Prickly Pear Margarita

Total Time: 10 Mins Servings: 4

PRICKLY PEAR SYRUP

1 1/2 lbs. fresh prickly pears, spines scraped

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

MARGARITA

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 lime, wedges

3/4 cup blanco tequila

6 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

3 Tbsp. orange liqueur

1/4 cup prickly pear syrup

Ice

PRICKLY PEAR SYRUP

1. Remove skin from prickly pears and chop into large chunks. Add to blender and process until completely smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour through a finemesh strainer into a large saucepan. Press with back of spoon to get as much juice as possible. Discard of solid leftovers.

2. Stir sugar into pear juice in the pan and bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat. Reduce heat to sides, remove from oil and place on paper towel-lined plate. Continue with each tortilla. medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Mixture should be syrupy. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Let cool completely; use immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

3. Once cool to the touch, toss in cinnamon sugar mixture to completely coat.

4. Fill with strawberries and top with whipped cream.

MARGARITA

3. Spread sugar on a small plate. Rub 1 lime wedge along rims of 4 margarita glasses. Dip rims into sugar and set aside.

4. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and prickly pear syrup then cover and shake well until very cold, about 30 seconds.

5. Add ice to prepared glasses and strain margaritas into glasses. Serve with remaining lime wedges.