The Graceful Dame Print

Prickly Pear Limeade

Prickly Pear Limeade in a pitcher and 2 full tumblers with prickly pears and limes around them.

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5 from 1 review

Made with freshly squeezed limes and brightly colored prickly pear fruit, prickly pear limeade is the perfect, thirst-quenching drink on a hot day. 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 Prickly Pears
  • 3/4 c. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
  • 1 1/4 c. Agave Nectar (regular sugar or equivalent amount of sweetener of choice is fine, too)
  • 1 quart of Ice Cubes
  • 1 quart water (Regular or Sparkling)

Alternatively, a lemon-lime type soda can be used (We like to enjoy this with Fresca, for something different, from time to time.) If using soda, only use half the amount of agave nectar. Stir and taste and adjust sweetness from there!

Instructions

  1. Slice the prickly pear fruit in half. With a spoon, scoop out the inside of the fruit. [gallery ids="871,872"]
  2. Now, the prickly pear fruit is full of small, hard, black seeds that you do not want in your drink. If you have an electric juicer, just run them through quickly to extract the juice. If you don't have a juicer (like me), put the scooped-out fruit into the blender, along with about a cup of water, and blend for 15-30 seconds. After blending, pour the juice through a fine, mesh strainer to remove all the seeds. [gallery ids="873,874"]
  3. Juice limes. A measuring cup of lime juice with some already squeezed limes beside it.
  4. Next, add the prickly pear juice, lime juice, and agave nectar (or sweetener of choice) to a 1/2 gallon pitcher. Stir well.
  5. Add ice, water (regular, sparkling, or lemon-lime soda) and stir again to mix thoroughly.

It's ready! Serve immediately or put it in the fridge to keep it cold until ready to serve. Two glasses full of prickly pear limeade surrounded by a few prickly pairs, limes, and a kitchen towel.

Notes

Prickly Pear Limeade Serving Suggestions

Prickly Pear Limeade is a refreshing and vibrant drink that captures the essence of the desert with its unique flavor profile. Whether you're hosting a gathering, lounging by the pool, or simply looking to quench your thirst, here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy the wonderful Prickly Pear Limeade to the fullest:

Fantastic Flavors

    • Classic Chilled Delight: Serve Prickly Pear Limeade over a tall glass of ice cubes for a classic and refreshing treat. The combination of the sweet-tart prickly pear and zesty lime flavors over the cold ice creates a revitalizing experience that's perfect for hot summer days.

    • Sparkling Oasis: Elevate your Prickly Pear Limeade by using sparkling water instead of regular water. The effervescence adds a fizzy twist that makes each sip even more invigorating. Garnish with a slice of lime or a fresh mint sprig for an extra touch of elegance.

    • Fruity Float: Float a scoop of your favorite fruit sorbet or sherbet on top of a glass of Prickly Pear Limeade for a delightful and refreshing dessert-like experience. The combination of the tangy limeade and the creamy sorbet creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

    • Fresca Fusion: As a twist, replace the water with lemon-lime soda like Fresca. This adds an extra layer of effervescence and a hint of citrus sweetness. Adjust the amount of sweetener accordingly to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

    • Garnish Galore: Amp up the visual appeal by garnishing your Prickly Pear Limeade with fresh ingredients. Float slices of lime, prickly pear wedges, or even a sprig of mint on top. Not only will it look stunning, but the garnishes will also infuse their aromas into the drink.

Best when Shared with Friends and Family

    • Themed Gatherings: Prickly Pear Limeade adds a vibrant touch to themed gatherings. Serve it at Mexican-inspired fiestas, desert-themed parties, or tropical get-togethers. Pair it with your favorite Tex-Mex or Southwest cuisine for a harmonious meal experience.

    • Family-Friendly Refresher: Prickly Pear Limeade is a family-friendly beverage that appeals to all ages. Serve it as a fun alternative to regular lemonade at picnics, barbecues, and outdoor family gatherings.

    • Hydration Booster: Keep a pitcher of Prickly Pear Limeade in the fridge to encourage hydration throughout the day. Its unique flavor makes drinking water an exciting endeavor, and you can control the sweetness to suit your preferences.

No matter how you choose to serve this Prickly Pear Limeade, its vibrant color and delightful taste are sure to captivate your senses and leave you refreshed. Feel free to experiment with different variations and garnishes to create your own signature way of enjoying this desert-inspired beverage. Cheers to the delicious and invigorating world of Prickly Pear Limeade! A pitcher full of prickly pear limeade surrounded by a few prickly pairs, limes, and a kitchen towel.

Storage Suggestions: Prickly Pear Limeade

To ensure that your homemade prickly pear limeade maintains its freshness and taste over time, proper storage is key. Here are some valuable storage suggestions for Prickly Pear Limeade:

    • Refrigeration is Key: Prickly Pear Limeade contains natural fruit juices and sweeteners, which can make it susceptible to spoilage if not stored correctly. After preparing/serving your limeade, store what is left in the refrigerator. It may be easiest to transfer the remaining limeade to a quart jar with a lid.

    • Shelf Life: In the refrigerator, Prickly Pear Limeade can be safely stored for up to 5-7 days. Try to consume as soon as possible, though!

    • Freezing Considerations: While Prickly Pear Limeade can be frozen, keep in mind that freezing may alter its taste ever so slightly. If you plan to freeze the limeade, do so in an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.

    • Thawing and Stirring: When you're ready to enjoy the frozen Prickly Pear Limeade, transfer the container to the refrigerator to thaw gradually. After thawing, give the limeade a gentle stir to recombine any separated ingredients.

    • Portion Control: If you anticipate having leftover limeade that you won't consume within a few days, consider freezing it in smaller portions. This way, you can thaw only the amount you plan to enjoy, minimizing potential waste.

By following these storage suggestions, you can extend the shelf life of your Prickly Pear Limeade and continue to enjoy its delightful flavors. Whether you're making a small batch for yourself or preparing it for a gathering, proper storage ensures that your Prickly Pear Limeade remains a refreshing and invigorating drink every time you pour yourself a glass.