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This isn’t your average margarita. This prickly pear margarita turns it a bold pink and adds just the right balance of sweet and tart. It’s simple to throw together, but it looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

JUMP TO RECIPE

Two glasses with ice, salted rims, and lime wedges sit on a dark surface, surrounded by lime slices and blurred white flowers in the background.

about This Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

A prickly pear margarita is a fun twist on the classic, bringing a sweet-tart punch and a pop of color to your glass. Depending on the syrup you use, the drink can range from a soft blush pink to a deeper magenta. You can grab a bottle of prickly pear syrup at most liquor stores or online. It might not always come out neon, but the flavor is where it shines. The juicy prickly pear syrup balances bright lime, smooth tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur.

The flavor profile is well-balanced, featuring earthy tequila, tart lime, and smooth orange liqueur, with the fruitiness of prickly pear tying it all together. It’s the right combination of sweet and sour that keeps you coming back, sip after sip.

You can shake up one for yourself after a long day or make a pitcher of prickly pear margaritas for taco night. Either way, you’re getting a refreshing, slightly exotic margarita that’s different from the basic lime version but just as easy to love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Just the simple twist of prickly pear in a margarita makes it even more special:

It’s super easy to batch for parties.
Only a few simple ingredients, and you probably have most of them already.
Can be tweaked to be spicy, smoky, or even booze-free.
Way more interesting than a basic lime margarita.
Tested with both store-bought syrup and homemade prickly pear syrup, both work beautifully.

A hand rolls the rim of a glass in salt and lime zest on a white plate with a blue stripe, prepping the glass.

ingredients

Raw sugar or coarse salt. You’ll use this on the rim. Sugar plays well with the prickly pear, but salt keeps things more traditional.

Lime zest. Zest brings a fresh lime punch to the rim mixture, whether you are using sugar or salt. Don’t skip this!

Lime wedge. Run the wedge around the rim of your glass to help the sugar or salt stick. Don’t throw it away though – pop it in the drink once it’s done.

Tequila blanco. Go for something smooth but not overly expensive. Blanco keeps the flavor clean. Espolòn and Olmeca Altos are my go-to affordable picks.

Prickly pear syrup. This is what gives the drink its signature color and sweet-tart flavor. Some syrups are sweeter than others, so taste and adjust as needed.

Fresh lime juice. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor! Bottled tends to be way too tart.

Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Both work great. Cointreau is a little lighter, and Grand Marnier is richer. You could also use triple sec, if that’s what you have on hand.

Did you know? The color of your margarita will depend on the simple syrup you use. Some syrups give you a neon pink glow because of added coloring, while others are a bit darker or more muted (like the one I used). The flavor is delicious either way!

this recipe’s must-haves

You’ll need a cocktail shaker to get everything mixed. A jigger helps keep measurements consistent, which is especially helpful when you’re scaling the drink.

A citrus juicer makes quick work of the limes, and a cocktail strainer gives you a clean pour into your glass.

For the rim, use a small plate to mix your sugar or salt with the lime zest. If you’re making a big batch, grab a pitcher!

A metal cup filled with ice and a fizzy Prickly Pear Margarita sits on a dark surface, next to two lime halves and white dried flowers.

how to make this Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

Rim

Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip it into a mix of lime zest and sugar or salt. Set aside.

Shake

Fill a shaker halfway with fresh ice. Pour tequila, prickly pear syrup, lime juice, and Cointreau or Grand Marnier into the shaker. Shake it hard for about 30 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is cold and frosty.

Strain

Fill your rimmed glass with ice, then strain the drink into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.

Tips for Success

• Always use fresh lime juice. It makes a huge difference.
• If you’re batching in a pitcher, chill the mixture in the refrigerator (without ice so it doesn’t dilute) 1 to 2 hours before serving.
• Syrups can vary. Make sure to taste yours and adjust the amount to balance the sweetness.

A hand pours a vibrant Prickly Pear Margarita over ice into a salt-rimmed glass, surrounded by lime slices and white flowers on a dark surface.

variations

If you want to add a little heat, muddling fresh jalapeno slices before shaking gives the margarita just enough spice without overwhelming the other flavors. Start small and adjust based on how much kick you’re after.

For a frozen version, blend everything together with ice until smooth. It’s an easy way to turn this into a summer slushie-style drink.

Swapping tequila blanco for mezcal brings in a smoky flavor that totally changes the feel of the drink.

To make it less sweet, simply reduce the amount of prickly pear syrup. Since syrups vary by brand, it’s worth tasting first. You can also bump up the lime juice a little if you want it more tart.

Try Tajín with salt for a chili-lime rim instead of a sugar or salt option.

If you’re skipping the alcohol, use sparkling water in place of tequila and orange juice instead of the liqueur.

More Margaritas to Sip On: Texas Margarita I Blueberry Margarita I Pomegranate Margarita I Strawberry Margarita Mimosa

A glass filled with a vibrant Prickly Pear Margarita and ice cubes, garnished with a lime wedge and a salted rim. Slices of lime are scattered on the dark surface around the glass, with white flowers blurred in the background.

faqs

Do I need prickly pear syrup or can I use juice?

Stick with the syrup. It gives the drink a better color and unique flavor. Juice won’t have the same effect.

What is the best tequila?

Blanco is the best type of tequila to use. It’s clean and lets the other flavors shine without being too bold.

Is it too sweet?

It’s sweeter than a regular margarita, but not overly so. You can always scale the syrup up or down to your taste.

Why isn’t your prickly pear margarita bright pink?

Don’t worry, it’s not a mix up! The final color depends on the brand of syrup you use (or if you make your own). Some syrups are neon pink, while others are softer and more muted. The flavor will still be delicious either way.

Need more drink inspiration? Check out my booze page.

A glass filled with a pinkish-orange drink over ice, garnished with a lime wedge and a salted rim. Slices of lime and white flowers are visible in the background on a dark surface.

what to serve with Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

This perfect margarita pairs well with many easy appetizers! Try it with veggie guacamole, pineapple mango salsa, or a skillet of chorizo queso.

This cocktail really shines next to something cheesy and hot. If you’re putting together a full party spread, think about adding nachos, some ceviche, or grilled Mexican street corn to the menu.

For mains, it goes especially well with anything taco-related. Fried avocado tacos, grilled shrimp tacos wrapped in bacon, and slow cooker tacos al pastor all work well. The margarita’s tartness helps cut through any richness in the dish.

For dessert, stick with something simple and fruity like tropical sorbet or paletas. You don’t want anything too heavy.

how to store

This margarita is definitely best served fresh, right after shaking. That’s when the texture and chill are just right.

If you’re making a batch ahead of time in a pitcher, mix everything without ice cubes and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. That way, you avoid watering it down.

Two glasses filled with a pink Prickly Pear Margarita, ice cubes, and a lime wedge, surrounded by sliced limes on a dark surface.

more of our favorite fruity cocktails

If you like drinks with a fruity twist, the passion fruit margarita is a great one to try next. It’s bright, tangy, and just as easy to pull together.

For something non-alcoholic, the panema cocktail brings citrus and tropical flavors without the booze. It’s refreshing and super versatile.

If you’re in the mood for something a little different, the cherry whiskey smash has a deeper fruit flavor and a smooth whiskey base. It’s a nice switch-up from the usual tequila or rum cocktails.

Finally, if you make this prickly pear margarita recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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