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Paletas Recipe – How to Make Mexican Popsicles

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Paletas Recipe – How to Make Mexican Popsicles

There’s just something about a frozen treat on a stick that instantly transports you to carefree summer days (*cue the ice cream truck music*). And if you’re looking for a fresh way to cool down, paletas are the way to go.

Paletas are traditional Mexican frozen treats made with real fruit, naturally sweetened, and incredibly easy to customize. From juicy mango to sweet watermelon, they’re a delicious way to beat the heat and enjoy the bold, refreshing flavors of summer.

With their vibrant colors, bold fruit flavor, and cooling refreshment, paletas aren’t your typical popsicles—they’re a fun and flavorful way to enjoy real fruit in every bite.

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What are paletas?

Paletas, also known as Mexican popsicles, are frozen treats made with fresh fruit. A popular summer snack in Mexico, they’re refreshing, fruity, and all-natural—unlike many store-bought popsicles, which are loaded with corn syrup and artificial dyes and flavors.

There are two main types of paletas:

  • Paletas de agua (water-based paletas): Made with fruit and water for a light, fruit-forward flavor and popsicle-like texture

  • Paletas de crema (creamy paletas): Made with fruit and milk or cream instead of water for a velvety, ice cream-like texture

This recipe uses cactus water for an even bolder fruity flavor and a dose of essential vitamins and electrolytes. Make a batch on a sweltering summer day or just when you’re craving a sweet but low-calorie treat. 😋

How to make Mexican popsicles

Making paletas at home couldn’t be easier, and they come out tasty and refreshing every time. Once your fruit is prepped and ingredients are measured, all you need to do is blend, strain, pour, and freeze. That’s it.

In about 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a freezer full of naturally sweet, fruity popsicles that are far healthier and more flavorful than anything you’ll find in the grocery store. The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze—but trust us, they’re worth the wait!

Equipment needed

Ready to cool down with these homemade paletas? Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

  • Citrus juicer (or squeeze by hand 💪)

  • Cutting board and knife (for chopping fresh fruit)

  • Measuring cups and spoons (or measure with your heart 🫶)

  • Blender (for a smooth, even texture)

  • Strainer (to remove the seeds, if needed)

  • Popsicle mold (or improvise with small disposable cups)

What’s in paletas?

It doesn’t take much to turn juicy, fresh fruit into a delicious frozen treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make the perfect batch of paletas. You’ll need some cactus water, fresh fruit, and a few pantry staples—gather these ingredients before getting started.

  • Caliwater Cactus Water: This hydrating twist adds more than just flavor. Cactus water is packed with five naturally occurring electrolytes, essential vitamins and minerals, and skin-loving antioxidants. Caliwater comes in bold, fruity flavors that complement fresh fruit beautifully, making these paletas even more flavorful than traditional recipes made with plain water.

  • Fresh fruit: This is what gives paletas their vibrant flavor and real-fruit texture that just screams summer. You can use frozen fruit in a pinch, but fresh is best when possible. If your fruit has seeds, strain them out. Otherwise, keeping the pulp can really level up the texture. Use any fruit you like—just note that citrus fruits can be extra icy due to their high water content.

  • Fresh lime juice: A splash of lime juice balances the sweetness with a little bit of refreshing tartness. Not a fan of sour? Feel free to swap in lemon or orange juice, or leave out the citrus entirely.

  • Light agave nectar: Light agave has a milder taste than standard agave nectar, which really lets the fruit shine. You can also use honey, sugar, stevia, or whatever sweetener you prefer.

  • Sea salt: It might sound odd, but just a pinch of salt makes a big difference. It enhances the sweetness and works with the lime juice to brighten the fruit’s flavor.

Mexican paletas recipe

Servings: 12

Prep time: 10 minutes | Freeze time: 4 hours

Ingredients

Mango paletas

Watermelon paletas

  • 12-ounce can of Caliwater Watermelon Cactus Water

  • 3 cups fresh watermelon

  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (juice of 2-½ limes)

  • 1/4 cup light agave nectar

  • 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Pineapple paletas

  • 12-ounce can of Caliwater Pineapple Cactus Water

  • 3 cups fresh pineapple

  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (juice of 2-½ limes)

  • 1/4 cup light agave nectar

  • 1/4 tsp. sea salt

Prickly pear paletas

Instructions

  1. Prep. Cut the fresh fruit into cubes, and squeeze 1/3 cup of lime juice. 

  2. Blend. Add all ingredients to the blender and puree until smooth.

  3. Strain. If you’re using prickly pear fruit or seeded watermelon, strain the mixture.

  4. Freeze. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for 4 hours or until they’re set.

  5. Serve. Remove your popsicles from the molds, and enjoy!

Tips for serving

Paletas are as fun to eat as they are tasty, but things can get a little sticky as they start to melt—especially in the sun. If your popsicle molds don’t include built-in drip guards, try sliding a cupcake liner over the stick before serving. It’s a simple trick that catches drips and keeps sticky fingers to a minimum—perfect for kids (and messy adults).

Planning ahead? Paletas are great for make-ahead desserts. Once frozen solid, pop them out of the molds and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month, though for the best flavor and texture, try to enjoy them within the first couple of weeks. 

Variations

From the fruit you use to the flavors you mix in, there are endless ways to make paletas your own. Here are a few fun ideas to customize your popsicles to match your cravings:

  • Spice things up: A classic way to enjoy paletas is with a touch of Tajín or a drizzle of chamoy—a sweet, tangy, and spicy condiment. You can mix a bit of spice right into the blend before freezing, or add it on top before serving for that iconic Mexican flavor combo.

  • Create flavor fusions: Mix and match Caliwater flavors with different fresh fruits for dynamic blends. Get creative with combos like pineapple-ginger-lime, mango-strawberry, or watermelon-mint for a delicious twist.

  • Make paletas de crema: For a rich, creamy texture, add some heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, or coconut cream. If you’re using sweetened dairy, reduce the agave to keep things balanced.

  • Adjust sweetness: Like things extra sweet? Add an extra drizzle of agave (we won’t tell 🤐). Prefer a lighter touch? Start small and taste the mixture before freezing so you can sweeten to your liking.

Fuel your summer with flavorful, functional frozen treats

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with real fruit flavor, homemade paletas are sure to become your new go-to summer treat. They’re quick, easy, customizable, and way more fun (and better for you) than store-bought popsicles. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself, these cactus water-based Mexican popsicles are a delicious way to cool down anytime.

Caliwater Cactus Water adds a flavorful punch and a functional boost to every batch. Packed with antioxidants, electrolytes, and nutrients, it’s better-for-you hydration that tastes great while making you feel great. And it’s just as refreshing on its own—drink it chilled after a workout, during a tanning session, or anytime you need a hydration drink.

Let’s make some paletas! Grab your favorite Caliwater flavor and get blending. Order online, find it in your local grocery store or Costco, or add it to your Instacart order to start making these fruity pops today.

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