Prickly Pear Margarita
I’m in California!! I had just unpacked from my trip to NYC when my parents decided to visit my little brother in California and of course I just had to tag along. Before we left I had a basket of prickly pears that I couldn’t let go to waste, so a few went in for an agua for the kids and a few for a pitcher of margaritas for the adults.
To make the prickly pear fresh juice in a blender add peeled and diced prickly pears. Blend until smooth and strain for seeds. The airy shade of lime was the complete opposite from the bright pink shade when I made these margaritas earlier last year. Enjoy!!
Prickly pears also known as tunas are the fruit found on nopales. In either red or green they can be found in many Latin markets in the produce section. The outside skin contains spines so please be careful.
Our local grocery store has them with the spines removed or even peeled and ready to eat. I prefer to peel my own simply for freshness. The interior in lined with small seeds. Your blender should have no problem breaking these down, but strain your water for any little bits that may have lingered. Enjoy!!
- 1 cup fresh prickly pear water about 4 or 5 medium prickly pears
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup Cointreau
- 1 cup tequila
- salt
- lime wedges
- ice cubes
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On a small plate spread salt.
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With lime wedges moisten rim of 6 ounce glasses.
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Dip glasses into salt.
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Place glasses into freezer to chill.
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In a pitcher combine the tequila, fresh prickly pear water, lime juice and Cointreau.
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Remove glasses from freezer and serve margarita mixture over ice.
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Garnish with lime slices.
such a refreshing drink! i’m so intrigued by the prickly pears, i need to find some – hopefully that won’t be too hard here in so cal!
Awhile back I pinned your cafe tacuba creamy style chicken enchiladas so that I could make them as part of our Rick Bayless cook along at IHCC. I made them tonight and they are awesome! I haven’t posted it yet but wanted to be sure to tell you thanks for sharing the recipe!! We loved it.
slurp!
If their anything you won’t use to make a Margarita? 🙂 I’ve never worked with Prickly Pear even though I have access to them. This looks like a great place to start. Enjoy your California visit!
When I first moved to Tucson Arizona, I had no idea what prickly pear was. Now that I live in North Carolina, I truly miss it!!! I am used to the pink variation, but love learning about a green one. My favorite treat is prickly pear gummy candy, yum:-) Your margarita looks delicious!!! Hugs, Terra
What a creative cocktail!
You’re quite the jet-setter lately – I’m jealous! I would love one of these margs right now…yum!
Looks so refreshing. And beautiful photos Vianney