Yes, I am coming with another recipe using Prickly pear fruit. This prickly pear margarita recipe is just as refreshing as well as beautiful with a vibrant pink hue that is both natural and tasty. This sweet pink margarita is a taste of South West.
Prickly pear is a fruit that grows on a cactus, with a flavor that crosses between watermelon and classic bubble gum.
Combined with bright lime juice and citrusy orange liqueur, the magenta fruit transforms into a sweet and sour drink you will fell in love with a first sip.
What is prickly pear?
Prickly pears are fruit of cactus, it got its name from the prickly needles of the cactus.
The flavor is like a combo of watermelon and a “natural” bubble gum. Their classic pink color stands on its own and become a right candidate for cocktails, dressing and drinks even bread.
If you got prickly pear fruit, here are few recipes you can try with it
When to buy or pick the Prickly pear
If you buy from grocery store or picking from your garden, looks for ripe ones, most of the fruit is ripe by mid-August. Do not pick any that have green ends; they should be a full ruby color.
If you are picking, as you twist them off the pad, they should pop off immediately and dribble a little juice.
How to make Prickly Pear Margarita?
Most of recipe you see on the internet are made with prickly pear syrup. However, this one is made fresh prickly pear fruit puree as well as juice.
You can use any Tequila however 100% agave tequila gives most taste. I used
El Destilador Reposado
Prickly pear margarita requires Triple Sec or Cointreau along with lime juice and simple syrup.
For making Prickly pear puree, first make cut in fruit and carefully remove the skin with spines, then smash them with spoon in strainer so that you can collect all the puree. Otherwise you can add them in high speed blender along with ¼ cup water and process it 1-3 times, then strain the seeds and spines out.
If you are using store-bought prickly pear syrup you do not need to add any simple syrup.
I have added a splash of simple syrup around ¼ tsp.
Adding salt in rim of glass gives more flavor to prickly pear margarita
I garnished with halves of prickly pear and lime wheel; they are only for decorations do not try to put it in drink as it tends to have seeds.
Prickly pears depending on the level of ripeness can range from slightly sweet to syrupy sweet. So, try to choose ripe one.
Always wear gloves when handling prickly pears because the tiny hair-like spines called glochids will irritate the skin.
Every bartender has their own version of prickly pear margarita, some will use infused prickly pear tequila, some use puree, some use juice and some use prickly pear syrup.
Here is my version of delicious and colorful Prickly Pear Margarita made with fresh prickly pear fruit puree and juice, lime juice, tequila, and Triple Sec with splash of simple syrup.
if you tried this recipe please tag me @nidhinikhil Instagram or Zesty South Indian Kitchen in Facebook.
Are you a margarita fan like me then try this different margarita at comfort your home?
- Strawberry Margarita
- Pineapple Margarita
- Apple Cider Margarita
- Cranberry Prosecco Margarita
- Mango Margarita
- Pomegranate Ginger Margarita
- Tamarind Ginger Margarita
- Watermelon Margarita
Prickly Pear Margarita
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Tequila
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¾- ounce Triple Sec
- Splash of simple syrup
- ½ ounce prickly pear puree
- ½ ounce prickly pear juice
- Salt for the rim
- Garnish
- Halved prickly pear fruit
- Lemon wheel
Instructions
- First make prickly pear puree using 1 prickly pear fruit. Peel the skin and remove the flesh and smash with the back of spoon through the strainer and collect puree. Then add 2-3 tablespoon water through the same strainer to make prickly pear juice.
- Rub the rim of a chilled margarita glass with the lime wedge. Dip the rim of the glass salt to coat it.
- Pour the prickly pear puree and prickly pear juice, lime juice, Tequila, Triple Sec, and simple syrup mix into a shaker filled with ice cubes and shake 5 to 7 times.
- Pour the margarita into the glass with ice and garnish with halved prickly pear fruit and lemon wheel or fruit of your choice.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This is Swathi ( Dr. Ambujom Saraswathy Ph.D) from Zesty South Indian Kitchen who loves to explore cuisines from all over the world. Whenever possible I try to to give an Indian touch to several of the world cuisine, and has weakness for freshly baked bread. All the recipes you see here are created by me and approved after taste-test by my family.
Rachael says
I’m always looking for fun ways to serve tequila since it’s always my alcohol of choice. These are great - thank you!
Nyxie says
OMG sounds gorgeous! I wish I was still drinking so I could try these out!
Lizzie Lau says
Tequila cocktails are my favorite. I'm keen on trying your prickly pear margarita if I can find prickly pear in my area.
Beth says
This looks very refreshing. Our grocery store has prickly pears occasionally, but I never knew what to do with one. I'll have to pick one up and try to make this!
Rosemary says
Love the color...so pretty. I'm not much of a tequila fan, but I would try this...just for the color. Cheers.
Monica Simpson says
These sound perfect for my upcoming Ladies night in that I'm planning. Prickly pears are so good!
Terri Steffes says
I had my first one in Arizona. So delicious and refreshing!!
Nancy L says
This recipe sounds delicious and I can't wait to try it! I remember the first time I ever heard of prickly pear and tried it. It was on our first visit to Arizona. Growing up in the mid-west, prickly pear is not as common and can be difficult to find.
Lynndee says
Such a refreshing and delicious drink for the summer. Thank you for the recipe.
Marysa says
This sounds delicious and refreshing. It has been many years since I had some prickly pear. Fun idea, and so pretty, too!
Jennifer Van Haitsma says
I've never had a prickly pear, but this sounds delicious! Come February when I can drink again, I'll have to try it.
Catalina says
Margarita is my favorite summer drink! I've tried it in different flavors and I should try this one too!
Tasheena says
This looks really refreshing. I can’t wait to give this a try.
Pam Wattenbarger says
That looks so good. Perfect for relaxing on the patio on a hot summer evening. Can't wait to try it.
Heather says
What a delicious margarita! Love the spin with prickly pair. Perfect summer drink!
Adriana says
Gotta love prickly pear I make agua fresca the other day and it was delicious. The color that the prickly pear gives to drinks is amazing.
Amber Myers says
I would love to be sipping on one of these. It looks like my kind of drink!
melissa chapman says
I never knew a fruit could taste like bubblegum. The color is unique and I would love a refreshing margarita like this any afternoon
Sarah Bailey says
Now, this sounds like the perfect drink to serve up for friends and family at a get-together. I bet it tastes wonderful I've not tried making my own cocktails.
Melissa | Konkan-Tours says
This one great recipe to rejuvenate after a long walk, I come from! 🙂