This Prickly Pear Margarita recipe is loaded with delicious flavor and color thanks to the Prickly Pear Cactus. It’s a cocktail recipe perfect for a celebration!
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.
What is a Prickly Pear?
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. (affiliate link)
How do you Make a Prickly Pear Margarita:
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. (affiliate link) 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. (affiliate link) 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!
Like Margaritas? You’ll love these recipes:
- Vanilla Pineapple Margarita
- Classic Margarita
- Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita
- Watermelon Margarita
- Strawberry Coconut Margarita
Cheers, friends!
I hope you enjoyed this fun, colorful, and delicious Prickly Pear Margarita. 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.
Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe:
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.
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Michael, You know how to throw a party! Hope you have an exciting and fun-filled summer. Your latest creation is beyond cute.
I am IN LOVE with the little cactus charms! This drink sounds so delicious!
Yum!!!
I am getting so many ideas from you for my daughter’s grad party! It’s got a theme of black with gold, white and various shades of pink (you know, the Kate Spade combo) and this drink will be an awesome touch. Is there any reason not to make a large pitcher of these so as not to encumber a friend as bartender?
what a wonderful cocktail! Love the cactus charm too! Thank you for breaking down the Four Seasons version (or nearly) of this margarita!
Hi Michael, do you mind if I post this recipe as our first recipe and link to it from my site? I’ve added it to my comment, if that’s not allowed please remove it. We will link to your recipe from our new site.
I’m not sure what you’re asking. You’re welcome to use one image and share a link to my site. Please don’t not copy the recipe. Thanks!
xo Michael
Made these last night for our girls night in!! So good!! We should have invited you over as the get together was in the North Hills of Pittsburgh!! Enjoy your Sinday!!
That sounds so fun! Glad you enjoyed them!
xo Michael