Looking to elevate your margarita game with a splash of color and exotic flavor? This prickly pear margarita is the perfect mix of tart lime, smooth tequila, and the subtly sweet, vivid magenta essence of prickly pear.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or craving a restaurant-style drink at home, this cocktail brings bold flavor and eye-catching beauty to your glass.
What Makes This Margarita So Addictive
- Stunning presentation – The bright fuchsia hue is a showstopper.
- Deliciously balanced flavor – Sweet, tangy, and citrusy.
- Easy to customize – Adjust sweetness, spice, or even make it frozen!
- Perfect for gatherings – Make it by the glass or pitcher.
What You’ll Need to Make It
Here’s what you need to make the ultimate prickly pear margarita:
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec (or orange liqueur)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz prickly pear syrup or juice
- Ice
- Optional: Tajín or salt for rim, lime wedge for garnish
Substitutions:
- Use mezcal for a smokier flavor.
- Swap agave nectar in place of syrup if you’re using fresh prickly pear puree.
- Frozen prickly pear cubes work well in a blended version!
Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
Rim your glass (optional): Run a lime wedge around the rim and dip in Tajín or salt.
Shake the cocktail: Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Strain and serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish and enjoy: Add a lime wedge or a slice of prickly pear on the rim.
Want to serve a crowd? Multiply the recipe and shake in batches or stir in a large pitcher.
Bartender Secrets for the Best Flavor
- Use fresh lime juice – it makes a huge difference.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for the best sipping experience.
- Adjust sweetness – prickly pear can vary in sugar content.
- For a frozen version, blend all ingredients with 1 cup of ice.
Prickly Pear Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur like Cointreau
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz prickly pear syrup or juice
- Ice for shaking and serving
- Optional: Tajín or salt for rim
- Garnish: Lime wedge or prickly pear slice
Instructions
- Rim your glass (optional): Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip it into Tajín or salt. Set aside.
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup with a handful of ice.
- Mix: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Serve: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish: Top with a lime wedge or slice of prickly pear for a beautiful finish.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Serve It (and Pair It)
This vibrant margarita pairs beautifully with:
- Light bites like chips, guac, and salsa
- Grilled seafood or tacos
- A festive charcuterie board
This vibrant margarita pairs beautifully with bold Mexican flavors like spicy wraps or something savory like our Honey Curry Roasted Cauliflower.
Serve it in coupe glasses for elegance or mason jars for a rustic vibe.
Mix Prep & Freezer Hacks
- Prep the mix ahead: Combine all liquids except lime juice and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add lime juice before serving.
- Don’t store with ice – it dilutes the flavor.
- Freeze leftover mix in ice cube trays for quick frozen margaritas later!
Still Got Questions?
What is a prickly pear margarita made of?
Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and prickly pear syrup or juice.
What does prickly pear mix well with?
It pairs well with lime, tequila, mezcal, and tropical fruits like pineapple or mango.
What is the 321 rule for margaritas?
It refers to 3 parts tequila, 2 parts triple sec, 1 part lime juice—though this recipe modifies it for balance.
What does a prickly pear drink taste like?
It has a mild sweetness, similar to a watermelon-berry blend with a touch of citrus.
A Toast to Flavor
This prickly pear margarita recipe is your go-to for a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s easy to make, eye-catching, and perfect for any occasion. Looking for more fun drinks?
Want to keep the fruity vibes going? Try our Banana Chocolate Chip Bars or Cranberry Orange Banana Bread — they’re great with cocktails too!
Cheers — and don’t forget to tag your creation on Pinterest!
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