A refreshing Prickly Pear Margarita is the perfect alcoholic drink for my Taco Tuesday feast. Its unique flavor profile and striking pink hue make it a standout at any gathering.
Contents
Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe
Prickly pear margarita is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic margarita cocktail. The drink is distinguished by its striking bright pink color and unique flavor profile. Its taste is sweeter than a traditional margarita, with notes reminiscent of watermelon, strawberry, and bubble gum.

This cactus margarita is popular in the American Southwest. It’s beloved for its refreshing sweetness, stunning color, and the novelty of using cactus fruit.
This cocktail pairs well with traditional Mexican dishes like tacos (chicken, shrimp, or fish), fajitas, and tostadas. Southwestern favorites such as Green Chile Quesadillas, Sonoran Hot Dogs, and Chipotle Shrimp are also a great match.
You can pair the alcoholic drink with guacamole, salsa, and chips for a tangy contrast. For dessert, lime or mango sorbet, cheesecake, or dark chocolate enhances the margarita’s flavors. Grilled meats and seafood, like spiced pork or shrimp, add a savory balance.
Here’s how to make Prickly Pear Margarita:

Fresh prickly pearl margarita
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh prickly pear juice strained
- 4 oz silver tequila
- 2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1-2 tbsp agave syrup adjust to taste
- Ice cubes
- Salt for rimming glasses
- Lime slices and prickly pear wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Moisten the rims of two glasses with a lime wedge. Dip the rims into salt to coat them.
- In a shaker, combine the fresh prickly pear juice, tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Add ice cubes to the shaker.
- Secure the lid on the shaker and shake the mixture vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the margarita mix into the prepared glasses over ice.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of lime and a wedge of prickly pear.
Notes
- Use gloves to peel the prickly pears and remove the seeds.
- Blend the flesh to extract the juice.
- Strain the juice to remove any remaining seeds or pulp.
Variations
You can try other versions of Prickly Pear Cactus below:
- Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita is infused with a kick of jalapeño or other fiery peppers. It balances the sweet and tangy prickly pear with a subtle, fiery warmth that lingers on the palate.
- Frozen Version blends the cocktail with crushed ice. This icy concoction transforms the traditional cactus cocktail experience into a refreshing slushy delight.
- Mezcal Cactus Margarita substitutes mezcal for tequila to introduce a smoky flavor.
- Non-alcoholic Version replaces tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit or sparkling water while keeping the other ingredients intact.
- Prickly Pear Grapefruit Margarita adds freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for a bold and tangy flavor profile.