This no-churn Margarita Ice Cream is the ultimate summer treat! Tangy, creamy, and infused with lime and tequila, this recipe is a wonderful twist on a classic cocktail. Whip it up in no time for a refreshing, sweet escape on a hot day!

With a glass of this margarita ice cream, every hour is a happy hour!
Whether you’re serving it up at your next fiesta or just treating yourself to a little taste of paradise, one thing’s for sure – you’re in for a treat! Cheers to that!
โผ๏ธ This ice cream should not be served to underage children. It's an adults-only frozen dessert! More for us, right?
๐ฆWhy you'll love this Margarita Ice Cream
- Homemade ice cream is ridiculously easy to make, and this tequila-infused ice cream is way too easy to eat.
- No fancy ice cream maker is required – just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.
- It’s versatile! You can customize the flavors to suit your taste buds and get as creative as you like.
Whether you're indulging in a decadent slice of rum coconut banana cake or savoring a scoop of Italian rum and raisin gelato, one thing's for sure – boozy desserts are always a good idea!
Serve this melt-in-your-mouth creamy margarita to your Cinco de Mayo party guests. A great finish (or a beginning) to a great event! ๐
๐ Ingredients and Notes
๐ฅ Tequila - to give it that signature Margarita kick. You can experiment with different types of tequila for unique flavor profiles (*see "Variations" below).
๐ Lime juice: For that zesty citrus punch. Also, add lime zest for an extra pop of flavor and color! You can use Key limes or regular limes.
๐ฅ Condensed milk and whipped cream: for a creamy, dreamy texture despite the absence of an ice cream maker.
๐น Triple Sec: This secret ingredient in many cocktails adds a tangy taste of orange peel. You can substitute with another good-quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
๐ง Sugar or salt (optional): to rim a glass for visual appeal.
๐น๐ฆ Making Margarita ice cream from scratch
Step 1
Pour the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, lime juice, triple sec, and tequila into a large bowl.
๐ก Top tip
When making homemade Margarita ice cream, make sure to balance the amount of alcohol. If you add too much, it will inhibit proper freezing and result in a softer texture. Start with a recommended (moderate) amount and adjust to taste accordingly.
Step 2
With an electric mixer, whip the ingredients until thick and smooth but not too stiff.
Step 3
Scrape into an airtight container and freeze for at least four hours or overnight.
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions
For the ultimate showcase, serve margarita ice cream in rimmed margarita glasses or scoop it into a bowl and call it a day.
Take it to the next level: serve it sandwiched between two buttery cookies or layered into a trifle with chunks of fresh fruit.
You could make popsicles or ice pops. We also love to make a float over lemon-lime soda.
๐ Variations
- Try different types of tequila: mezcal for the smoky notes or reposado for its smoothness.
- You can add a splash of orange liqueur.
- Toss in some chopped mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Rim the glass with tajin (chili lime seasoning) or chili powder. Not a fan of spice? Try cocoa powder instead.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Your margarita ice cream is soft because alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, so it helps prevent ice crystals from forming. The result: a velvety-smooth texture that is scoopable even when frozen. The more alcohol you add, the softer the ice cream.
Rub the glass rim with a lime wedge, then dip it in salt or sugar.
Yes! For virgin margarita ice cream, use this tequila alternative and replace triple sec with orange juice.
๐จ More no-churn ice cream recipes
๐งก LIKED THIS RECIPE? Leave a โญโญโญโญโญ rating and/or a review in the comments section. ๐ HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.
๐ Recipe
No-Churn Margarita Ice Cream Recipe
EQUIPMENT
- Electric Mixer or a whisk
- Loaf pan or an airthight container
Ingredients
- ยพ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- โ cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons triple sec
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- Lime zest, for garnish
- sugar or salt, to rim a glass (optional)
Instructions
- Scrape into an airtight container and freeze for at least four to six hours (best overnight).
- Scoop ice cream into glasses or bowls. Garnish with lime zest.
Notes
- Don't add more tequila than recommended. It will inhibit proper freezing and result in a texture that is too soft.
- Make sure not to overbeat the ingredients, as heavy cream may separate.
- Serve ice cream in margarita glasses rimmed with sugar or salt if desired. Martini glasses work too.
- You can rim the glass with tajin (chili lime seasoning) or chili powder. If you don't like it spicy, use cocoa powder.
- Try different types of tequila: mezcal for the smoky notes or reposado for its smoothness.
- Using non-alcoholic tequila makes it a virgin dessert. See the "Frequently Asked Questions" section above for details.
- If using a loaf pan to freeze ice cream, wrap it tightly with a plastic wrap.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used and serving size.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This recipe was originally published in July 2014 and updated in April 2024 with new photos and recipe tips.
Jennifer Lucas says
Just took a taste ! So good . I did a little more tequila:)
Jas says
Thank you! I like more tequila too, but alcohol doesn't freeze, so the more you add, the softer your ice cream will be. ๐
P~ says
That is RIGHT up my alley! It looks amazing! P~
Jas says
Glad you like it! Thanks for stopping in ๐
Meg says
You just made my summer. Pinned!
Jas says
Well, you're welcome! LOL. So happy you like it, Meg. Thank you!
Beverly says
Jas,
OMG, I know I am going to love this. Stop by Over The Moon party since you are being featured.
Hugs,
Bev
Jas says
Thank you so much, Beverly! Such an honor ๐ XO
April J Harris says
What a lovely summer dessert, Jas. It would be perfectly refreshing after a heavy meal. Cocktails for dessert are becoming so fashionable. Thank you so much for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link party. Pinning and sharing this post. Hope your week is going well.
Jas says
Many thanks, April! Cocktails for breakfast, dinner or dessert is all OK in my book. ๐ Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! x
Debbie Kitterman says
Jas - this ice-cream sounds delicious and your pictures are making my mouth water... SO, do you think you could replace the condensed milk with maybe coconut milk? Thanks for sharing your great recipes each week at #TuneInThursday
Jas says
Hi, Debbie! Believe it or not, I never used coconut milk so I can't say for sure if it would work. If it has the thickness of condensed milk, I don't see why not. ๐
Lynda Hardy says
I am so intrigued by this! Tucking it away to try soon! Thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!
Jas says
Thank you, Lynda!
Debrashoppeno5 says
This recipe is the best of both worlds; a sweet treat and a delicious drink.
Jas says
I think so too ๐
Danielle @ A Sprinkle of Joy says
Ummm, yes please! That looks great!
Jas says
Thank you, Danielle! ๐
The Thrifty Issue says
I have a friend who thinks they make the best ice cream ever. I am going to make this next time I see them!
Jas says
Haha, sounds like a good plan! ๐ Hope they like it!
Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says
Oh my gosh, this looks SO amazing! Do you think that it would come out well using an ice cream maker, too? I'd love to try it! ๐ Lisa
Jas says
Hi, Lisa! I'm sure you can adjust the recipe for the ice cream maker, but I have never used one so unfortunately, I can't vouch for it. Sorry!
Antonia says
This is my kind of ice cream! Everyone is going to love this refreshing dessert over at Fiesta Friday! Thanks for sharing!
Jas says
Thank you bunches, Antonia!
Roseann Hampton says
What a great summertime treat! I love how easy it is to make! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger's Pit Stop! Can't wait to see what you link up next week!
Jas says
It really is easy. ๐ Thanks, Roseann!
angie says
this ice cream sounds perfect for an adult summer night. So refreshing
Jas says
It is, Angie! Although it doesn't give you a buzz unless you eat it all by yourself in one sitting, lol.
Candi Randolph says
Oh my...I'm going to have to try this! It looks like it could become addicting. I love simple recipes and this fits the bill for sure!
Jas says
I hope you do, Candi! Thanks for stopping in ๐
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond says
This looks delicious Jas and perfect for summer! Thanks for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty and have a great week!
Jas says
Thank you, Sue! It's refreshing and relaxing ๐