Dreamy Tequila Sunrise Boozy Pops

When summer's blazing, I reach for these Tequila Sunrise Boozy Pops. They've got that vibrant, fruit-packed flavor with a boozy kick, and they come together super fast in my freezer. The cheery colors never fail to wow everyone as soon as you hand them out.

The first batch I ever made was for a backyard cookout on a scorching day. They practically vanished as soon as I opened the freezer. Now, these are my failproof treat anytime grownups need to cool off.

Vibrant Ingredients

• Lime slices for garnish: pop a slice in for extra freshness and some instant party vibes—pick glossy, heavy limes
• Grenadine: brings that famous sunrise color and a little pomegranate tang—I always spring for the high-quality stuff, not the cheap syrupy kind
• Silver tequila: the punchy base of the whole thing—grab a good mid-range bottle for smoothness
• Lime juice: gives zing and keeps everything bright—freshly squeezed really pops
• Pineapple juice: makes things juicy and tropical—get 100 percent juice, none of the sweetened stuff
• Orange juice: it's the classic core—'not from concentrate' has the best taste hands-down

Helpful How-To

Release and Enjoy:

To serve, pull off the cup or wiggle the pops out with the stick, then dive in right away for the perfect chill.

Lock In the Freeze:

Move pops back to your freezer and let them set for a good five hours or overnight. You want them solid all the way through.

Add Garnish and Sticks:

Slide a popsicle stick through each lime slice then stick it into every pop so the lime sits up top and the stick's straight up but not poking through the bottom.

Prep Your Lime Slices:

Slice limes into rounds that fit into your cups and carefully cut a small slit in the center of each so you can slide a stick through later.

Freeze Round One:

Tuck the cups in the freezer for about an hour. The mix should be just about firm—enough to stand a stick but not frozen solid.

Sunrise Time:

Pour in around half a teaspoon of grenadine right into the middle of each cup, slow and gentle, so the color sinks and you get those pretty layers.

Fill Up:

Pour your citrus-tequila mix into the bottom of your cups, making sure you leave about half an inch at the top for garnish and to give it room as it freezes.

Blend It All:

Whisk the orange, pineapple, lime juices, and tequila together in a big pitcher until it all looks even—so every pop's got the perfect taste.

Save Pin

I absolutely love how the grenadine turns into a fiery red layer at the bottom of each pop. Guests always mention it, and I still crack up thinking about that first hot night I shared them—everyone literally clapped.

Keep ‘Em Fresh

Just stash your pops well covered in the freezer for up to two weeks. Want them to last longer? Wrap them up separately in parchment or wax paper to keep them from sticking or getting frosty.

Try Something New

If you want to mix things up, swap in mango or guava juice for a fun tropical twist. If you need them lighter, just cut back on tequila and up the juice—but know that less booze means they might freeze a bit harder.

Fun Serving Ideas

They’re a blast after spicy tacos—totally refreshing. Or pass them out poolside, at backyard hangouts, or for a grownup birthday treat with some fruit salsa. I like to lay them over ice with slices of fresh lime and orange to make them look extra special.

Save Pin

Origins and Memories

The Tequila Sunrise has been around since the '30s but really took off in the '70s thanks to party scenes and beach bars. This frozen spin turns that legendary drink into an icy treat, perfect for kicking back on those hot days with your best crowd.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Will gold tequila mess up the taste?

Go for silver tequila for a brighter pop of flavor, but if you’re into a deeper, richer note, gold works fine too.

→ How do I stop my sticks from sliding all over?

Just push a slit lime slice on top. It’ll grab the stick so it stays right where you want.

→ Want a booze-free option for kids?

Yeah, no problem—leave out the tequila to make colorful, tasty frozen pops everyone can enjoy.

→ What’s behind the cool sunrise look?

It’s the grenadine! Drizzle it in very last so it settles at the bottom. You’ll get that awesome sunrise vibe.

→ How long will these pops really need to freeze?

Plan for at least six hours, but if you let ’em chill overnight you’ll know for sure they’re ready to go.

→ Stuck popsicles—how do you get ’em out?

Tear off the cup or wiggle up the stick. Still stuck? Run warm water over it quick. That’ll loosen things up fast.