Perfect Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

A prickly pear Margarita is a tequila cocktail that features prickly pear syrup. This bright, hot pink syrup made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus adds a burst of color and fruity flavor to the cocktail. Prickly pear syrup tastes like a combination of watermelon and bubble gum. Like classic Margarita recipes, prickly pear Margarita recipes also include orange liqueur and lime juice.

Prickly pear syrup provides a distinct flavor and eye-catching color to a Margarita. Consider this ingredient list to get the most out of this variation on the classic Margarita:

1. 1. Tequila: Great cocktails need a foundation of quality liquor. To make a prickly pear Margarita, choose a nice blanco tequila, which will allow the color of the prickly pear syrup to pop. Use a good añejo (gold) tequila for something darker and more complex. Avoid using mezcal—the smoky flavor might clash with the bright fruitiness of the prickly pear.
2. 2. Lime: Skip the Margarita mix. Freshly squeezed lime juice is the key to making the best Margarita. Keep extra limes on hand for garnish.
3. 3. Orange liqueur: An orange-flavored triple-sec like Cointreau provides sweetness to balance the lime juice. If you don’t have Cointreau, try using Grand Marnier (an orange-flavored Cognac) or agave syrup.
4. 4. Prickly pear syrup: You can find this fuschia-colored cocktail syrup online or on the shelves of some liquor stores. If you have a Latin American grocery nearby, you can purchase fresh prickly pear fruit, mash the fruit at home, and strain the juice through a strainer. Add the liquid to agave nectar or homemade simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water.