Prickly Pear Lemonade
This prickly pear lemonade has been a loooong time in the making – possibly up to a decade!
When I was in college, my parents took my roommates and I to a dude ranch in Arizona. It was my first time at a dude ranch and, honestly, I constantly think about going back (nearly 10 years later).
During our stay, my girlfriends and I ordered prickly pear margaritas. And totally fell in love. They were beautiful in color and wonderful in flavor! I’m not a big margarita person, but I was on this trip!
It wasn’t until last summer, when I tried my friend Karen’s prickly pear candy, that I even thought about cooking/baking with it on my own.
Her prickly pear candy was so delicious. Usually sweet gummy candies like that aren’t my thing, but I gobbled down the whole piece. Quickly!
Since then, I’ve been contemplating prickly pears recipes (also called cactus pears). A few weeks ago, probably when summer arrived, the genius idea of a prickly pear lemonade came to mind…
{See: LEMONADE RECIPE ROUNDUP}
CONTENTS
Prickly Pear Lemonade
Prickly pears seem daunting to work with, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. They cut easily in half and then you just scoop out the flesh to puree for the juice.
Prickly Pear Juice
Karen’s blog post has great photos to show you exactly what to do. I wore a glove on my left hand to scoop the flesh out instead of using tongs, but either way would work.
Also, I didn’t strain the prickly pear juice, but you definitely could if you want perfectly strained juice.
And I loved serving the lemonade in these champagne ‘coupe’ glasses. It felt like a cocktail (without the calories)! This prickly pear lemonade is certainly a fun alternative for having friends over during the summer for sure!! Add it to my favorites summer mocktail recipes!
Lemonade Recipes
I’m actually quite a big fan of flavored lemonades. In summer, this fresh peach lemonade is a must and this cucumber lemonade is so refreshing (not to mention a great way to use up cucumbers).
In fall and winter, try this pomegranate lemonade (easily made into an adult beverage).
And lavender lemonade is good basically every day of the year as is this rosemary lemonade slushie!
PRICKLY PEAR LEMONADE DRINK
Ingredients
- 5 cactus pears/prickly pears
- ½ cup lemon juice approx. 4 lemons
- 2 cups chilled water
- ¼ cup honey
- ice
Instructions
- Cut prickly pears in half. Scoop flesh into food processor or blender. Puree until smooth.*
- Combine pear juice, lemon juice, and water in large pitcher.
- Microwave honey 10 seconds to thin. Can heat on stovetop if desired. Mix into lemonade.
- Serve prickly pear lemonade immediately over ice or refrigerate.
