Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Add dried hibiscus flowers to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes to extract color and flavor.

Remove from heat and stir in the prickly pear puree. Let the syrup steep for 10–15 minutes for fuller color and flavor.

Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove solids. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor.

Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Syrup will keep 7–10 days in the refrigerator.

If using fresh prickly pear, carefully peel and remove seeds if desired, then mash or puree until smooth. For easier preparation use store-bought prickly pear puree.

In a clean jar, combine 2 cups blanco tequila, 1/2 cup prickly pear puree, and 1 teaspoon dried hibiscus (optional). Seal the jar and shake gently to combine.

Let infuse at room temperature for 24–48 hours, tasting after 24 hours and again at 48 hours until you reach a balanced fruit/tequila flavor. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle, pressing solids to extract liquid. Discard solids.

Refrigerate the infused tequila until ready to use. Infused tequila will keep up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

Prepare glass

If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks or coupe glass and dip the rim into coarse salt or Tajín. Fill the glass with fresh ice (if serving on the rocks) or set aside if serving straight up.

Mix

In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz house-infused tequila, 0.75 oz prickly pear triple sec, 0.75 oz prickly pear hibiscus syrup, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and a handful of ice.

Shake

Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled and slightly frosty.

Strain & Serve

Double-strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice (or strain straight into a chilled coupe). Garnish with a lime wheel and a slice of prickly pear or an edible flower.

Adjustments

Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity: add 0.25–0.5 oz more syrup if you prefer sweeter, or 0.25 oz more lime if you prefer brighter/tarter.