Prickly Pear Margarita

Happy Friday, friends! Today I’m wrapping up the cactus-themed party that I kicked off on Monday. I started by sharing some tips for prepping the perfect party, and then I gave you my recipe for Really Good Pasta Salad. Today we are celebrating with a delicious Prickly Pear Margarita.

I’ve actually been waiting to make something with prickly pear for a long time. Back when I worked at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, this was one of the specialty cocktails on the menu. If prickly pear is new to you, you might be surprised to know that it’s not really a pear: It’s a fruit that grows on a cactus. It gets its name from the prickly needles of the cactus. The flavor is reminiscent of a pear mixed with watermelon and a “natural” bubble gum. I know that sounds a bit odd, but it is quite delicious and works well in cocktails and vinaigrette dressings.

Not that the prickly pear needs another unique element, but one of my favorite things about this fruit is its neon fuchsia color. When used in a cocktail, it instantly creates a wow-worthy drink. Don’t you agree?

The easiest way to use prickly pear is in a syrup. It’s likely to be available in specialty food stores, however, I found mine here.

Now that we’re all familiar with prickly pears, it’s time to shake up our margaritas. In keeping with the cactus theme of this celebration, I chose to use my cactus margarita glasses. Mine are vintage. I found them on eBay a few years ago. But you can buy new ones here. (They look identical.)

Begin by rimming your glasses with a wedge of lime and then dipping them in some kosher salt. Though the prickly pear syrup will make these margaritas a touch sweeter, I still appreciate a salted rim.

The tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup are then shaken with ice. Add a bit of ice to your prepared margarita glasses and pour over that delicious libation. Garnish with a slice of lime.

For added fun, I picked up a few of these cactus cocktail charms. Their neon colors and cute design matched my party perfectly. What do you think? And as a bonus, my guests won’t confuse their drink with someone else’s. Win-win!

serves two

3 ounces clear tequila
2 ounces Cointreau
2 ounces freshly-squeezed lime juice
1 ounce prickly pear syrup
Lime and kosher salt for garnish

Begin by running a wedge of lime around the edge of your margarita glass. Dip in kosher salt to coat.

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the tequila, Cointreau, freshly-squeezed lime juice, and prickly pear syrup. Shake vigorously. Strain into your prepared margarita glasses filled will ice. Garnish with a lime slice to serve.

Cheers, friends!

I hope you enjoyed this fun, colorful, and delicious drink. Whether you’re hosting a party or just relaxing at home, I hope your weekend is magical.

Be sure to check out the full party post here and grab the recipe for the Really Good Pasta Salad here.

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