This month, we’re wrangling up a true taste of the desert by making homemade prickly pear syrup. Sweet, vibrant, and full of western charm, this syrup adds a splash of summer to cocktails, iced teas, and more. Follow the easy recipe and enjoy three refreshing drink variations sure to impress.
Prickly Pear Syrup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup prickly pear puree (strained for seeds if homemade)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor)
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, combine the prickly pear puree, sugar, and water.
If desired, add lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning, and allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
If needed, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pulp or seeds.
Transfer the cooled syrup to a clean, airtight container or bottle.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Prickly Pear Iced Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups brewed black tea (or green tea, if preferred), chilled
¼ cup prickly pear syrup (homemade or store-bought, adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Lemon slices or fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Brew the tea of your choice and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. Once chilled, stir in the prickly pear syrup, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the tea over the top, and gently stir. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint for a bright, refreshing finish. This iced tea is the perfect way to cool off with a little southwestern flair!
Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe
Ingredients:
1.5 oz tequila (silver or reposado)
1 oz prickly pear syrup (homemade or store-bought)
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz orange liqueur
Ice cubes
Salt or sugar (for rimming the glass, optional)
Prickly pear cubes for garnish
Instructions:
Rim your glass with salt or sugar by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into a shallow plate of salt or sugar. Fill a shaker with ice, then add tequila, prickly pear syrup, fresh lime juice, and orange liqueur. Shake well until chilled. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a few prickly pear cubes or a lime wedge for a colorful, desert-inspired finish. This margarita is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and bold — a sunset-worthy sip every time!
Prickly Pear Mule Recipe
Ingredients:
1.5 oz vodka (or try tequila for a twist)
1 oz prickly pear syrup (homemade or store-bought)
½ oz fresh lime juice
4–6 oz chilled ginger beer
Ice cubes
Dehydrated lime for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a copper mule mug (or glass) with ice cubes. Pour in the vodka (or tequila), prickly pear syrup, and fresh lime juice. Give it a gentle stir to mix. Top it off with chilled ginger beer, adding more or less depending on your taste preference. Garnish with a dehydrated lime slice for a rustic, desert-inspired look. This prickly pear mule is a refreshing, fizzy drink with a vibrant kick — perfect for sipping under a summer sky or at your next western-themed gathering!