A sweet and frozen twist on your favorite cocktail!

Get ready to double down on summer with these Watermelon Margarita Pops. This playful treat combines the best of the season: sweet, juicy watermelon wedges soaked in a tangy margarita mix, then frozen into icy pops. It’s the perfect mashup of dessert and happy hour fun!

If you’re a fan of my Watermelon Margaritas, Watermelon Margarita Bowls, or Margarita-Infused Fruit Skewers, this one’s going to be right up your alley. It’s another creative, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy that signature salty-sweet margarita flavor in a lower-sugar format.

The pops have a slushie-like consistency with zesty hits of lime and a subtle splash of booze. Want to make them family-friendly? Just skip the tequila and use orange juice instead—it’s still citrusy, vibrant, and now fully kid-approved.

Step 1: In a zip-top bag, mix tequila, orange liqueur (or juice), and lime juice. Add watermelon slices, seal, and gently toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge.
Step 2: Arrange marinated watermelon slices on a baking sheet. Insert popsicle sticks into the rinds, sprinkle with salt and lime zest, and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Why these pops are the coolest treat of the summer 

  • Hydrating and heavenly: Thanks to watermelon’s sky-high water content, these are incredibly thirst-quenching—perfect for sizzling summer days.
  • Real fruit, no fuss: These pops start with juicy watermelon wedges—no blender, no molds, no mess. Just a quick soak, skewer, and freeze.
  • A cocktail…on a stick: Lightly spiked with tequila and lime, they deliver that refreshing margarita flavor—think “skinny marg” meets frozen treat! 
  • Party-perfect for everyone: You can easily make them a kid-friendly (or mocktail) version without the booze, so everyone can join the fun.

I’ve brought these to a bunch of summer BBQs, and they always steal the show. Adults love the subtle margarita vibe, kids go wild for the watermelon-on-a-stick format, and they never fail to spark conversation. They’re an instant mood-booster—truly the life of the party!

Try my Sangria Pops next!

(5 stars) 1 rating

Watermelon Margarita Pops

This playful and refreshing treat combines the season's best: icy popsicles, sweet juicy watermelon, and a splash of margarita magic.
Yield: 9 pops
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup tequila
  • ¾ cup orange liqueur, or orange juice
  • ½ cup lime juice
  • ¼ watermelon, cut into triangles (~9 slices)
  • Coarse kosher or sea salt and lime zest for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large zip-top bag, mix together the tequila, orange liqueur (or orange juice), and lime juice.
  • Add the watermelon slices to the bag, secure the top, and gently squish them around to coat all the pieces.
  • Lay the bag flat in the fridge for about 40 minutes, flipping it every 10 minutes to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
  • Remove the bag from the fridge and lay the watermelon slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Using a sharp knife, poke holes in the center of each thick rind and insert a wooden popsicle stick into each hole. Sprinkle coarse sea salt or kosher salt and lime zest over the tops.
  • Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag or container to free up space in your freezer. These will keep in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• For a booze-free version, simply skip the tequila and mix ¾ cup orange juice with ½ cup lime juice. If you find you need more liquid to fully submerge the watermelon slices, add a bit more of each.
Storage Instructions
• Once the popsicles are fully frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• To enjoy, let the popsicles sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 50Carbohydrates: 11gProtein: 0gTotal Fat: 0g— Unsaturated Fat: 0g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgFiber: 0gTotal Sugar: 10g— Natural Sugar: 9g— Added Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!