles will become your new go-to when you crave something cool, spirited, and guilt-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a special role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and natural color for your popsicles.
- Watermelon: About 5-6 pounds of fresh, ripe watermelon brings juicy sweetness and vibrant pink hue without any need for added sugars.
- Lime juice: The juice of one lime adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness and elevates every bite.
- Silver tequila: Four ounces of quality silver tequila lend that iconic margarita flavor with just the right touch of boozy warmth.
- Sea salt: Just a quarter teaspoon enhances the flavor profile by balancing the sweetness and adding a subtle savory note.
How to Make Watermelon Margarita Popsicles (No Sugar Added) Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Watermelon
Start by cutting the watermelon into manageable pieces, carefully removing the rind so none of that bitterness ends up in your blend. Toss the juicy chunks into a blender and pulse until you get a smooth, pink liquid that’s naturally sweet and full of summer goodness.
Step 2: Mix in the Margarita Essentials
Add your freshly squeezed lime juice, silver tequila, and sea salt to the watermelon puree. Blend once more until everything is fully incorporated, ensuring that every popsicle will have that perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and a hint of saltiness that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Pour and Freeze
Carefully pour the watermelon mixture into your popsicle molds, but don’t fill each cavity all the way to the top because the liquid will expand as it freezes. Freeze the molds for about 2 to 2 and a half hours, then insert the sticks so they’ll stand firm. Pop the molds back in the freezer for another 3 to 4 hours to get beautifully solid popsicles.
Step 4: Unmold and Enjoy
When ready to enjoy, remove the popsicle mold from the freezer and dip the bottom briefly in warm water. This little trick loosens the pops without melting them, making it easy for the watermelon margarita magic to slide right out. Store any extras in a large sealed bag to keep them fresh and ready for your next craving.
How to Serve Watermelon Margarita Popsicles (No Sugar Added) Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish turns these popsicles into a dazzling treat. Try rimmed popsicles with a sprinkle of chili powder or a dash of coarse sea salt to bring out the margarita vibe. A fresh mint leaf or a thin lime wheel tucked beside the stick adds a refreshing aroma that complements the bold flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
For a perfect summer spread, serve these popsicles alongside light, fresh snacks like a crisp cucumber salad, grilled shrimp skewers, or a simple avocado salsa. The popsicles cool and refresh while the savory sides keep the party interesting—ideal for an easy, breezy afternoon get-together or a fun adult pool party.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your popsicles stand out by presenting them in mason jars filled with crushed ice, letting friends pick their pop from the chilly stash. Or, serve them with a tiny splash of extra tequila as a mini “margarita float” for an added kick. Even lining them up on a colorful tray with fresh watermelon wedges adds casual flair and invites everyone in for a taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Watermelon Margarita Popsicles (No Sugar Added) Recipe are frozen solid, store any leftovers in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the popsicles tasting fresh for weeks, so you can enjoy a boozy, healthful treat anytime the craving hits.
Freezing
For the best texture, freeze your popsicles for at least 5-6 hours total, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to solidify thoroughly. If you want to prepare them well in advance, just ensure they remain well-sealed and remain mindful that the tequila may slightly soften the icy texture over very long storage.
Reheating
Fortunately, there’s no reheating needed with these popsicles. Simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if they’re too frozen to bite easily. The warm water dip method works great for unmolding or softening them up just enough to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I make these popsicles without alcohol?
Absolutely! Skip the tequila and add a little extra lime juice or a splash of sparkling water to keep the refreshing flavor while making them completely kid-friendly or alcohol-free.
Is it necessary to add sea salt?
The sea salt really enhances the flavors by balancing the sweetness of the watermelon and the tartness of the lime—it’s a small but mighty addition. If you prefer, you can reduce or omit it, but it’s highly recommended.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
For the freshest flavor, fresh lime juice is best as it brings both acidity and brightness that bottled juices often lack. However, in a pinch, bottled lime juice will work—just try to choose a high-quality version without added sugars.
How long will the popsicles keep in the freezer?
Stored properly in an airtight container or bag, your watermelon margarita popsicles will maintain their best quality for up to 2-3 weeks. Beyond that, they may begin to develop freezer burn or lose some texture.
Can I substitute the watermelon with another fruit?
While watermelon’s natural sweetness and texture make it ideal, you can experiment with other fruits like cantaloupe or ripe mango for different but equally delicious results. Just adjust lime and tequila quantities to balance the new flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Watermelon Margarita Popsicles (No Sugar Added) Recipe is a fun, refreshing, and surprisingly easy way to enjoy a summertime classic with a healthy twist. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting friends, these popsicles bring a delightful combination of natural sweetness, tangy lime, and spirited tequila into a perfectly portable treat. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Watermelon Margarita Popsicles (No Sugar Added) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 popsicles (3 oz. each)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Enjoy a refreshing and adult twist on a classic summer treat with these Watermelon Margarita Popsicles. Made with fresh watermelon, lime juice, silver tequila, and a hint of sea salt, these no sugar added popsicles are perfect for cooling down on a hot day while savoring the iconic margarita flavors in a fun, frozen form.
Ingredients
Watermelon Margarita Popsicles
- 1 small watermelon (about 5–6 pounds), cut into pieces, rind discarded
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 ounces silver tequila
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into small pieces, making sure to discard the rind. Place the watermelon pieces into a blender and blend until completely pulverized into a smooth puree.
- Mix ingredients: Add the lime juice, silver tequila, and sea salt to the blended watermelon. Blend again or mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Fill molds and start freezing: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving some space at the top since the liquid will expand when frozen. Place the molds in the freezer for 2 to 2.5 hours to partially freeze.
- Insert sticks and complete freezing: After partial freezing, insert the popsicle sticks into each mold. Return molds to the freezer for an additional 3 to 4 hours until fully frozen.
- Remove popsicles from molds: To easily remove the popsicles, fill the sink with hot water and carefully dunk the molds for a few seconds to loosen the popsicles. Gently pull them out. Transfer any remaining popsicles to a large Ziploc bag for storage in the freezer to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, consume popsicles within 1-2 weeks of freezing.
- You can adjust the amount of tequila and sea salt according to your taste preference.
- Make sure not to fill popsicle molds to the very top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- If you want a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the tequila and add a splash of sparkling water or extra lime juice for zing.
