Description
A vibrant and refreshing Prickly Pear Margarita with homemade prickly pear syrup, tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ripe prickly pears, peeled and diced
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ounces tequila blanco (silver tequila)
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce prickly pear syrup (recipe above)
- ½ ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- Lime wedge, for garnish
- Coarse salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Wear gloves. Rinse the prickly pears thoroughly under cold water.
- Cut off both ends and make a shallow lengthwise slit. Peel back the skin. Alternatively, use tongs to hold over an open flame for a few seconds on each side to burn off glochids, then peel.
- Dice the peeled prickly pear flesh into small pieces (about 2 cups).
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced prickly pears, water, and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, until the prickly pears have softened and the syrup has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the mixture into the sieve and let it strain for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour.
- Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Salt the rim of your margarita glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, lime juice, prickly pear syrup, and orange liqueur.
- Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the margarita into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more lime juice or prickly pear syrup.
- For a spicy kick, add a slice of jalapeño to the cocktail shaker or rim the glass with chili lime salt.
- For a frozen margarita, combine all ingredients in a blender with 1-2 cups of ice and blend until smooth.
- Prickly pear puree can be used instead of syrup (2 ounces).
- Tequila reposado can be used for a richer flavor.
- To make a pitcher, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the tequila with sparkling water or club soda.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes