Prickly Pear Lemonade
A vibrant, ruby-red lemonade with the unique, sweet flavor of desert prickly pears. This refreshing Southwestern classic is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day, balancing fruity notes of watermelon and bubblegum with a zesty citrus kick.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Prickly Pears
- b.Put on thick kitchen gloves to protect your hands from the tiny spines (glochids).
- c.Using tongs to hold the fruit steady, slice off both the top and bottom ends of each prickly pear.
- d.Make a shallow vertical cut through the skin from top to bottom, about 1/4-inch deep.
- e.Slide a finger or a spoon under the skin at the cut and peel it back. The thick skin should come off in one piece.
- f.Roughly chop the peeled fruit and place it in a medium saucepan.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Prickly Pear Syrup
- b.Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water to the saucepan with the chopped fruit.
- c.Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- d.Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. As it cooks, use a potato masher to break down the fruit and release its juices.
- e.Remove the saucepan from the heat. Position a fine-mesh sieve over a heatproof bowl and pour the mixture through it.
- f.Press the solids firmly with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp and seeds.
- g.Allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature, which can take about 30 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mix the Lemonade
- b.In a large pitcher, combine the cooled prickly pear syrup, 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 4 cups of cold water.
- c.Stir thoroughly until the syrup is fully incorporated into the lemonade.
- d.Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness if necessary. You can add a bit more sugar or a splash more water depending on your preference.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve and Garnish
- b.Fill four tall glasses with ice cubes.
- c.Pour the prepared prickly pear lemonade over the ice.
- d.Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig and a thin lemon slice before serving immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always wear thick gloves when handling prickly pears to protect your hands from the tiny, hair-like spines called glochids.
- 2For a clearer, more refined syrup, strain the mixture through a layer of cheesecloth after the initial sieve.
- 3The sweetness can be adjusted. If your prickly pears are very ripe and sweet, you might want to start with a little less sugar.
- 4For a sparkling version, replace the 4 cups of still water with sparkling water or club soda. Add it just before serving to keep it bubbly.
- 5The prickly pear syrup can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- 6Choose prickly pears that are a deep, vibrant magenta color and yield slightly to gentle pressure for the best flavor and color.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sparkling Lemonade
Substitute the 4 cups of still water with chilled club soda or sparkling water. Add it to the pitcher just before serving to maintain carbonation.
Spiked Prickly Pear LemonadeSpiked Prickly Pear Lemonade
Add 1.5 ounces of silver tequila or vodka to each glass for a refreshing adult cocktail.
Agave Sweetened VersionAgave-Sweetened Version
Replace the granulated sugar with 3/4 cup of agave nectar for a different flavor profile. Adjust to taste.
Herbal InfusionHerbal Infusion
Add a few sprigs of rosemary or basil to the syrup while it simmers to infuse an herbaceous note into the lemonade.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Prickly pears are packed with antioxidants, such as betalains, which give the fruit its vibrant red color. These compounds help fight oxidative stress in the body.
Excellent Source of Vitamin C
Both lemon juice and prickly pear are great sources of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Natural Hydration
With a high water content from the fruit, lemon juice, and added water, this lemonade is a delicious and refreshing way to stay hydrated on a hot day.
Frequently asked questions
Each 1.5-cup serving contains approximately 255 calories, primarily from the natural sugars in the fruit and the added granulated sugar.