The Prickly Pear Margarita is an exotic twist on one of my favorite cocktails. Bursting with bright color and flavor, it's the kind of drink that always brings a smile.
And if you don't live in an area where the prickly pear fruit is readily available, you may have assumed that you don't have an easy way to make this delicious cocktail yourself.
Never fear, if I can find what I need to make it in Wisconsin, I am certain anyone can, no matter your location!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This margarita combines the zesty tang of a traditional margarita with the subtle sweetness and striking hue of prickly pear. I'm a sucker for that vibrant pink color. It's similar to my dragon fruit cocktail, only in margarita form!
Any margarita lover will want to try this prickly pear version!
Ingredients Needed
How to Make this Prickly Pear Margarita
First, prepare the glass. Most margaritas call for a salt rim, some specify sugar. I decided to combine the two. 😀
Mix about a tablespoon each of large grained salt and sugar in a small cup. I used Kosher salt and turbinado sugar. Spread this mixture out on a small plate.
Wet the rim of the glass with either a lime wedge, simple syrup, or agave syrup. Then dip the rim into the sugar/salt mixture to coat. Set the glass aside while you mix the cocktail.
Add the margarita ingredients to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Cover and shake vigorously to mix.
Add ice to the prepared glass and then strain the prepared margarita over the ice.
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Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
Substitutions and Variations
For a sweeter margarita, add a little more prickly pear syrup. I made this many times with either 1 ounce or 1½ ounces of the syrup, and ultimately decided that one ounce was enough. The extra half ounce does make it undeniably sweeter and still yummy. So if that's your preference or mood, add that little extra sweetness. 🤩
If you prefer a stronger cocktail, you can adjust the tequila-to-lime juice ratio by adding an extra half ounce or so of tequila.
Frequently Asked Questions
A prickly pear is a type of fruit that grows on the Opuntia cactus, commonly found in arid and desert regions. It is characterized by its vibrant colors, oblong shape, and spiky exterior covered in small prickles. The flesh of the prickly pear can vary in color, ranging from white to vibrant shades of red and purple. Inside, the fruit contains edible seeds surrounded by sweet and juicy pulp. Prickly pears have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of melon, strawberry, and citrus. They are not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial nutrients.
There is a species of prickly pear that grows in Wisconsin, but it doesn't provide fruit, only a beautiful flower. 
Prickly pear syrup can be found in some specialty stores, gourmet markets, or online. I tried some I found on Amazon which was delicious but a bit spendy.... the bottle was only 7 ounces and if you're trialing with 1 to 1½ ounces each time you'll run out of syrup very quickly! So I was thrilled to find a big bottle of Torani brand prickly pear syrup at World Market. If you have that store nearby, I highly recommend it. Otherwise, the second link will take you to the Amazon listing for that brand.
Margaritas are always best fresh, but I can't blame you for wanting to make it by the batch. Mix the liquids in a pitcher and refrigerate without adding ice. Then pour each serving over ice as needed.
Look for a tequila that is specifically labeled as "blanco" or "silver." Blanco tequila is aged for a short period, resulting in a crisp, clean flavor profile that pairs well with the citrus and sweetness of the Prickly Pear Margarita.
📖 Recipe
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Prickly Pear Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila silver
- 1½ ounce Cointreau orange liqueur
- 1 ounce prickly pear syrup
- 1 ounce lime juice
For garnish
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon simple or agave syrup or use the lime wedge
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Mix turbinado sugar and kosher salt in a small cup. Spread out onto a small plate.1 tablespoon turbinado sugar, 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- Moisten the rim of the glass with agave syrup (water or simple syrup also work), then dip into the sugar/salt mixture to coat.1 tablespoon simple or agave syrup
- Add tequila, Cointreau, prickly pear syrup and lime juice to an ice filled cocktail shaker. Cover and shake vigorously.2 ounces tequila, 1½ ounce Cointreau, 1 ounce prickly pear syrup, 1 ounce lime juice
- Fill the prepared glass with ice, then strain the cocktail over the ice to fill the glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.Lime wedges
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Anne
I never tried prickly pear syrup before, but it was fabulous. I loved the color of the cocktail too - it's a real showstopper!
Sula
Yes, once you've tried it, you'll go back again and again!
Angela F
A mix of sour/sweet notes and the prettiest color ever!
Sula
Thanks for the kind review!
Sage Scott
I've enjoyed several prickly pear margaritas in the Southwest, but never tried making one at home until now. Yum! This tastes as good as one crafted by a skilled bartender (even if it was me who made it LOL)!
Sula
Yes, even those of us who don't live in the land of prickly pears can now enjoy this delicious margarita!
Kristie
I live in prickly pear country and trust me — I do not want to tangle with one. I did find”prickly pear infused” simple syrup at total wine and spirits. It’s SUPER sweet (real prickly pear fruit is pretty tart), so I added more lime juice and less liqueur to mine. Husband was guinea pig. I have not made a margarita since college and margarita mix was fine, so I did suffer from performance anxiety.
Sula
LOL yes the syrup is very sweet! Good job adjusting it to your personal taste buds!
Shilpa
This was the first time I used prickly pear in a cocktail and it turned out exceptionally well.
Sula
So glad you enjoyed it!
Lisa
I’m so glad I gave this a try. The flavor is a new favorite.
Sula
It tends to become a favorite very quickly!
Ellen
My husband and I love trying new flavors of margaritas and this one does not disappoint! We've already made it twice! Thanks for a yummy cocktail.
Sula
You're very welcome -it's easy to have on repeat, for sure!
Sharon
I had no idea there was such a thing as prickly pear syrup! It was such a delicious surprise and went perfectly with the tequila in this marg. And the color??? So pretty.
Sula
I think delicious surprise sums it up very nicely. 😁 Thank you.
Jennifer Osborn
I made this for a girls night and it was such a great drink. Everyone loved it. Plus you can’t beat the color.
Sula
It really is a gorgeous color, isn't it? I think Barbie would approve!
Kristie
Hey, KEN approves.
Sula
Awesome!! LOL
Jenn
This was my first time using prickly pears, but it was so good! I love the sweetnes, with a hint of tartness in the margarita, and the colour was just so pretty! I cant wait to show this off to friends!
Sula
Its a super fun margarita variation!
Ksenia
I had some prickly pear leftover from making a smoothie bowl yesterday, and I wanted to implement it in a drink. This was just the perfect combination of flavors!
Sula
So yummy!
Jessica
How exotic! Thanks for the sourcing tips regarding ingredients. I was definitely thinking that there's no way I can find prickly pears, but you show exactly how to do it with the syrup. So clever!
Sula
I was pretty determined to find a way! LOL