Tropical Alcoholic Freeze Pops Recipe
Beat the heat with our easy-to-make Alcoholic Freeze Pops recipe, a delicious cocktail spin on the classic childhood frozen treat.
We can’t even tell you how excited we were to stumble upon homemade ice popsicle molds for freeze pops at the grocery store. Did anyone else go through two or three freeze pops a day as a kid during the summer? Now imagine that same nostalgic treat. Just upgraded into a fun, grown-up version.
Alcoholic freeze pops (also known as boozy popsicles or “pop-tails”) are everywhere right now, and for good reason. They’re the perfect way to turn your favorite cocktails into a refreshing frozen treat. This alcoholic freeze pops recipe brings that trend home, combining childhood nostalgia with a modern, cocktail-inspired twist.
One of the best things about alcoholic freeze pops is how mess-free they are. Unlike traditional popsicles, they don’t drip all over your hands. So you can actually enjoy them slowly… if you have the self-control. Fair warning: these alcoholic ice pops are seriously addictive.
While you can find store-bought options like Truly Freeze Pops or Cooloo Ice Pops, making your own alcoholic freeze pops at home is incredibly easy. Plus, it gives you total control to experiment with flavors, spirits, and ingredients to create your perfect mix.
I, Colleen, love keeping a batch of alcoholic freeze pops in the freezer for easy, adult-friendly summer fun, especially for BBQ parties, pool parties, or an adult birthday parties.
What Alcohol is Best for Popsicles?
When making boozy popsicles or freeze pops, think of it like creating a frozen cocktail. The flavor profiles are essentially the same, which means almost any alcohol can work in popsicles.
It doesn’t have to be limited to hard liquor, either. You can even use wine, just like popular options such as Claffey’s Frozen Cocktails. Many ready-to-drink beverages can easily be transformed into frozen treats.
If you’re craving fruity flavors like strawberry lemonade, simply mix up a pink panty dropper cocktail and freeze it. Love strawberry daiquiris? Blend one and turn it into a popsicle. The possibilities are endless with alcoholic freeze pops.
For a more subtle alcohol taste, vodka is a great choice. It’s relatively neutral and won’t overpower the other flavors like rum or tequila can.
Just keep in mind: alcohol doesn’t freeze solid on its own. To help your popsicles set properly, dilute your cocktail slightly, similar to the amount of water you’d get from adding ice to a drink.
What Do These Frozen Alcohol Pops Taste Like?
Our alcoholic freeze pops taste like a tropical twist on two classic cocktails: a Gin Aloha and piña colada. The recipe calls for gin, triple sec, pineapple juice and coconut.
While a traditional piña colada uses rum, we opted for gin in this recipe. The citrusy, floral notes of gin add a lighter, more refreshing flavor that works especially well in alcoholic freeze pops.
One of the best things about making alcoholic freeze pops at home is how easy they are to customize. You can experiment with different spirits, juices, and flavor combinations to create your own signature mix. They’re the perfect summer alcoholic dessert!
Ingredients and Tools Needed
- Gin: Or vodka for a milder taste
- Cointreau: Or any orange liqueur of your choice like Triple Sec liqueur
- Pineapple juice: Feel free to experiment with other tropical fruit juices like orange juice or lemonade.
- Coconut milk: Carton, not canned for better freezing. Coconut milk from a carton freezes better and faster because it’s more diluted, helping your alcohol freeze pops set properly.
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Kosher salt
- Optional: Food coloring: Optional to mimic the bold vibrant colors in your classic freeze pops. We like to use the natural food coloring available online, at specialty stores, and at Whole Foods. You can also try making your own natural food coloring. Use pomegranate or beet juice for red, turmeric for yellow, matcha for green, and red cabbage juice for blue.
- Kitchen funnel
- Ice popsicle mold bags
How to Make Alcoholic Freeze Pops
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend until smooth, just until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2: Add Food Coloring (Optional)
If you want to make a variety pack (like classic colorful freeze pops), divide the mixture into separate bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each and stir until you reach your desired colors.
Step 3: Pour into Molds
A funnel helps avoid spills. Carefully pour the mixture into ice popsicle mold bags. Leave a little space at the top, as the liquid will expand when frozen. Seal the bags tightly.
Step 4: Freeze
Freeze for at least 4–8 hours (preferably overnight), or until firm. Lay the pops flat in the freezer and freeze. They’re ready when fully solid and firm to the touch.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Use less alcohol than you would in a drink
- Balance with juice or water for better freezing
- Taste before freezing and adjust sweetness
- Freeze overnight for best results
How Long Do Cocktail Pops Keep?
Store your alcohol freeze pops in the freezer for up to 1 month. The consistency of the alcohol will change if it’s frozen for a long period of time. Keep them sealed to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about alcohol freeze pops is how customizable they are. You can turn almost any cocktail into alcoholic freeze pops. Just dilute slightly to account for ice melt so they freeze properly.
More Popsicle Recipes
For more sweet frozen recipes to cool off with, check out our other easy recipes below —
- Popsicle Cocktail
- Roasted Peach and Cherry Popsicles
- Whole30 Tropical Paradise Popsicles
- Peaches and Cream Popsicles
Ingredients
- 4 oz gin
- 4 oz Cointreau
- 1 cup fresh pineapple juice
- 2 cup coconut milk from the carton, not the can
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
- Food coloring optional
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend until smooth, just until the sugar dissolves.
- Optional: To make variety packs of different colors, divide the mixed blend into separate bowls or containers. Then, add food coloring as desired.
- Using a funnel, pour the mix into ice popsicle mold bags. Do not overfill as it will expand. Seal the bags.
- Freeze them laying flat for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. You will know when they are ready when are solid and hard.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe? Share your Alcoholic Freeze Pops with us on Instagram, using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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do you have a recipe for the original flavors that would be very useful i just want the popsicles in the winter :(
Hi! You can just omit the alcohol for a mocktail version.
Love!!! How did you get the lighter pink color?!
Just a teeny tiny bit of red food dye or beet juice!
Oh wow, so colorful! Perfect for the summer!
we’re clearly fans of color ;) glad you love it, mary!
xo
This looks super cute and even more fun to make! x
Morgan | http://www.justmorgs.com