Prickly Pear Margarita

Prickly Pear Margarita

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

In the mood for an exciting cocktail? Look no further than this Prickly Pear Margarita recipe! It’s a delightful drink filled with unique ingredients and a breeze to make.

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

Take advantage of this prickly pear margarita recipe! The blend of Tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and prickly pear puree creates an unforgettable autumn cocktail.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

229 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Tequila
  • ½ oz Triple Sec
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz prickly pear syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Salt, for rimming, optional
  • Lime wheel, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Margarita Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Chill your margarita glass using some ice.
  • Add Lime Juice: Squeeze into the shaker 1 oz lime juice.
  • Add Prickly Pear Syrup: Pour in 1 oz prickly pear syrup.
  • Add Triple Sec: Measure and pour ½ oz Triple Sec into the shaker.
  • Add Tequila: Pour 1½ oz Tequila into the shaker.
  • Rim Glass: If you like a salted rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it into salt.
  • Fill Shaker: Add ice cubes to your shaker.
  • Shake It Up: Give everything a good shake until well-mixed and chilled.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice
  • Garnish: Add a lime wheel, and enjoy.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you're out of Tequila, try using mezcal for a smoky twist or vodka for a neutral base.
  • Triple Sec: You can use any orange liqueur like Grand Marnier, orange curacao or Cointreau.
  • Prickly Pear Syrup: If you can't find prickly pear syrup, try making your own by simmering the pulp of prickly pear fruit with sugar and water until it reduces to syrup. Alternatively, you can use grenadine for a different but delicious fruity flavor.

Making a Pitcher of Prickly Pear Margarita:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of triple sec, 8 oz of lime juice, and 8 oz of prickly pear syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup with ice cubes. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into ice-filled margarita glasses, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor.
  • Triple Sec Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic orange extract or make a simple syrup infused with orange peel.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

While many spirits and triple sec are often considered vegan-friendly, it is important to check the specific brand for any potential additives, as it may happen that some animal-derived products are involved in the production process. Ensure that the sugar in your prickly pear syrup is vegan (some sugars are processed using bone char) and enjoy this vegan concoction.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
229
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
28
g
9
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
26
g
29
%
Potassium
 
38
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Vitamin A
 
14
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
9
mg
11
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Prickly Pear Margarita

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Take advantage of this prickly pear margarita recipe! The blend of Tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and prickly pear puree creates an unforgettable autumn cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 229

Ingredients
 

  • oz Tequila
  • ½ oz Triple Sec
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz prickly pear syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Salt - for rimming, optional
  • Lime wheel - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Margarita Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Chill your margarita glass using some ice.
  • Add Lime Juice: Squeeze into the shaker 1 oz lime juice.
  • Add Prickly Pear Syrup: Pour in 1 oz prickly pear syrup.
  • Add Triple Sec: Measure and pour ½ oz Triple Sec into the shaker.
  • Add Tequila: Pour 1½ oz Tequila into the shaker.
  • Rim Glass: If you like a salted rim, run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it into salt.
  • Fill Shaker: Add ice cubes to your shaker.
  • Shake It Up: Give everything a good shake until well-mixed and chilled.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice
  • Garnish: Add a lime wheel, and enjoy.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you're out of Tequila, try using mezcal for a smoky twist or vodka for a neutral base.
  • Triple Sec: You can use any orange liqueur like Grand Marnier, orange curacao or Cointreau.
  • Prickly Pear Syrup: If you can't find prickly pear syrup, try making your own by simmering the pulp of prickly pear fruit with sugar and water until it reduces to syrup. Alternatively, you can use grenadine for a different but delicious fruity flavor.

Making a Pitcher of Prickly Pear Margarita:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of triple sec, 8 oz of lime juice, and 8 oz of prickly pear syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup with ice cubes. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into ice-filled margarita glasses, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor.
  • Triple Sec Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic orange extract or make a simple syrup infused with orange peel.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

While many spirits and triple sec are often considered vegan-friendly, it is important to check the specific brand for any potential additives, as it may happen that some animal-derived products are involved in the production process. Ensure that the sugar in your prickly pear syrup is vegan (some sugars are processed using bone char) and enjoy this vegan concoction.

What is a Prickly Pear Margarita?

A Prickly Pear Margarita is a tequila-based cocktail made of fresh lime juice, triple sec, and prickly pear syrup. This drink stands out for its vibrant color, which comes from the unique ingredient – prickly pear syrup.

Making this cocktail is relatively easy but it does require access to prickly pear syrup which may only be readily available in some areas. The process involves combining Tequila with lime juice and triple sec as you would when making a traditional margarita, then adding the distinctive prickly pear syrup.

The Prickly Pear Margarita is a variant of the classic margarita, maintaining similar base ingredients while introducing an exciting twist with prickly pear syrup.

A side shot of a Prickly Pear Margarita cocktail in a margarita glass on a wooden coaster placed on a red tray surrounded by a bowl with lime wedges, a bowl with apple slices and a white cloth

What is a Prickly Pear Margarita made of – The ingredients

You will need these ingredients to concoct a Prickly Pear Margarita:

  • Prickly Pear Syrup: Adds a sweet, melon-like flavor with a hint of bubblegum. The star ingredient gives the margarita its unique taste and vibrant color.
  • Tequila: The cocktail’s base spirit provides a robust and earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the drink, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds depth and complexity to the margarita. It also contributes a touch of sweetness.
  • Ice Cubes: Used to chill the drink without diluting it too much. They also add texture to the margarita.
  • Salt (for rimming): Enhances the flavors in the drink and provides a contrast to the sweetness of the prickly pear syrup and triple sec.

Tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, pickle syrup and lime laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Prickly Pear Margarita?

Create your own Prickly Pear Margarita by following our easy and detailed steps.

1
<p>Start by preparing your margarita glass. Fill it up with ice to ensure it will be cold enough for the drink.</p>

Start by preparing your margarita glass. Fill it up with ice to ensure it will be cold enough for the drink.

2
<p>Add to a shaker 1 oz of lime juice. The lime juice will provide the acidity and will            balance the sweetness of the prickle syrup. </p>

Add to a shaker 1 oz of lime juice. The lime juice will provide the acidity and will balance the sweetness of the prickle syrup.

3
<p>Pour 1 oz of prickle syrup into the shaker. The Pickle syrup will add a refreshing and slightly floral note to the cocktail.</p>

Pour 1 oz of prickle syrup into the shaker. The Pickle syrup will add a refreshing and slightly floral note to the cocktail.

4
<p>Include 0.5 ounce of triple sec. This orange-flavored liqueur will add complexity to your margarita.</p>

Include 0.5 ounce of triple sec. This orange-flavored liqueur will add complexity to your margarita.

5
<p>Add 1.5 ounces of Tequila to the shaker. The Tequila is the base of your margarita and will provide a robust and earthy taste.</p>

Add 1.5 ounces of Tequila to the shaker. The Tequila is the base of your margarita and will provide a robust and earthy taste.

6
<p>Run a lime wedge around the rim of the margarita glass.</p>

Run a lime wedge around the rim of the margarita glass.

7
<p>Then dip the rim in coarse salt. This will give your margaritas a classic, salty edge.</p>

Then dip the rim in coarse salt. This will give your margaritas a classic, salty edge.

8
<p>Fill your shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill your shaker with ice cubes.

9
<p>Shake vigorously. The shaking will mix all the ingredients and chill the drink.</p>

Shake vigorously. The shaking will mix all the ingredients and chill the drink.

10
<p>Strain the mixture into your chilled glass over fresh ice.</p>

Strain the mixture into your chilled glass over fresh ice.

11
<p>Finally, garnish your margarita with a lime wheel or wedge. </p>

Finally, garnish your margarita with a lime wheel or wedge.

History and Origin of the Prickly Pear Margarita

The tale of the Prickly Pear Margarita starts with the prickly pear cactus from the Americas. This tough plant and its juicy fruit have been part of people’s diets for centuries.

People know the prickly pear fruit or “tuna” for its bright red or yellow color and sweet taste that reminds you of melon. Bartenders looking to make new and exciting drinks found this unique flavor interesting.

People think that the Prickly Pear Margarita first came from the Southwestern United States, especially Arizona and New Mexico, where many prickly pear cactus exist. Bartenders started playing around with the fruit in the late 20th century. They discovered that when they mixed it with Tequila, lime juice, and a bit of sweetener, the prickly pear’s unique flavor made a fantastic margarita.

A Prickly Pear Margarita cocktail, shot from above, in a margarita glass on a beige surface surrounded by Tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice, pickle syrup and lime.

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FAQ

How many calories does a Prickly Pear Margarita contain?
A standard serving of Prickly Pear Margarita contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and their quantities.
What is the alcohol content of a Prickly Pear Margarita?
The alcohol content of a Prickly Pear Margarita typically ranges from 20-25% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which translates to 40-50 proof. This depends on the amount and type of Tequila used in the recipe.
What type of alcohol is used in a Prickly Pear Margarita?
Tequila is the primary alcohol used in a Prickly Pear Margarita. Specifically, silver or blanco Tequila is often preferred for its clean, agave-forward flavor.
In what kind of glass is a Prickly Pear Margarita served?
Traditionally, a Prickly Pear Margarita is served in a margarita glass with a wide rim that tapers down to a narrow base.
What does a Prickly Pear Margarita taste like?
A Prickly Pear Margarita offers a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors. The prickly pear syrup adds a sweet, melon-like taste that complements the lime juice's tartness and the triple sec and Tequila's robust flavor.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Prickly Pear Margarita?
The typical ratio for a Prickly Pear Margarita is 1 1/2 oz of Tequila, 1/2 oz of Triple Sec, 1 oz of Lime Juice, and 1 oz of Prickly Pear Syrup.
How is a Prickly Pear Margarita served?
A Prickly Pear Margarita is usually served over ice or "on the rocks." This helps to dilute the drink slightly and keep it chilled.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Prickly Pear Margarita?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit or omit it. Replace the triple sec with orange syrup to maintain some of the citrus flavor.

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