My nopal soda is light, refreshing and goes great with a plate of tacos. Made with nopales (cactus paddles), Topo Chico mineral water and plenty of lime juice this nopal soda is an exciting new way to enjoy nopales.
Nopal Soda (Cactus Soda)
Today I want to share with you an exciting new homemade soda I have been enjoying this summer. Made with fresh nopales (cactus paddles) and plenty of fresh lime juice this soda is delicious.
Nopales are the paddles of the cactus. Typically boiled or grilled used in breakfast tacos, salad or guisados. Fresh nopales can be made into juices or smoothies. The flavor profile for nopales is similar to a green beans and asparagus.
For this homemade soda, I simmered fresh nopales with sugar and water to create a nopal simple syrup. When working with fresh nopales its best to wear gloves to clean them. Lay the nopal on a cutting braid and with a sharp paring knife shave across the paddle to remove the tiny spines. Look for cleaned and diced nopales in the produce section at the local Latin Market.
Spoon the nopal syrup over ice then top with Topo Chico mineral water – refreshing, bright this soda this the spot. I also used this nopal simple syrup to make a nopal margarita which is heavenly.
You can make homemade soda using any fresh fruit juice. I have made grapefruit, chayote, strawberry, and even espresso, but today I went with vibrant nopales a tangy splash of lime, so –so delish!
Nopal Soda (Cactus Soda)
Yield 1 Makes
My nopal soda is light, refreshing and goes great with a plate of tacos. Made with nopales (cactus paddles), Topo Chico mineral water and plenty of lime juice this nopal soda is an exciting new way to enjoy nopales.
Ingredients
For Nopal Simple Syrup
2 nopal paddles, spines removed and diced2 cups water1 /2 cup sugarJuice of 3 limes
For Soda
1-ounce nopal simple syrupTopo Chico mineral water
Instructions
To make Nopal Simple Syrup
In a saucepan combine nopales, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let steep for an hour. Strain, (keep diced nopales to garnish margaritas if desired) stir in lime juice and use to make margaritas.
To Make Soda
To a glass filled with ice, spoon nopal simple syrup over ice. Top with Topo Chico mineral water.
Courses Beverage
Cuisine Mexican
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