I was planning a big Mexican meal to celebrate our friends’ anniversary. After what promised to be a somewhat heavy meal, I wanted to serve something thematic, but light, for dessert.

The meal consisted of cheese crisps, followed by a poblano-stuffed meatloaf with tomato sauce, yellow rice, and calabacitas. (Stay tuned for all these recipes!)

Getting ready for the feast, I spent a rare, quiet Saturday afternoon flipping through cookbooks, looking for recipes. I came across what promised to be the light yet flavorful dessert I was seeking.

While making it, I wasn’t really thinking about the fact that the alcohol never really gets cooked off in the process. The result? A very light margarita mousse that requires proof of identification to serve. I am not kidding — this dessert packs a punch! 21 and older only!

This dessert is half mousse, half gelatin. It is very foamy and light, and refreshing after a large meal – and perfect for the upcoming holiday weekend!

~ David

Mousse de Tequila
From México, The Beautiful Cookbook


2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1 cup sugar, divided
pinch salt
4 eggs, separated
3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 large Persian lime)
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup white (Silver) tequila
1/4 cup triple sec or curaçao
zest of 2 limes


In a medium saucepan, mix the gelatin, 1/2 cup of sugar, and salt.


In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick, pale, and creamy. Add the lime juice and water, and stir to combine. Pour over the sugar and gelatin, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes stirring constantly, or until sugar and gelatin are dissolved. Pour into a large bowl, add the tequila and triple sec (or curaçao), and 3/4 of the lime zest. Let cool, then cover and place in refrigerator.


When the egg yolk mixture begins to set, add egg whites to another large bowl, and beat them at high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chilled yolk mixture. Divide among 6-8 margarita glasses and garnish with remaining lime zest. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.


Serves 6-8.

25 Comments

  1. 2pots2cook

    August 24, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    My goodness me !!!!! Have seen the photo on IG, love tequila and had to see the details immediately ! Excellent dessert ! Serves 6 -8 ? Seriously ? David ? Hardy waiting for the rest of the menu 🙂

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      August 28, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      Let's just say that it CAN serve 6-6… for us, 4 of us ate it all with glee… and, the more we ate, the merrier we got! Thanks, Davorka – it is a fun dessert!

      Reply
  2. John | heneedsfood

    August 24, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    Boozy desserts are some of the best ones, right? I'm not the biggest tequila drinker around, but I know I'd tuck right into this if it was set infront of me. I'm curious about calabacitas, too, and had to look it up to see what it was. Sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      August 28, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      I am not a big tequila drinker, either, John – but I didn't mind it one but in this dessert! Calabacitas recipe coming in two weeks!

      Reply
  3. Eha

    August 24, 2019 at 11:51 pm

    Oh! I'll go along with John . . . love boozy desserts! But: garlic does not suit you and tequila and I looked at one another at our first meeting and turned away one from the other 🙂 ! Your dessert looks beautiful and sounds a fun end to a meal . . . so have to find that bottle at the back somewhere . . . 🙂 !

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      August 28, 2019 at 1:56 pm

      Or, maybe you could try different alcohol? This could be a fun one to switch out! What about a gin and tonic mousse?

      Reply
  4. Gerlinde de Broekert

    August 27, 2019 at 4:35 am

    What a dessert, perfect for a heavy meal. I can’t wait for all the other recipes.

    Reply
  5. Valentina

    August 27, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    Such a pretty and festive dessert! Sounds like it was a delicious meal — looking forward to the next courses. 🙂 Cheers!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      August 28, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      The meal was such fun to prepare – course by course it has come to you bookending with the cheese crisps and the dessert – the middle will come in two weeks!

      Reply
  6. Kelly | Foodtasia

    August 28, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    David, loving the lime flavor! And it looks so light and airy! Beautiful!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      August 28, 2019 at 1:57 pm

      Thanks, Kelly – the lime is really nice in this and is not overwhelmed by the tequila!

      Reply
  7. Kitchen Riffs

    August 28, 2019 at 3:21 pm

    Wow. This looks outstanding. I just send the link to this post to Mrs KR so I can beg her to make it (she makes all the desserts in our house). Thanks!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      August 29, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      I somehow thought it would appeal to you and Mrs. KR!

      Reply
  8. Sherry's Pickings

    August 30, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    this looks wonderful but i just can't bring myself to use gelatine! the thought of all those calves' feet… I love a good boozy dessert tho 🙂 cheers sherry

    Reply
    • Cocoa and Lavender

      August 30, 2019 at 1:25 pm

      This might actually be better using agar agar, Sherry. I will have to try and see.

      Reply
  9. Marcelle

    September 2, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    David, this is such a fun dessert! Maybe I'll give this a try next time we entertain adult, but we are entering kid's birthday season at my place! Are you going to post about that poblano stuffed meatloaf? That sounds super delish too!

    Reply
    • Cocoa and Lavender

      September 3, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      The other recipes are coming the week after next!

      Yes, I might not want to served this mousse at a children’s birthday party… 🤣

      Reply
  10. Inger @ Art of Natural Living

    September 2, 2019 at 7:40 pm

    Genius! I love a light dessert. Add a little booze and it's over the top (and can't wait for the rest of the recipes)!

    Reply
    • Cocoa and Lavender

      September 3, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      Thanks, Inger! The other recipes will come the week after next!

      Reply
  11. Sippity Sup

    September 2, 2019 at 10:08 pm

    It's hot here to and I swear I'm over 21! GREG

    Reply
    • Cocoa and Lavender

      September 3, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      I would gladly serve you, Greg… saw your birthday announcement on FB and that is good enough identification for me!

      Reply
  12. Christina | Christina's Cucina

    September 14, 2019 at 9:22 pm

    Woah, Nellie! That's my kind of dessert; lots of booze! Haha! Sorry I've been MIA, but trying desperately to get my sponsored posts done from my June trip to Europe before I head off again in two weeks! The stress is real, but it's OH, so worth it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      September 16, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      You are so sweet to tell me why you were "MIA" – I can see how busy you are and I know you are always there! 🙂 Your travel articles have been fantastic!

      Reply
  13. Nehal Preet

    September 25, 2019 at 7:24 am

    Wooohhh… Never found this kind of amazing boozy post before. I am so glad that I found your blog! Loved this blog so much. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe with all of us will try this for sure. Much Love and Regards.

    Reply

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