Prickly Pear Margarita

This prickly pear margarita is perfectly sweet and oh so refreshing! Mix up a batch of this yummy cocktail for a backyard bbq, Cinco de Mayo or simply as an ice cold drink during the summertime.

Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

Tequila has always been my favorite liquor of choice. I'll be honest, while I may prefer tequila, I am no connoisseur. One of our best friends from college was visiting a few weeks back and gifted us a very nice bottle of tequila.

Our friend told us, though, that this particular bottle of tequila was so good that you can sip on it, it doesn't even need to be mixed in with anything else. However, it can be and does make a pretty darn good margarita, if I do say so myself.

There are quite a few variations on how to make the perfect margarita, but I have found that this prickly pear margarita is just the right combination. It's one of my favorite drinks on a hot summer day, especially when paired with some fresh guacamole.

Whether you're making so chicken fajita tacos for dinner or you need a tasty drink to kick back with at the pool, you'll love this super easy margarita recipe. Perfectly sweet, tart and boozy!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

This delicious drink is so easy to love! From the pretty pink color to the amazing flavor, there are so many reasons why this fun twist on a classic margarita is so good:

• Hot pink prickly pear margaritas have the best color! If you need an aesthetically pleasing boozy beverage to serve at your next party, this is just the thing.
• The prickly pear cactus fruit has a really unique flavor. Some say it resembles the flavor of bubble gum with a hint of melon.
• Serve this gorgeous beverage at bridal showers, bachelorette parties, weddings, parties and so much more. It's just the right balance of fancy, yet easy to make!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe a success. It has become one of my favorite cocktails! Here's what to have stocked in your home bar:

• tequila
• lime juice
• triple sec
• prickly pear syrup
• lime wedges, for serving
• salt or sugar, optional for rim

Substitutions and Variations

You may not be able to find fresh prickly pears in your local grocery store, but if you can then make your own prickly pear syrup with fresh fruit. However, pre-made prickly pear syrup will also work great and make the perfect drink. 

I like to add salt rim or sugar margarita glass rim. You can use plain salt and sugar, or use flavored margarita salt or margarita sugar on the rim of the glass.

Feel free to change up the booze in this recipe. Of course, a traditional margarita is made with tequila. But this cocktail would be great with rum, mezcal, or vodka. You could also make a mocktail with a non-alcoholic spirit.

Change up the flavor of this cocktail with some spicy tequila, infused tequila, or a flavored simple syrup. There are so many types of tequila and no matter what changes you make, this drink is sure to be the star of the show!

How to Make a Prickly Pear Margarita

Follow this step-by-step guide and in no time you'll have the perfect colorful prickly pear margarita ready to serve:

Cut a lime into 4 wedges and then pour salt or sugar onto a small plate.

Run the lime wedge along the edge of your margarita glass, and then dip into the sugar or salt and coat the rim.

Pour tequila, triple sec, lime juice, prickly pear syrup and a few ice cubes into a cocktail shaker and shake well until combined and chilled.

Add ice to each sugar or salt-rimmed glass and then pour the shaken cocktail with that gorgeous, vibrant color over the ice and serve. Enjoy!

Can I store leftover margarita?

Absolutely! Just pour the mixture into a jar or airtight container and then store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also pour the margarita into ice cube molds and then freeze for a few months. Then allow to thaw or blend them up for a slushy beverage whenever you're ready to serve!

What to Serve with a Prickly Pear Margarita

I love to serve this prickly pear margarita on taco Tuesday with our favorite ground beef tacos and Mexican rice. It's so yummy paired with a Mexican tostada too.

Grilled chicken fajitas and cilantro lime cauliflower rice are another great meal to serve with a prickly pear marg. And if you need some classic comfort food, then make these shredded chicken enchiladas.

If you're hosting a party and want a few different margaritas for your guests to choose from, then be sure to try this strawberry margarita from Feast + West and this chili lime margarita from Cake 'n Knife.

Tips for Success

This recipe is relatively simple to follow, but here's a few tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfect:

• Always use fresh lime juice! Bottled is good in a pinch, but juice from fresh limes really makes all the difference.
• Feel free to taste test your cocktail before serving. If it needs more sweetness, you can add some agave syrup or a splash or regular simple syrup to balance out the flavors.
• Serve this drink ice cold! If you are serving on a hot summer day, then make sure that you don't mix up the drink until just before serving.

FAQ

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