The Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita is not only a vibrantly beautiful cocktail, it’s also deliciously refreshing!
This Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita recipe has all your favorite flavors from the classic margarita elevated with jalapenos and real prickly pear juice for a tantalizing twist. We’re already using agave, so why not add another cactus ingredient? This cocktail is tangy, sweet, spicy, and boozy. The Prickly Pear Margarita can be served on the rocks as shown, frozen, or in pitchers for a party. It’s the perfect drink to sip on patios or poolside this summer. The Prickly Pear Margarita is also great for bachelorettes, bridal showers, or Mother’s Day brunch thanks to its electric pink hue. You’d expect a drink this color to be overly sweet, but that’s definitely not the case. And one of the reasons I love prickly pears!
What Are Prickly Pears?
A prickly pear is a fruit, called tunas, that grows on cactus in desert areas. Their exterior is hairy and spiky hiding the beautiful vibrant magenta interior. They’re a juicy fruit that tastes like a cross between watermelon and bubblegum with some notes of raspberry. Prickly pears are excellent in margaritas as their subtle sweet taste is brought to life and balanced with the acidic lime juice and tequila. They’re also good for you and lower in sugar than most fruits.
Ingredients
This Prickly Pear Margarita contains all the typical ingredients found in a classic margarita and more.
Tequila
I’d recommend using a silver or blanco tequila for this margarita recipe. These types of tequilas aren’t aged long yielding a clean, crisp liquor. I find with this Prickly Pear Margarita recipe longer-aged tequilas (reposado, añejo, and mezcal) alter the flavor too much. I prefer using more smoky, spicy tequilas in the fall and winter. A bright, refreshing margarita like this one is better with blanco. But it’s your drink so use whatever you prefer!
Cointreau
An orange citrus liqueur. Can substitute with any orange liqueur like triple sec or Grand Marnier.
Lime
Can’t have a margarita (or tequila in general) without lime! The acid from the lime juice balances out the sweetness. You must use fresh!
Agave Nectar
Adds the sweet element to this Prickly Pear Margarita. While the pears are sweet, it’s subtle. You can also substitute simple syrup.
Jalapeno
Fresh jalapeno slices add the “spicy” to this Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita. I love a good spicy margarita and this one is no exception. You can omit if you don’t like spice or adjust the number of slices you add.
Fresh Prickly Pear Juice
I add prickly pear juice directly into this margarita. A lot of recipes call for making a prickly pear syrup ahead of time, but I don’t find that necessary. And I like to add a lot more juice to my margarita than what you’d get from the syrup. It’s too good not to.
Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita Instructions
On the Rocks Method
My preferred easy method for this Prickly Pear Margarita recipe is on the rocks. Simply add all ingredients to a shaker. Muddle (crush) the jalapeno slices down into the liquid. Add ice, shake well, then strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of prickly pear, jalapeno, and edible flower (shown in picture but totally optional).
Frozen Method
To make a frozen prickly pear margarita, simply toss all the ingredients into a blender with ice. These are especially tasty on hot summer beach or pool days.
Pitcher Method
If you’re hosting a party or dinner and don’t want to get stuck playing bartender, you can also serve these Prickly Pear Margaritas large batch. Depending on how many you’re serving triple or quadruple this recipe. Strain out the jalapenos and add ice before serving. Or leave ice on the side for guests to serve themselves so the cocktail doesn’t get watered down.
FAQs
Where can I find prickly pears?
You don’t have to live in Arizona or desert adjacent to find prickly pears. I live in Ohio and find them at my grocery store. If you’re unable to find them by you though, try this Prickly Pear syrup.
Can I make a non-spicy Prickly Pear Margarita?
Of course! Simply omit the jalapeno if you’d prefer your margarita without spice. If you like a little spice, use less, or omit the seeds. Fan of spice? Add more!
Can I make a mocktail margarita?
In order to go for the same flavor sans the tequila, I’d recommend doubling up on your prickly pear and lime juice.
Serve with...
On a hot summer day, serve this Prickly Pear Margarita with these Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos, Strawberry Watermelon Summer Salad, or Queso Blanco. Or try serving with these other Mexican-inspired dishes: Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla, Baja Shrimp Tacos, or Mexican Street Corn.
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Easy Raspberry Coconut Margarita
Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add tequila, liqueur, lime juice, agave, prickly pear juice, and jalapeno to a shaker.
- Muddle jalapeno down into the liquid.
- Add ice. Shake well for 30-60 seconds.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with jalapeno slice, prickly pear slice, and edible flower if desired.
Paige
This is my new favorite margarita. And I'm obsessed with the color!!
Hayley
Perfect balance of spicy and juicy. 😍