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Prickly Pear Margarita Mocktail Recipe

Prickly Pear Margarita Mocktail Recipe

Craving a margarita but want to skip the tequila? Try the effortlessly vibrant prickly pear margarita mocktail. This alcohol-free twist on the classic margarita is delicious, refreshing, and hydrating, made with Caliwater Prickly Pear Cactus Water. Sweet, tangy, and packed with the nourishing benefits of prickly pear fruit, it’s as simple to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party or treating yourself to a guilt-free indulgence, this festive mocktail is perfect for any occasion.

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What does prickly pear taste like?

Prickly pear has a fruity flavor profile that’s naturally mild and sweet like watermelon, with a subtle tartness reminiscent of kiwi and berries. Its sweet-and-tangy taste pairs perfectly with other fruits, especially the signature lime flavor of a margarita. Lime brings out the tartness of prickly pear while balancing its sweetness, creating a flavorful harmony you’ll love.

Why you’ll love this mocktail

This prickly pear margarita mocktail isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s a feel-good, vibrant drink that refreshes with every sip. Don’t settle for a drink that’s healthy or beautiful—serve up a pitcher of virgin margaritas that checks both boxes!

Packed with antioxidants

The two main ingredients in this mocktail—Caliwater Cactus Water and limes—are bursting with antioxidants, which promote wellness from the cellular level. These powerful nutrients, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, help support your body’s natural defenses, making this mocktail a beneficial addition to your afternoon or evening.

Refreshingly hydrating

Packed with five essential electrolytes, Caliwater is a well-rounded, delicious way to hydrate.  It’s an all-natural, plant-based hydration drink that keeps you feeling energized and refreshed without artificial ingredients. Add the lime juice for extra electrolytes and the touch of salt on the rim, and you get the ultimate mocktail for boosting hydration.

Pretty in pink

Prickly pear fruit gives Caliwater Prickly Pear Cactus Water a natural pink hue for a festive pop of color. With a salted rim and lime wedge for garnish, it’s truly an eye-catching mocktail. Whether you’re hosting a Galentine’s party, taco night, or just treating yourself, it’s the kind of drink that instantly elevates the mood and your Instagram feed.

Great for all ages

With this alcohol-free margarita, no one has to feel left out! Caliwater has a taste both kids and adults love, making it suitable for all ages and any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations. This mocktail brings everyone together for a fun, inclusive alternative to traditional cocktails without sacrificing flavor.

Equipment needed

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to make this virgin prickly pear margarita:

  • Cutting board and knife (to cut the lime)

  • Citrus juicer (hands work too)

  • Measuring cups and spoons (or measure with your heart 🫶)

  • Small plate (to salt the rims)

  • Cocktail shaker (or in this case, mocktail shaker 😉)

  • Glasses for serving (the prettier, the better!)

What’s in a virgin prickly pear margarita?

While tequila is traditionally a key ingredient in a margarita, this refreshing virgin prickly pear margarita offers all the bold flavor without the alcohol. You can easily whip up this delicious mocktail with just five simple ingredients:

  • Caliwater Prickly Pear Cactus Water: Every mocktail needs a good base, and this one is the very best. Caliwater Cactus Water provides a bold prickly pear flavor and health benefits like vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes for a nutrient-packed, hydrating mocktail base.

  • Fresh lime: A must-have for any margarita, mocktail or not. Freshly squeezed lime juice gives this mocktail a refreshing, citrusy tang. Plus, you’ll use lime wedges or wheels to salt the rims of the glasses and garnish the drink. Without lime, a margarita just isn’t a margarita.

  • Simple syrup: If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, you can easily make it at home—it’s in the name. Mix equal parts of hot water and sugar, let cool, and you’re done! Simple syrup balances the tart lime juice with some extra sweetness and can easily be adjusted to taste preferences.

  • Coarse salt: The signature garnish for a margarita is, of course, a salted rim. The subtle salty taste brings out the sweetness of the mocktail for the perfect mix of flavors. Coarse salt like Kosher salt or flaky sea salt sticks to the glass the best, or use pink Himalayan salt for an extra pink flair.

  • Ice cubes: You’ll need lots of ice to mix up this margarita mocktail. Ice cubes help all the ingredients combine, chill the drink, and make for the perfect presentation.

Prickly pear margarita mocktail recipe

Servings: 2

Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Salt. Run a lime wedge around the rims of your glasses, then dip them into a plate of coarse salt. If serving to kids (or sweet-tooth adults), swap the salt for sugar.

  2. Combine. Fill a cocktail shaker about two-thirds full with ice. Add the Caliwater, lime juice, and simple syrup.

  3. Shake. Secure the top of the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to mix and chill the drink.

  4. Pour. Divide the mixture evenly between glasses filled with fresh ice, straining out the ice from the shaker.

  5. Serve. Garnish each glass with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Tips for serving

To make the presentation as exciting as the drink itself, serve your mocktail in classic margarita glasses with fun, colorful straws for a festive touch. Want a more vibrant pink color? Swap the simple syrup for grenadine—it not only brightens the hue but also adds a fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the prickly pear flavor.

Serving a crowd? Multiply the ingredients to match the number of servings you need. Since a cocktail shaker can’t hold a double batch, mix everything in a pitcher and chill it in advance for the best results. For frozen margarita mocktails, toss the ingredients into a blender with extra ice and blend until smooth. 

Looking for more ways to enjoy Caliwater? Check out our other recipes for creative ways to incorporate cactus water into your daily routine!

Variations

Personalize our prickly pear margarita mocktail recipe to match the vibe of your gathering or taste preferences with these twists:

  • Add bubbles: Top your margarita mocktails off with some club soda or tonic water for a bubbly take on a traditional margarita.

  • Adjust sweetness: Add or subtract simple syrup to suit your taste. Rimming your glasses with sugar or a mix of sugar and salt can also add some sweetness.

  • Spice things up: If you like your margaritas spicy, shake or garnish with jalapeños, or rim the glasses with Tajín.

  • Make it frozen: You can easily make frozen margarita mocktails by blending the ingredients with a few cups of ice for a refreshing chilled treat.

  • Squeeze in orange: Traditional margaritas include triple sec, an orange-flavored liquor. To achieve a hint of orange, add a squeeze of fresh orange juice to the shaker.

Shake things up with Caliwater

Bring a burst of bold flavor and refreshing hydration to the table with this Caliwater-based prickly pear margarita mocktail. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and vibrant, made even better with the natural benefits of cactus water. From parties to relaxing evenings, this mocktail is sure to impress at your next gathering. Elevate your beverages with Caliwater for extraordinary sips every time.

Find Caliwater online or at a local store to try this recipe and experience cactus-powered hydration for yourself.

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