Paul Kushner
The Prickly Pear Pineapple Mezcalita is smoky, fruity, and just the right amount of tart. Mezcal brings in a bold, earthy base that’s balanced by the sweetness of pineapple juice and the bright, slightly floral flavor of prickly pear water. Lime juice adds a fresh citrus kick, and Cointreau ties it all together with a smooth orange finish. This margarita is great when you want something with a little edge but still refreshing. It’s colorful, layered, and perfect for late afternoons, dinner on the patio, or any time you’re in the mood for something different but easy to enjoy. Inspired by join_jules.
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Tasting Notes
This Prickly Pear Pineapple Mezcalita hits that balance of smoky, fruity, and tart without going over the top. The mezcal gives it a warm, earthy base with just enough smoke. Prickly pear water adds a mild, slightly sweet note and soft texture. Pineapple juice brings a tropical twist that pairs well with the sharpness of lime juice. The Cointreau gives it a smooth citrus lift, and the agave syrup ties everything together with a light sweetness. The Tajín rim adds a salty, spicy edge that makes the first sip pop. It’s fresh, layered, and easy to come back to.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a jigger, and a strainer for this one. A small plate for rimming the glass with Tajín is also helpful. Use a rocks glass or a double old-fashioned glass it’s the right size and lets the salt rim stand out. A fine mesh strainer is optional if you want to avoid pulp or bits of fruit. Chill your glass before building the drink to keep things cold longer. If you’re serving more than one, a small pitcher works great just shake in batches and pour over fresh ice.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- 1.5 oz prickly pear water
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- Tajín, for rimming
- Garnish: lime wheel or pineapple wedge (optional)
Instructions
- Rim a rocks glass with lime juice and dip it into Tajín. Set aside.
- Add mezcal, prickly pear water, pineapple juice, lime juice, Cointreau, and agave syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well for 15 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or pineapple wedge.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for better balance bottled juice tends to be too sharp or flat.
- Shake with plenty of ice so the drink is properly chilled and diluted.
- If you want a stronger pineapple taste, swap pineapple juice to 1.5 oz and reduce prickly pear slightly.
- To make your own prickly pear water, blend peeled prickly pear with water and strain.
- Adjust the agave syrup if your fruit juice is already sweet.
- For extra flavor, try grilling your pineapple or adding a pinch of salt to the shaker.
- Always use a chilled glass to keep the ice from melting too fast.
When to Serve
This Prickly Pear Pineapple Mezcalita drink is great for warm evenings, outdoor dinners, or anytime you want something smoky with a fruity twist. It works well with grilled food, spicy snacks, or even as a fun weekend sipper. Because it’s not too sweet or heavy, it makes a good second or third drink in a cocktail lineup. It’s also a hit for parties or events where you want to serve something a little different from the usual margarita. Just make sure to have a few extra glasses rimmed and ready—it’s one of those drinks people tend to ask for again.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Look for a mezcal that’s smooth and not overly smoky—Del Maguey Vida, El Silencio, or Madre work well. They blend nicely without overpowering the other flavors.
- For the Cointreau, the original is great, but other triple secs like Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao or Combier also do the job.
- Use a good pineapple juice with no added sugar if you can.
- As for prickly pear water, brands like Pricklee or homemade blends work best.
- Agave syrup should be light and pourable—100% agave with no extra flavors or additives.
- Quality ingredients help the flavors stay clean and balanced.
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Plate for rimming
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- 1.5 oz prickly pear water
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz Cointreau
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
- Tajín for rimming
- Garnish: lime wheel or pineapple wedge optional
Instructions
- Rim a rocks glass with lime juice and dip it into Tajín. Set aside.
- Add mezcal, prickly pear water, pineapple juice, lime juice, Cointreau, and agave syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well for 15 seconds.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or pineapple wedge, if you like.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For stronger color and flavor, use prickly pear syrup instead of water—just reduce or skip the agave syrup.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for a smoother sip.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of chili powder to the rim mix.
