Margarita Ice Cream

How can margaritas get any better? Well, how about letting ice cream in on the party? Like the Margarita Cream Cake, this frozen concoction has all the flavors of the classic cocktail in spoon-ready dessert form. But don’t worry, the alcohol in this recipe is reduced and cooked out, so it is kid-friendly and safe for those who would rather not imbibe.

The original recipe called for only a few tablespoons of booze, but I didn’t think the cocktail’s flavor came through as nicely with that amount. Knowing that the mixture would not freeze with too much alcohol, I decided to reduce the amount of alcohol by simmering it on the stove until I was left with just a couple of tablespoons. That left me with a concentrated flavor that would freeze to a soft-serve instead of a milkshake (ok, that’s another idea). A little goes a long way with this puckery treat, so I like to serve it in mini glasses rimmed with lime juice and salt for a cocktail-like experience.

Margarita Ice Cream

By Nicole Prep: 10 minsCook: 5 minsFreeze Time: 30 minsTotal: 45 mins Servings: 3 cups One spoonful is a celebration of flavors from that classic cocktail!

Equipment

• Ice cream container
• Ice cream maker

Ingredients 

• ¼ cup Triple Sec or Cointreau
• ¼ cup Tequila
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated lime zest, about 2-3 limes
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, about 4-6 limes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions 

1. In a small saucepan, bring the Triple Sec and Tequila to a simmer. Reduce to 2 tablespoons. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and refrigerate until well chilled.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the zest, juice, and sugar. Add the heavy cream, concentrate, salt, chilled reduction, and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions. (The mixture will be just thick, not solid.) Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, several hours, and preferably overnight. (Ice cream will be of soft-serve consistency.)
3. Scoop into bowls or, for effect, small dishes rimmed with lime juice and kosher salt. Enjoy!

Notes

The alcohol is cooked out in the reduction.

Nutrition

Calories: 929kcal, Carbohydrates: 85g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 58g, Saturated Fat: 37g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 179mg, Sodium: 240mg, Potassium: 271mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 81g, Vitamin A: 2392IU, Vitamin C: 29mg, Calcium: 116mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.