Tequila Sunrise Popsicles

Tequila Sunrise Popsicles

At a summer BBQ there is nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to take the edge off the summer heat. But what if you could take that classic poolside recipe and transform it into a portable, frozen treat?

Boozy ice pops are always a hit at parties and can also be fun to add to a glass of prosecco or sparkling water for a fun presentation. You can also make these as non alcoholic popsicles that anyone can enjoy.

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links to my favorite popsicle molds and kitchen tools.

Here’s what ingredients and tools you’ll need for this drink:

To ensure your Tequila Sunrise Popsicles turn out perfectly, you’ll need a few specific kitchen tools alongside your ingredients. Having the right gear ensures the layers stay distinct and the popsicles release cleanly from the molds.

Popsicle Molds: Choose a high-quality silicone or BPA-free plastic mold. Silicone molds are generally easier for “poptails” because they are flexible, making it easier to pop out the slightly softer, alcohol-infused ice.

Popsicle Sticks: Most molds come with reusable plastic handles, but if you prefer the classic look, use food-grade wooden sticks.

Large Pitcher with a Spout: A spout is crucial for a controlled, steady pour. This helps you fill the molds without splashing, which is key to keeping the orange and red layers separate.

Jigger or Measuring Spoons: Precision is important when working with alcohol in the freezer. Use a jigger to measure the tequila and a small measuring spoon for the grenadine to ensure they freeze solid.

Small Funnel: If your popsicle molds have very narrow openings, a small kitchen funnel will prevent the orange juice mixture from spilling over the sides.

Citrus Juicer: Since the recipe calls for fresh lime juice, a hand-held citrus press will help you get the most juice out of your limes with zero seeds.

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What is a Tequila Sunrise?

Before we dive into the frozen version, let’s talk about the inspiration. The Tequila Sunrise is a classic long drink that gained massive popularity in the early 1970s.

A traditional Tequila Sunrise consists of three primary layers: tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. The beauty of the drink lies in its presentation. Unlike many cocktails that are shaken or stirred until uniform, the grenadine is poured in last. Because it is denser than the alcohol and juice, it sinks to the bottom and slowly rises. This creates a visual gradient that mimics a sunrise. It’s sweet and citrusy and so easy to make at home.

What is Grenadine?

If you’ve ever looked at a bright red cocktail and wondered what gives it that vibrant hue, the answer is probably grenadine. Many people mistakenly believe grenadine is cherry-flavored because of its color, but it is actually a pomegranate-based syrup.

In our Tequila Sunrise Popsicles, grenadine serves two purposes. First, it provides the essential sweetness to balance the tartness of the lime and the acidity of the orange juice. Second, its high sugar content makes it significantly denser than the rest of the mixture. This density is what allows us to create that iconic “sunrise” look in the popsicle mold. When you drop it in, it settles at the tip, giving you a concentrated burst of sweetness in every bite.

How do they freeze with alcohol?

This is the most common question when making “boozy popsicles.” Pure alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water.

To get a popsicle to actually harden rather than stay a slushy mess, you have to hit a specific ratio. Usually, a concentration of about 5-10% alcohol-to-mixer is the limit for a firm freeze. In this recipe, we use 1/2 cup of tequila across a total volume of nearly 4 cups of liquid. This keeps the alcohol content low enough that the water in the orange juice can form a solid structure, while the tequila remains integrated, providing a softer, “granita-like” texture that is much more pleasant to bite into than a solid block of ice.

How to make a Non-Alcoholic version

Want to enjoy the sunrise without the buzz? It is incredibly easy to make a “Virgin Sunrise” popsicle that anyone can enjoy. To adapt this recipe non-drinkers, simply omit the 1/2 cup of tequila and replace it with an additional 1/2 cup of orange juice or white grape juice for a bit of complexity.

Since you won’t have the alcohol interfering with the freezing process, these non-alcoholic popsicles will freeze faster and harder. To improve the texture of a non-alcoholic version, you can add a tablespoon of simple syrup or agave nectar.

Tequila Sunrise Popsicles Recipe

Get 40 more cocktail recipes in my new book Sips of The Seasons.

Boozy popsicles for summer