Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With A Tequila Ice Cream – A Taste Of Mexico

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a homemade Tequila Ice Cream! Inspired by my niece’s Mexico travels, this bold frozen dessert captures the flavour of a fiesta with orange, cinnamon, and a splash of tequila – the ultimate boozy scoop to mark this vibrant Mexican holiday!

From Family Holidays to Ice Cream Inspiration!

My niece recently told me she’d be travelling to Mexico for a much-earned break away, so I (half-jokingly) said, “Make sure you try the tequila!” — only for her to reply, “Oh, we love tequila!” She and her husband did a tequila tasting board some years back and discovered just how much they LOVE tequila, in particular the gold variety.

And honestly? Who can blame them?

As it turns out, they’ll be in Mexico for Cinco de Mayo — it’s like being in New Orleans for Mardi Gras! Think street parades, mariachi bands, bold flavours, and of course… tequila flowing in every direction.

So what better way to celebrate this vibrant holiday celebration and my niece’s travels than with a scoop of homemade Tequila Ice Cream? This frozen fiesta captures the essence of Mexico in every spoonful — zesty, creamy, spicy, and just the right amount of boozy.

Whether you’re hosting a garden party, planning a dessert with a kick, or simply want to try something new, this recipe brings the spirit of Cinco de Mayo straight to your bowl.

In This Article, We’ll Share:

✔️ A brief history of Cinco de Mayo — and why it’s a day of pride, resilience, and celebration in Mexico
✔️ A quick look at what tequila actually is (as if it needs an introduction!) — including how it’s made and why it pairs so perfectly with sweet treats
✔️ Why tequila works beautifully in frozen desserts — and how its unique flavour enhances creamy textures
✔️ Our step-by-step recipe for Homemade Tequila Ice Cream — smooth, boozy, and bursting with flavour
✔️ Ideas for pairing tequila with lime, mango, chilli, and more
✔️ Serving suggestions — from party-perfect scoops to boozy ice cream cocktails (including orange + cinnamon!)
✔️ A note on alcohol + freezing (and how to make it work!)
✔️ Variations for dairy-free, vegan, and alcohol-sensitive adaptations

If you’d like to head straight to our Tequila Ice Cream recipe, please use the following link, or read along to find out more.

Cinco de Mayo – More Than Margaritas

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated every year on May 5th, often brings to mind lively parties, colourful parades, and, of course, tequila. But behind the festive spirit is a rich piece of Mexican history.

The day marks the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when a small, outnumbered Mexican army achieved an unlikely victory over the powerful French forces. Though not Mexico’s Independence Day (which falls on September 16th), Cinco de Mayo has become a symbol of Mexican resistance, resilience, and pride — especially in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place.

In the United States and other parts of the world, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture — from music and dance to food and drink. It’s a time to honour heritage, history, and the enduring spirit of a people through flavourful traditions, like the tequila that inspired this ice cream.

What Is Tequila (As If It Needs an Introduction…)

Let’s taco ’bout tequila!

Tequila: the golden (or crystal clear) spirit of Mexico. Bold, fiery, and full of character — it’s a drink that doesn’t just warm your throat, it tells a story.

Made exclusively from the blue agave plant, tequila is a distilled spirit that hails from specific regions of Mexico — mainly the state of Jalisco. Much like Champagne in France or Parma ham in Italy, tequila has protected status, meaning it can only be produced in designated areas and must meet strict production rules.

How Tequila Is Made:

It all starts with the heart of the blue agave plant — the piña (yes, it looks like a giant pineapple).

1. Harvesting: Skilled agave farmers (jimadores) cut the leaves away from the plant to reveal the piña.
2. Cooking: The piñas are slow-cooked (traditionally in brick ovens or modern autoclaves) to convert natural starches into fermentable sugars.
3. Crushing & Fermentation: The cooked agave is crushed to extract the sweet juice (aguamiel), which is then fermented — often with natural yeasts.
4. Distillation: The fermented liquid is distilled (usually twice) in copper or stainless steel stills, resulting in a clear spirit.
5. Ageing (or not!):

• • Blanco (Silver): Bottled shortly after distillation — bright, bold, grassy.
  • Reposado: Aged 2–12 months in oak — smooth, slightly oaky.
  • Añejo: Aged 1–3 years — rich, warm, caramel-like.
  • Extra Añejo: 3+ years aged — deep, luxurious, almost cognac-like.

Each style of tequila brings something unique to the table (or the bowl, in our case).

For ice cream, blanco or reposado are usually best, offering sharp citrus notes or gentle vanilla-oak flavours without overpowering the creamy base.

So whether you sip it neat, shake it into a margarita, or stir it into your next batch of ice cream, tequila is a flavour that knows how to make an entrance.

Tequila in Ice Cream? Yes, and Here’s Why It Works

Much like rum or amaretto, tequila adds depth, aroma, and a touch of heat that plays beautifully against a cold, creamy base. But it also brings a zingy citrusy note — especially when paired with lime or tropical fruit — making it a refreshing, almost sorbet-like experience.

My niece suggested I also try Tequila Ice Cream with Orange and Cinnamon, and she’s certainly onto something there, it’s an amazing flavour combo!

👉🏽 See our Orange + Cinnamon Serving Suggestion below — trust me, it’s one to try!

Our Homemade Tequila Ice Cream is the perfect treat for grown-up summer gatherings, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or just when you’re feeling a little zesty and rebellious.

Note: Adding alcohol to any frozen treat can be a challenge, as the alcohol changes the texture and freezing point, but fear not, we’ve got you covered with our article – The Art and Science of Blending Alcohol with Ice Cream – which provides guidance, hints and tips on how to achieve the perfect ice cream texture, even with alcohol incorporated.

Homemade Tequila Ice Cream Recipe

Here’s our recipe and step-by-step guide for you to recreate this deliciously boozy ice cream in your own kitchen!

(Prep Time: 20 mins (plus chilling) | Churn Time: 25–30 mins | Freeze Time: 4–6 hrs)

Ingredients:

For the base:

• 300ml double cream
• 200ml whole milk
• 100g caster sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp good quality blanco or reposado tequila
• Pinch of sea salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tbsp orange liqueur (for a Margarita-style twist)
• Chilli flakes or Tajín for a spicy kick
• Candied lime peel for garnish

Method:

1. Make the base: Heat the milk, cream, and half the sugar in a pan until just steaming. Don’t boil.
2. Whisk the yolks: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and the remaining sugar until pale. Slowly pour in the warm cream mixture, whisking continuously.
3. Cook the custard: Return the mixture to the pan and cook gently, stirring, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Flavour it: Stir in the lime zest, juice, salt, and tequila. (Add orange liqueur or chilli now if using.)
5. Chill: Strain into a bowl and chill in the fridge for 4+ hours or overnight.
6. Churn: Once chilled, churn in an ice cream maker for 25–30 minutes until thick and creamy.
7. Freeze: Transfer to a container, cover, and freeze for 4–6 hours.
8. Serve: Let soften slightly before scooping. Garnish with candied lime, sea salt flakes, or a touch of chilli.

👉🏽 Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe;

Simply pour your ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.

Estimated Nutritional Values (Per 125ml Scoop)

• Calories: ~290 kcal | Fat: ~21g | Saturated Fat: ~13g | Carbohydrates: ~18g | Sugars: ~17g | Protein: ~3.5g | Alcohol Content: ~0.7–1.0 units (depending on amount used & churning method) | Fibre: 0g | Salt: ~0.1g

💡 Note:

• Alcohol prevents ice cream from freezing too hard, but not all of it evaporates — so while this dessert is indulgent, it still packs a punch!
• Nutritional values will vary slightly based on the specific ingredients used (e.g. cream fat %, tequila brand, added mix-ins like fruit or chilli).

Serving Suggestions – The Cinco de Mayo Style

Whether you’re throwing a full-on fiesta or just want a little something extra after taco night, Tequila Ice Cream is a showstopper.

Here are some creative ways to serve it with celebration flair:

🍹 Margarita-Inspired Scoop

Serve a scoop of tequila ice cream in a salt-rimmed glass, add a squeeze of fresh lime, and garnish with a lime wedge or candied citrus. Bonus points for a splash of orange liqueur or Grand Marnier drizzle over the top!

🌶️ Sweet Heat Sundae

Top your tequila ice cream with a swirl of chilli-infused chocolate sauce, crushed candied jalapeños, or a pinch of Tajín for that perfect hot-meets-cold flavour punch.

🍍Tropical Tequila Float

Drop a scoop into a tall glass of sparkling pineapple soda or mango agua fresca for a boozy float that’s sunshine in a cup.

🍓 Strawberry & Mezcal Sauce

Simmer fresh strawberries with a splash of mezcal and a dash of sugar, then cool and spoon over your scoop. It’s smoky, fruity, and completely irresistible.

🌿 Herby Twist

Tequila and herbs? Oh yes. Garnish your ice cream with chopped mint, basil, or coriander (yes, really!) for a fragrant finish that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

🍊 A Citrus & Spice Celebration – My Niece’s Orange + Cinnamon Twist

While lime and chilli are the classic companions to tequila, my niece suggested something a little different — orange and cinnamon. And honestly? She’s got a great palate!

This pairing adds a soft, fragrant warmth to the boldness of the tequila, creating a smooth depth of flavour that feels both comforting and celebratory. Think of it as tequila’s softer, more sophisticated cousin — less fiery, more fragrant — and absolutely perfect for those wanting a twist on tradition.

To Serve:

• Add a generous grating of orange zest over your scoop
• Dust with ground cinnamon or freshly grated cinnamon stick
• For a textural element, try candied orange peel or a tiny drizzle of orange blossom honey
• Optional: Add a shard of cinnamon shortbread or an orange tuile for a crunchy garnish

Perfect for a fiesta, a dinner party, or just a solo moment of indulgence — this flavour duo is a delicious twist.

Serving Ideas – From Scoops to Spirited Sundaes

✨ Serve solo in a cone or chilled glass
✨ Pair with a salted lime rim for that true margarita vibe
✨ Top with chilli mango or pineapple salsa for something tropical
✨ Make it into an adult ice cream float with soda water + lime
✨ Turn it into frozen tequila sandwiches with shortbread cookies

Dietary Adaptations

Making It Work for Everyone: Whether you’re catering for plant-based eaters, cutting back on dairy, or just looking for a lighter twist, this Tequila Ice Cream can be easily adapted to suit a variety of diets without sacrificing flavour (or fun!).

✔️ Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut cream + oat milk as your base.
✔️ Low-Alcohol or No-Alcohol Version: Add just 1 tsp tequila extract (yes, it’s a thing!) or omit entirely and go for bold lime + orange zest instead.

Final Scoop – Tequila’s Not Just for Margaritas

From a family chat to a full-on flavour revelation — tequila has made its way into the freezer, and honestly? It’s not leaving anytime soon.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the agave spirit or just curious about adding a little kick to your dessert, this tequila ice cream is the perfect blend of zesty, creamy, bold, and fun. ¡Salud!

For more boozy ice cream recipes, head over to our alcohol-infused recipes section.

👉🏽 Have you ever tried boozy ice cream before? What would you pair with tequila in your dream dessert?

Drop us a comment below — or tag us on socials with your wildest summer scoops!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With A Tequila Ice Cream – A Taste Of Mexico – and that we have inspired you to give this unique and delicious recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.

Stay connected for more homemade ice cream inspiration! Share your homemade ice cream masterpieces with us on social media, and connect with a community of ice cream enthusiasts. Join us for mouthwatering recipes, expert tips, and exclusive updates. Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and X by clicking on any of the social media icons below.

 Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to continue creating content. Thank you for your support!