Sangrita Paletas (Spiced Tomato-Tequila Ice Pops) for #CincoDeMayo

I know, I know.  I do.  I know for a fact that at least half of the people reading the title of this post are thinking "Eeeewwwww, tomato popsicles!".  I mean, I understand that are not your average ice pop.  When you're craving that icy cold concoction, I'm guessing the flavor that pops into your head first (or second...or fifth) is not tomato.  That's okay.

These pops are not for everybody.  And they're definitely not for kids.  The tequila is loud and proud, mixed right in there with the somewhat spicy tomato chaser mixer that is popular in Mexico, Sangrita.  I don't think this is something that you'll love unless you love Sangrita, or similar combinations like a Bloody Mary, a Bloody Maria, or maybe a Michelada.  You have to be a fan of tomato, plain and simple, to appreciate these paletas.

But I do think that they are a fun addition to any Cinco de Mayo celebration.  Offer them up amongst other fun flavors that you might associate with Mexico like Cajeta, Hibiscus w/ Mango, Mango & Chile, Spicy Pineapple or Creamy Coconut, Fresa (Strawberry) or another fruity ice pop...or maybe another tequila-infused paleta like these Sour Cream, Cherry, and Tequila Pops.  Or go with these beautiful bandera-looking Cinco de Mayo Paletas.  Just be sure to label the pops that have the alcohol in them, because little hands can't resist popsicles.

Enjoy your fiesta!

Sangrita Paletas (Tomato-Tequila Ice Pops)

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ time to freeze)

Cook Time: n/a

Keywords: snack dessert tequila tomatoes Cinco de Mayo Mexican

Ingredients (8-10)

• 1 1/2 cups Pomì Strained Tomatoes
• scant 1/4 cup Piedra Azul Blanco Tequila
• 1/4 cup Agave Nectar (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons (non-vinegary) hot sauce (more or less to taste)
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• big pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust agave nectar and hot sauce, if needed (should be a good mix of spicy and lightly sweet).

Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid - which will take a bit longer than your average popsicle, due to the addition of the alcohol (overnight is best) - adding the sticks at the proper time for your particular mold.

notes:

If it is the height of summer, and beautiful tomatoes are in season, puree some perfectly ripe ones, and substitute them for the boxed ones. Also, feel free to use your favorite brand of tequila.

inspired by and adapted from Paletas

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What foods are a must-have at your Cinco de Mayo (or other Mexican-inspired) fiestas? Oh, or what are your favorite flavors in a popsicle? (Keep those flavors in mind, because The Summer of the Popsicle will be making its return very soon!)

 Feel free to leave links or recipes to your favorites in the comments section.