Looking for a new summer libation? This prickly pear margarita recipe is one you’ll want to make by the pitcher for all your picnics and barbecues. The color of prickly pear is astounding, while its flavor is more nuanced. It’s similar to watermelon—but milder, with a dose of cotton candy grapes. Paired with tart lime juice and orange liqueur, the flavor of prickly pear margaritas is subtle but unique.
Prickly Pear Margarita Ingredients
- Silver tequila: This type of tequila is called blanco tequila. Use a tequila you like, but not one that’s overly expensive. For specific brand recommendations, check out our list of the best tequilas for margaritas.
- Prickly pear syrup: You have two options here. One is to purchase prickly pear syrup. The other is to make prickly pear simple syrup when prickly pears are in season. To make it from scratch, puree the fruit, simmer it with sugar and water, then strain it (see below for the full instructions).
- Lime juice: To make a restaurant-worthy cocktail at home, you’ve got to use fresh citrus juices. Grab a couple of limes and juice them yourself—I promise, it makes a difference!
- Triple Sec: There are a lot of options out there, so use what you like or what you have on hand. I like Cointreau but any orange liqueur will work. (Gran Gala is a good option that’s cheaper than Cointreau.)
Directions
Step 1: Rim the glass
If you’d like your margarita glass to have a salted rim, take a lime wedge and cut a small slit crosswise in the flesh. Place the wedge on the rim of a rocks glass and run it all the way around the rim. Sprinkle an equal amount of salt and sugar on a plate, and dip the moistened rim in the mixture. Fill the prepared glass with ice.
Editor’s Tip: It’s important to prepare the glass before you begin making the cocktail. This way, when you’re done shaking it, you can serve it right away. Otherwise the cocktail will dilute in the shaker while you prep the glass.
Step 2: Shake the margarita
In an empty cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, prickly pear syrup and Triple Sec. Fill the shaker with ice. Cover and shake vigorously until frost forms on the outside of the shaker, 15 to 20 seconds.
Editor’s Tip: Look for prickly pear syrup near the coffee and drink syrups at the grocery store. You can also check your local liquor store.
Step 3: Strain and garnish the margarita
Strain the margarita into the prepared rocks glass and garnish it with a lime wedge or wheel.
Can you make prickly pear margaritas ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make prickly pear margaritas in advance. Mix everything together in a large pitcher (except for the ice), then cover and refrigerate the cocktail until you’re ready to serve it. Having a party? Offer a choice of margarita pitchers, with batches of prickly pear, traditional lime and other flavors.
Prickly Pear Margarita Tips
How do you make prickly pear syrup?
Prickly pear syrup is easy to make—you just need sugar, water, prickly pears and a splash of lemon juice. The only tricky part is finding the prickly pears (they’re only in season from September through December).
To start, halve about five prickly pears and scrape the seedy flesh into a saucepan. Mash the pulp using a potato masher, then add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer and cook until it’s nice and syrupy, about 12 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and discard the solids. Strain the mixture again through a fine mesh strainer and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Store the syrup in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
How do I make a spicy prickly pear margarita?
Before you shake the cocktail, muddle a few slices of jalapeno in the cocktail shaker. Consider adding a dash of cayenne to the salt and sugar rim for an added kick!
