Al Saber ya Margarita

In late summer in Palestine, prickly pear, cactus fruits, or صبر are everywhere—a refreshing snack eaten often ice cold straight out of the fridge or served on trays with ice for a weekend brunch.

The flesh is so sweet and refreshing and the seeds are crunchy. There few varieties of prickly pear fruits with really beautiful colors, the inspiration of this summer drink.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Total time: 15 minutes

  • Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lime, halved mint salt

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (5 limes)

  • 1 lime thinly sliced into rounds to garnish

  • 6 prickly pears, peeled

  • 1/2 cup Grand Marnier or Triple Sec

  • 1 cup white tequila

  • 2 cups ice, plus extra for serving

For a non-alcholic version:

  • 1 lime, halved mint salt

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice ( from about 5 limes)

  • Juice of two lemons

  • Juice of two fresh oranges about 1/2 cup

  • Plus 1 lime thinly sliced into rounds to garnish

  • 6 prickly pears, peeled

  • Agave to taste (optional)

  • Lime sparkling water about 2 cups

  • 2 cups ice, plus extra for serving

Steps

  1. In a blender, puree the prickly pears until smooth. Strain the juice into a pitcher.

  2. If you like margaritas served in a glass with salt, rub the outside rims of 6 glasses with a cut lime and dip each glass lightly into a plate of mint salt (regular coarse salt will do).

  3. Combine the lime juice, grand marnier, tequila, prickly pear juice and ice in a cocktail shaker, shake well, and strain into the rimmed glasses filled with ice.

  4. To make a blended margaritas: Add the ingredients to a blender with about 2 cups of ice and process until smooth.

  5. Serve in mint salt -rimmed glasses.

To make a non-alcoholic version:

Follow direction steps above just omit the alcohol and add the sparkling water right before serving.