Prickly Pear Lemonade

1. 1
   prep · ~5 min

   Prepare the prickly pears.

   1.Wearing gloves, trim both ends off each prickly pear.

   2.Make a shallow lengthwise slit through the skin.

   3.Peel away the thick skin completely to reveal the magenta flesh.

   4.Roughly chop the peeled fruits into chunks.

   TIPHandle prickly pears with gloves or tongs — the tiny glochids can irritate skin.
2. 2
   prep · ~2 min

   Juice the lemons.

   Roll the lemons firmly on the counter to loosen the juice. Cut in half and juice until you have about 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.

3. 3
   mix · ~2 min

   Blend the prickly pear puree.

   1.Add the chopped prickly pear chunks to the blender with 1 cup cold water.

   2.Blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.

   3.Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer set over a pitcher, pressing with a spoon to extract all the juice.

   4.Discard the seeds and pulp left in the strainer.

   TIPDon't skip straining — prickly pear seeds are hard and unpleasant to drink.
4. 4
   mix · ~2 min

   Mix the lemonade.

   1.Add the fresh lemon juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt to the pitcher with the strained prickly pear juice.

   2.Stir vigorously until the sugar dissolves completely.

   3.Pour in the remaining 2 cups cold water and stir again.

   4.Taste and adjust sweetness with more sugar or tang with more lemon juice.

   TIPThe pinch of salt brightens the fruit and cuts any bitterness — don't skip it.
5. 5
   assemble · ~1 min

   Serve over ice.

   1.Fill four glasses with ice cubes.

   2.Pour the prickly pear lemonade into each glass.

   3.Garnish with a thin lemon wheel.

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