Rainbow Gummy Tequila Pops
A vibrant, fun, and totally delicious frozen treat that's basically a party on a stick.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- bowls multiple, for dividing colors
- Whisk
- Ice pop molds Silicone or plastic work great. Amount of popsicles depends on size.
- Ice pop sticks Most molds come with them, but double-check.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Tequila Use something decent that you'd actually drink.
- 1 cup Water Simple tap water works just fine here.
- 1 cup Sugar Plain granulated sugar is perfect for sweetening our base.
- 1 package (3 oz) Flavored Gelatin various colors; Grab a box with a few different colors if you want that true rainbow effect. Think strawberry, lemon, lime, blue raspberry... the more colors, the merrier!
- 0.25 cup Rainbow Gummy Candies The chewy stars! Rainbow bears, worms, rings – pick your favorite little pops of color and chewiness.
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice A little citrus brightens everything up and plays so well with tequila. Freshly squeezed is always best!
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice More citrusy goodness to balance the sweetness.
Instructions
- First things first, grab a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, combine your water and sugar. Give it a good stir until that sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
- Take the pan off the heat. Let it hang out for just a couple of minutes to cool down slightly – we don't want to cook the alcohol out! Now, carefully stir in the Tequila, lime juice, and lemon juice. Give it a taste (carefully!). Add a tiny bit more sugar or juice if you like, but remember the gelatin will add sweetness too.
- Now comes the fun part – dividing the liquid! Figure out how many different colors you want. Pour the liquid base evenly into separate bowls, one for each color of gelatin you plan to use.
- Open up your first packet of gelatin powder. Add it to one of the bowls of liquid. Grab a whisk and whisk it vigorously until the gelatin powder is completely dissolved. No little gritty bits allowed! Repeat this step for each color in its own bowl. You should have a few bowls of brightly colored liquid now.
- Okay, layering time! Carefully pour the first color (maybe red or purple?) into the bottom of your ice pop molds. Don't fill it all the way – just enough for your first layer.
- Pop the molds into the freezer for about 30 minutes. The goal here isn't to freeze them solid, just until the layer is slightly firm – like firm jelly. This stops the colors from bleeding into each other later.
- Once that first layer is slightly set, it's time for the gummies! Gently drop a few rainbow gummy candies into the mold, pressing them down slightly into the set layer. Don't overcrowd it, but make sure there are enough for a chewy surprise!
- Now, grab your next color of gelatin mixture. Carefully pour it over the gummy layer. Again, just enough for your next layer.
- Return the molds to the freezer for another 30 minutes, or until that layer is also slightly firm.
- Keep repeating steps 6-9: Add gummies, pour the next color, freeze for 30 minutes, until your molds are full! Try to end with a liquid layer on top to make inserting the stick easier.
- Once the final layer is poured and slightly set (or before the final layer is fully frozen solid), it's time to insert the ice pop sticks. Push them down about halfway into the mold.
- Finally, pop the molds back into the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until they are completely frozen solid. Patience is key here!
- When you're ready to unleash the deliciousness, take the mold out of the freezer. Briefly run some warm water over the outside of the mold (just a few seconds!) to help loosen the pops. Wiggle them gently and pull them out.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- The 30-minute partial freeze between layers is crucial to prevent colors from bleeding.
- Don't overfill the molds; leave a little headspace.
- Gently press gummies into the slightly set layer.
- Briefly running warm water over the mold helps with easy release (don't use hot water or soak). Substitutions & Additions:
- Different Booze: Swap tequila for vodka, white rum, or sweet Moscato wine (keep alcohol ratio similar).
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace 1 cup tequila with 1 cup extra water or white grape juice.
- Candy Swap: Use sour gummies, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles.
- Fruity Boost: Add tiny pieces of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or lime segments.
- Different Flavors: Get creative with gelatin flavors. Storage Instructions:
- Individually wrap each pop in plastic wrap or small plastic bags.
- Place wrapped pops into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
- They keep well in the freezer for about 1-2 weeks. FAQ:
- Alcohol lowers the freezing point, so they won't be rock-hard like traditional popsicles, but more slushy/semi-frozen.
- The 30-minute partial freeze between layers is crucial to prevent colors from bleeding.
- Don't overfill the molds; leave a little headspace.
- Gently press gummies into the slightly set layer.
- Briefly running warm water over the mold helps with easy release (don't use hot water or soak). Substitutions & Additions:
- Different Booze: Swap tequila for vodka, white rum, or sweet Moscato wine (keep alcohol ratio similar).
- Non-Alcoholic: Replace 1 cup tequila with 1 cup extra water or white grape juice.
- Candy Swap: Use sour gummies, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles.
- Fruity Boost: Add tiny pieces of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or lime segments.
- Different Flavors: Get creative with gelatin flavors. Storage Instructions:
- Individually wrap each pop in plastic wrap or small plastic bags.
- Place wrapped pops into a large freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
- They keep well in the freezer for about 1-2 weeks. FAQ:
- Alcohol lowers the freezing point, so they won't be rock-hard like traditional popsicles, but more slushy/semi-frozen.