Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (2024)

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This vibrant pink Prickly Pear Margarita is even more delicious than the green-hued classic. Store-bought prickly pear syrup yields a consistently perfect tequila co*cktail that's great for any season.

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (1)

(This recipe was originally published in February 2019, but was updated with new photos and content in 2020).

Shaking up co*cktails at home is almost as fun as drinking them! It's a great way to get creative while saving a few bucks on bar prices. These bright pink prickly pear margaritas are delicious year round.

These colorful co*cktails are perfect for so many different occasions. Enjoy them on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. Serve them on Cinco de Mayo or ANY Taco Tuesday. The pink color would also lend well to bridal and baby showers, or bachelorette parties.

Make a full pitcher when hosting game day or game night for friends. Whip them up at your next cookout. Or just shake one up after a rough day at work.

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (2)

What are prickly pears?

Prickly pears, also known as cactus pears or tuna fruit, are vibrant pink fruits that grow on cacti. They taste like a cross between watermelon and bubble gum and are also sometimes described as having strawberry and raspberry qualities.

In terms of US distribution, prickly pear products (such as syrups and honeys) are commonly sold in Arizona where prickly pears thrive, and are also available online. Fresh prickly pears can be sold in supermarkets but are not always easy to find.

Using ready-made syrup makes it a cinch to incorporate prickly pear flavors without sourcing the harder to find fresh fruit.

How to make it

These hot pink prickly pear margaritas are not only delicious and refreshing, but they are absolutely gorgeous. They're also super easy to make.

Begin by prepping your glass. Wet the rim of a margarita glass or tumbler by rubbing a lime wedge around the circumference. Rotate the rim of the glass in kosher salt spread on a flat plate. Fill the glass about halfway with ice cubes, and set aside.

In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, triple sec or Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice, and prickly pear syrup. Shake vigorously, then strain into the prepared glass. Garnish the rim with a slice of lime, and serve immediately.

You can also double the recipe to make a giant prickly pear margarita like they serve at Mexican restaurants! I've definitely done this on more than one occasion! Some days you just need a double, but beware they are pretty strong.

Please scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe (in a printable recipe card) including ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (3)

Expert tips and FAQs

Prickly pear syrup keeps for quite a while in the refrigerator after opening. Use leftover syrup for topping pancakes or waffles!

Definitely squeeze fresh lime juice rather than using bottled lime juice. It makes a huge difference in flavor and quality.

What is the best tequila for margaritas?

Like with anything else, you get what you pay for. Using a higher quality tequila will result in better tasting margaritas. You don't necessarily need to splurge for a top shelf tequila like Patron. Jose Cuervo will work just fine, but avoid cheaper, low quality tequilas if possible. Silver or blanco tequila is ideal for margaritas as it hasn't been aged as long.

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (4)

More co*cktail recipes you may like

  • Hibiscus Margarita (Margarita de Jamaica)
  • Tamarind Margaritas
  • Guava Margarita (Guavarita)
  • Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini
  • Beauty Elixir
  • Painkiller
  • HippopotoMai-Tai
  • Ooh La La (A Mojito-Inspired Elderflower co*cktail)

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can alsofollow me on social mediaonFacebook, Instagram, andPinterest!

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (5)

Prickly Pear Margarita

This vibrant pink Prickly Pear Margarita is even more delicious than the green-hued classic. Store-bought prickly pear syrup yields a consistently perfect tequila co*cktail that's great for any season.

4.66 from 46 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 228kcal

Author: Victoria

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • 1 ½ ounces tequila
  • 1 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce prickly pear syrup
  • 1 lime slice or wedge for garnish

Instructions

  • Wet the rim of a margarita glass or tumbler by rubbing a lime wedge around its circumference. Rotate the rim of the glass in kosher salt spread on a flat plate. Fill the glass about halfway with ice cubes.

  • In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and prickly pear syrup. Shake vigorously, then strain into the prepared glass. Garnish the rim with a lime slice or wedge. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • This is the prickly pear syrup I use for this recipe. It keeps for quite a while in the refrigerator after opening. Use leftover syrup for topping pancakes or waffles!
  • Definitely squeeze fresh lime juice rather than using bottled lime juice. It makes a huge difference in flavor and quality.
  • Like with anything else, you get what you pay for. Using a higher quality tequila will result in better tasting margaritas. You don't necessarily need to splurge for a top shelf tequila like Patron. Jose Cuervo will work just fine, but avoid cheaper, low quality tequilas if possible. Silver or blanco tequila is ideal for margaritas as it hasn't been aged as long.

Nutrition

Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Sodium: 1123mg | Potassium: 8mg | Sugar: 16g

*All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.*

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @missionfoodadventure or tag #missionfoodadventure!

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does prickly pear mix well with? ›

The fruit is a natural match for the flavors of agave spirits, but it also works with grassy rhum agricole. Here are a few prickly pear co*cktails to try. CaipichuraA simple mix of mezcal, lime and prickly pear. Hearts & MindsRhum agricole anchors this surprising mix of prickly pear, lemon, Fernet and sparkling wine.

How to juice a prickly pear? ›

To extract the prickly pear juice, place the "husked" prickly pears into a blender or food processor and pulse until liquefied. Place the mixture into a fine mesh sieve and push out the juice into a pitcher or bowl. Discard the remaining pulp and seeds. Use the juice as you like.

How to use prickly pear liqueur? ›

Instructions: In a mixing glass with ice, combine 1.75 ounces of prickly pear liqueur, an ounce of vodka, and a quarter-ounce of simple syrup, plus two dashes of orange bitters. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled co*cktail glass.

What is the active ingredient in prickly pear? ›

The prickly pear fruit is divided into three components that may be exploited commercially: seeds, peel, and pulp. This fruit contains approximately 85% water, 15% sugar, 0.3% ash, and less than 1% protein. The flesh is a good source of minerals and several types of amino acids (alanine, arginine, and asparagine).

What alcohol is made from prickly pear? ›

Traditionally made in Sicily, where it's called liquore da fico d'india, and Malta, where it's called bajtra, the liqueur is syrupy in texture with a flavor reminiscent of honeydew melon and an alcoholic kick. The prickly pear's hue isn't the only colorful thing about it.

What are the cons of prickly pear? ›

Prickly pear cactus can cause minor side effects in some people, including diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and heartburn. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if prickly pear cactus is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

What are the benefits of drinking prickly pear juice? ›

Prickly pear cactus — or also known as nopal, opuntia and other names — is promoted for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. It's also touted for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

How do Mexicans eat prickly pear? ›

Cactus and their fruits are a large part of Mexican cuisine. The wide, flat cactus pads (nopales) are used in many Mexican main dishes such as salads, eggs and as a filling for other dishes. The cactus fruit, sometimes called a prickly pear, is very sweet and can be eaten raw, right off of the plant.

Is prickly pear juice good for your liver? ›

Prickly pear

The fruit and juice of the prickly pear may also be beneficial to liver health. A 2022 article suggests that prickly pear extracts show beneficial effects on the liver in animal studies.

What is the name of the prickly pear juice? ›

Also known as agua de tuna, this is a refreshing drink on ice. If it's co*cktail hour, add tequila or mezcal. Once made, it will keep a few weeks in the fridge.

Is cactus pear the same as prickly pear? ›

Cactus pears, also known as prickly pears, grow wild in Mexico where there commonly eaten. They're also shipped to the U.S., where they've taken on superfood status because they're one of the most nutrient-packed fruits that exist, high in vitamin c, calcium, antioxidants and dietary fiber.

What flavors mix well with prickly pear? ›

Prickly pear: Pairs well with citrus, lime, tomatillo, and tropical fruit.

What percentage of alcohol is in prickly pear? ›

Prickly Pear Liqueur (22%)

What mixes well with prickly pear vodka? ›

Achieving a harmonious blend is as simple as incorporating citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, or orange, which beautifully balance the inherent sweetness of the vodka. For a unique twist on a classic vodka soda, infuse sparkling water with prickly pear vodka and a splash of zesty lemon or lime juice.

What is prickly pear jam made from? ›

Combine prickly pear juice/pulp with the lemon juice and pectin in a saucepan. Heat to arooling boil that cannot be stirred down. Add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved. Return mixture to a boil and allow to boil until reduced by half.

What makes prickly pear? ›

prickly pear, any of several species of flat-stemmed spiny cacti of the genus Opuntia (family Cactaceae) and their edible fruits. Prickly pear cacti are native to the Western Hemisphere. Several are cultivated, especially the Indian fig (O.

What are Mexican margaritas made of? ›

A margarita is a co*cktail consisting of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice. Some margarita recipes include simple syrup as well and are often served with salt on the rim of the glass. Margaritas can be served either shaken with ice (on the rocks), without ice (straight up), or blended with ice (frozen margarita).

What is prickly pear syrup made of? ›

Ingredient Notes:

Prickly Pears – Use any color you can find. Sugar – This sweetens the syrup and helps to thicken it as it reduces. Water – I like to use purified water to make this syrup.

References

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