The Prickly Pear Cinnamon Gin Cocktail is a colorful and flavorful drink that brings together fruitiness with a hint of spice. At its base is apple cinnamon gin, which adds warmth and depth, paired with the bright, slightly tropical notes of prickly pear liqueur. A touch of simple syrup smooths the flavors with gentle sweetness, while fresh lemon juice balances everything with a tangy lift. The combination is refreshing yet aromatic, making it stand out from more traditional gin cocktails. Beautiful in color and rich in taste, it’s a great choice for gatherings or for enjoying something unique at home.
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Tasting Notes
The Prickly Pear Cinnamon Gin Cocktail balances fruit, spice, and citrus in a smooth and colorful drink. Apple cinnamon gin provides a warming base, pairing crisp fruit with subtle spice. Thatcher’s Prickly Pear Liqueur adds vibrant color and a soft, rounded sweetness that complements the gin’s character. Simple syrup ensures balance, smoothing out sharper edges, while lemon juice brightens the cocktail with a refreshing citrus lift. Served in a coupe glass, this drink is both visually striking and flavorful. A garnish of fresh apple slice or lemon peel adds aromatic freshness to round out the cocktail’s layered profile.
Equipment and Glassware
This Prickly Pear Cinnamon Gin cocktail comes together with only a few key tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for thoroughly blending and chilling the ingredients, while a jigger helps ensure accurate measurements to keep the balance of sweet, tart, and spiced elements. A strainer guarantees a clean pour into the glass, keeping the texture smooth. For presentation, a coupe glass is the recommended choice, offering both elegance and function by showcasing the cocktail’s striking color. A bar spoon can also be handy for quick adjustments or to gently stir the garnish into the drink. Simple, reliable tools make preparation seamless.
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple cinnamon gin
- 1 oz Thatcher’s Prickly Pear Liqueur
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- slice of apple or lemon peel garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add apple cinnamon gin, Thatcher’s Prickly Pear Liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a slice of apple or a lemon peel, if desired.
- Enjoy your Prickly Pear Cinnamon Gin Cocktail!
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Chill the coupe glass before serving for a crisp presentation.
- Adjust simple syrup based on sweetness preference.
- Garnish with a thin apple fan for a more dramatic look.
- Try substituting honey syrup for extra depth.
- Shake firmly to fully integrate the prickly pear liqueur.
- For a bolder spice profile, infuse the gin with extra cinnamon sticks.
- Serve without garnish for a minimalist style that highlights the cocktail’s color.
When to Serve
The Prickly Pear Cinnamon Gin Cocktail is perfect for occasions that call for both visual appeal and layered flavor. Its striking color and balance of sweet, tart, and spiced notes make it ideal for fall gatherings, dinner parties, or festive celebrations. The warming cinnamon undertones give it seasonal charm, while the citrus brightness ensures it remains refreshing enough for spring or summer events. Its adaptability makes it a standout choice for aperitif service or as a centerpiece cocktail for holiday spreads. Whether casual or formal, this drink is versatile, memorable, and well-suited to entertaining guests.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Gin: Malfy Con Limone, Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray (for infusing with apple & cinnamon)
- Prickly Pear Liqueur: Thatcher’s, San Antonio, Monin Desert Pear (as an alternative syrup option)
Similar Cocktails
- Pear Martini with Elderflower Liqueur
- Perfect Pear Cocktail
- Vodka Pear Spritz
- Autumn Fizz
- Autumn Apple
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple cinnamon gin
- 1 oz Thatcher’s Prickly Pear Liqueur
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- slice of apple or lemon peel garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add apple cinnamon gin, Thatcher’s Prickly Pear Liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a slice of apple or a lemon peel, if desired.
- Enjoy your Prickly Pear Cinnamon Gin Cocktail!
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your sweetness preference.
- For an added touch, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar before pouring the cocktail.