Three-Step Prickly Pear Margarita
jump toRECIPE
This three-step prickly pear margarita is a fun twist on the classic cocktail made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and sweet prickly pear syrup for a vibrant pink drink with balanced sweet-tart flavor. Refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for warm weather entertaining, this margarita recipe is great for taco nights, summer parties, or happy hour at home. For more cocktail recipes, try my pineapple ginger smash and or this refreshing (and super easy!) frosé. And if you’re hosting a ton of guests, try my big batch margaritas, which are perfect for larger crowds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and refreshing – The prickly pear syrup adds a sweet, fruity flavor balanced by fresh lime juice.
- Stunning color – This cocktail has a naturally vibrant pink hue that makes it perfect for entertaining.
- Easy to make – This margarita comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients.
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Prickly pear syrup – Prickly pear actually comes from the orange flower from a type of cactus. Prickly pear syrup can be found at larger liquor stores like Bevmo, some health food stores or online.
- Tequila – When choosing a tequila, I use tequila blanco also known as silver tequila in my margaritas. Look for a higher end brand (trust me it will help with your hangover the next morning) – the label should say 100% agave.
- Lime juice – The acid from the fresh lime juice balances the sharpness of the alcohol and sweet flavor of the added agave.
- Triple sec – Triple sec is a sweet, clear, orange liqueur made with 15%-40% alcohol from sweet and bitter orange peels. Cointreau is a type of triple sec. It’s a higher end label with a higher alcohol content than most other triple secs.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tip
Shake the margarita vigorously with plenty of ice to properly chill and slightly dilute the cocktail for the smoothest flavor.
Swaps and Substitutions
- Tequila: Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky variation.
- Prickly pear syrup: Substitute with pomegranate syrup or hibiscus syrup for a similar fruity flavor and color.
- Lime juice: Fresh lemon juice can be used for a slightly different citrus profile.
- Triple sec: Swap with Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeño or a Tajín rim for heat.
How to Make a Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Shake with ice. Add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, prickly pear syrup and agave to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
- Rim glasses with salt. Add kosher salt and sugar to a shallow dish, mixing to combine. Rub the rim of glass with the lime slice then dip the glass in the salt and sugar mixture to garnish the rim of a margarita glass.
- Pour and enjoy! Fill a glass with ice cubes. Then strain the shaken margarita into the glass. Garnish with the lime slice or lime wedge and serve immediately.
How to Serve Prickly Pear Margaritas
- With tacos: Serve alongside fish tacos, carnitas, or grilled shrimp tacos.
- For happy hour: Pair with chips, guacamole, and salsa for an easy appetizer spread.
- At parties: Serve in a pitcher for easy entertaining during summer gatherings.
- With a salted rim: Rim the glasses with salt or Tajín for extra flavor.
How to Store Prickly Pear Margaritas
- Store leftovers: Refrigerate leftover margarita mixture without ice for up to 2 days.
- Shake before serving: Re-shake the cocktail with fresh ice before serving for the best texture and temperature.
- Prep ahead: Mix the tequila, syrup, and citrus juice ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Avoid storing with ice: Ice will dilute the cocktail as it sits.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
A prickly pear margarita tastes lightly sweet, fruity, and refreshing with subtle melon and berry-like flavors balanced by tart lime juice.
Prickly pear syrup is made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus blended with sugar and water for a sweet, vibrant syrup commonly used in cocktails.
Blanco tequila works best for a prickly pear margarita because its clean, crisp flavor complements the fruity syrup and citrus.
Yes. You can mix the margarita ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to shake and serve over ice.
Garnish a prickly pear margarita with a lime wheel, edible flowers, prickly pear fruit, or a Tajín or salt rim for extra flavor and presentation.
Can You Make a Larger Batch?
Absolutely! To make a pitcher of these prickly pear margaritas I multiply the recipe by 8 servings. Combine 1.5 cups tequila, ¾ cup triple sec, ¾ cup lime juice, 1¼ cups prickly pear syrup and ¼ cup agave (or simple syrup or honey). Add to a pitcher and chill until ready to use. Pour over ice.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this prickly pear margarita, give some of these other cocktails recipes a try:
Tried it? Loved it? Tweaked it? Leave a review below and tell me how it went – I’m all ears (and always hungry).
Prickly Pear Margarita
Rate this Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces tequila blanco
- 1½ ounces Triple sec
- 1½ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ½ ounces prickly pear syrup*
- ½ ounce agave syrup
- lime slice
- kosher salt for garnish
- granulated sugar for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, prickly pear syrup and agave to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously.
- Add kosher salt and sugar to a shallow dish, mixing to combine. Rub the rim of glass with the lime slice then dip the glass in the salt and sugar mixture to garnish the rim.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes. Then strain the shaken margarita into the glass. Garnish with the lime slice or lime wedge and serve immediately.
Notes:
Nutrition:
TAG ME ON INSTAGRAM TO BE FEATURED ON MY STORIES! @cookingwithcocktailrings
Looks yummy!