Beat the summer heat with these bold and refreshing Firecracker Watermelon Tequila Pops—boozy, spicy, and icy cold. A must-try frozen cocktail on a stick!
Why You’ll Love These Firecracker Watermelon Tequila Pops
There’s something magical about the combination of watermelon, lime, and tequila. It screams summer, poolside parties, and laughter with friends. Now imagine all that, frozen into a bold, spicy, sweet popsicle. That’s exactly what you get with these Firecracker Watermelon Tequila Pops—a deliciously daring fusion of juicy fruit and adult indulgence. They’re easy to make, wildly refreshing, and just the right kind of rebellious.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want a personal stash of summer bliss in your freezer, these pops are the answer. Plus, they look as good as they taste—vibrant, inviting, and full of personality.
Tools You’ll Need
To bring these fiery popsicles to life, you’ll need the following:
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Popsicle molds
- Popsicle sticks
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and spoon (for cutting and scooping the watermelon)
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe watermelon (seedless preferred)
- 1 cup tequila (silver or blanco)
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
- ¼ cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, or adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Popsicle molds
- Popsicle sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Watermelon
Slice the watermelon in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl. Remove any seeds and cut the flesh into smaller chunks for easier blending.
2. Blend the Fruit
In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon until smooth. If you enjoy a slightly chunky texture, pulse it a few times instead of fully liquefying it.
3. Mix the Boozy Base
In a separate bowl, combine the tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, chili powder, and sea salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Combine Flavors
Pour the watermelon puree into the tequila mixture. Stir gently until fully combined into a bright, juicy mixture.
5. Fill the Molds
Carefully pour the mixture into popsicle molds, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion while freezing.
6. Add the Sticks
Insert the popsicle sticks into each mold. Make sure they’re centered and standing upright.
7. Freeze
Place the molds in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until completely solid.
8. Serve and Enjoy
When ready to serve, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds to loosen. Gently pull each pop out and enjoy the icy explosion of flavor.
Tips for Success
- Balance is everything: If the pops are too strong, reduce the tequila slightly and add more watermelon or simple syrup.
- Taste before freezing: The flavor should be slightly stronger than you want the final pop to be, since freezing dulls sweetness and intensity.
- Keep it smooth: Strain the watermelon puree for a cleaner texture if you don’t like pulp.
- Use high-quality tequila: The flavor shines through, so opt for a smooth, clean-tasting tequila.
Variations and Add-Ons
- No spice, no problem: Skip the chili powder if you’re not into heat, or replace it with Tajín for a tangy kick.
- Add herbs: A few torn mint or basil leaves in the mix can add a fresh, unexpected note.
- Turn it non-alcoholic: Leave out the tequila and replace it with extra lime juice and a splash of sparkling water or fruit juice.
- Fruity fusion: Add chunks of mango, strawberry, or pineapple for layered fruit pops.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store the pops in the molds or transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep their best quality for about 2 weeks, although they’re still safe to eat beyond that—if they last that long!
Re-freezing tip: If they start to soften, just pop them back in the molds and refreeze.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Pop)
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugars: 10g
- Alcohol: ~8–10% ABV per pop (depending on size)
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: <1g
Note: These are estimates and vary depending on mold size and actual ingredient proportions.
Prep Time Overview
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Freezing time: 6 hours minimum
- Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different alcohol?
Yes! Vodka or rum works well, but tequila pairs beautifully with watermelon and lime for that signature punch.
Will they freeze solid with alcohol?
Yes, but only if you keep the alcohol ratio balanced. Too much tequila will prevent proper freezing. Stick to 1 cup per medium watermelon for best results.
Can I make these without popsicle molds?
Absolutely. Use small paper cups and insert wooden sticks after about 2 hours of freezing, once they’re semi-solid.
Are these kid-friendly?
Not as written! But you can make a kid-safe version by omitting the tequila and chili, and adding more simple syrup or blended fruit.
These Firecracker Watermelon Tequila Pops are more than just frozen treats—they’re an experience. Bold, sweet, spicy, and undeniably fun, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Make a batch, kick back, and let the pops do the talking.
