Prickly Pear Margaritas
Photo: Lee Harrelson; Styling: Ana Kelly, Mindi Shapiro

Take that familiar frozen margarita to the next level by adding prickly pear fruit. This fruit adds a rich pink color to your ‘rita and a touch of sweetness. This particular recipe packs a sour punch, but you can adjust the sugar and fruit to your taste.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Cut ends from prickly pears. Cut a 1/8-inch-deep lengthwise slit through peel on each fruit. Pull back peel and remove from pulp; discard peel. Cut fruit pulp into 1/2-inch chunks.

Step 2
2

In a blender, combine half of all these ingredients: prickly pear chunks, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and sugar; whirl until smooth. Add half the ice and whirl until blended. Pour into glasses slowly, leaving seeds behind. Discard seeds.

Step 3
3

Repeat step 2 with remaining pear chunks, lime juice, tequila, liqueur, sugar, and ice.

Step 4
4

Garnish with lime slices.

Ingredients

 1 1/4 pounds green or red prickly pear fruit
 1 cup lime juice
 1 cup tequila
 3/4 cup orange-flavor liqueur
 2 tablespoons sugar
 4 cups crushed ice
  Thin lime slices (optional)

Directions

Step 1
1

Cut ends from prickly pears. Cut a 1/8-inch-deep lengthwise slit through peel on each fruit. Pull back peel and remove from pulp; discard peel. Cut fruit pulp into 1/2-inch chunks.

Step 2
2

In a blender, combine half of all these ingredients: prickly pear chunks, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and sugar; whirl until smooth. Add half the ice and whirl until blended. Pour into glasses slowly, leaving seeds behind. Discard seeds.

Step 3
3

Repeat step 2 with remaining pear chunks, lime juice, tequila, liqueur, sugar, and ice.

Step 4
4

Garnish with lime slices.

Prickly Pear Margaritas

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