Prickly Pear Mezcal Recipe – Cinnamon & Allspice Syrup Twist

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Prickly Pear Mezcal Recipe – Cinnamon & Allspice Syrup Twist

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this vibrant and flavorful cocktail with you. I stumbled upon prickly pear (or nopales as they’re known in many parts of India, though we’re using the fruit here!) during a trip to Mexico a few years back, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. This isn’t your average margarita – the smoky mezcal and warm spice notes from the homemade syrup create something truly special. Trust me, it’s a fiesta in a glass!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Prickly Pear Mezcal cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and tart flavors. It’s surprisingly easy to make, especially once you get the hang of the prickly pear syrup. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your friends with a unique and sophisticated drink. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening, a small gathering, or even celebrating a special occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this beauty:

• 2 oz Joven mezcal
• ?? oz prickly pear syrup (recipe below!)
• 2-inch piece of prickly pear fruit (Roja Pelona variety preferred)
• ?? oz fresh lime juice
• ?? cup red prickly pear juice (from the fruit)
• ?? cup sugar (for the syrup)
• ?? cup water (for the syrup)
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 allspice berries

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your cocktail.

Prickly Pear Fruit Varieties – Roja Pelona

I highly recommend using the Roja Pelona variety of prickly pear if you can find it. It has a beautiful deep red color and a wonderfully sweet flavor. But honestly, any ripe prickly pear will work! Just be very careful when handling them – those tiny spines are no joke! Gloves are your friend.

Mezcal Types

Joven mezcal is what we’re using here. It’s unaged and retains the full, smoky flavor of the agave. You can experiment with different types of mezcal, but a Joven will give you the most authentic flavor profile.

Cinnamon & Allspice Synergy

Don’t skip the cinnamon stick and allspice berries in the syrup! They add a warm, comforting depth that complements the prickly pear beautifully. The allspice brings a subtle complexity that you won’t find with just cinnamon alone.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get mixing!

1. First, let’s make the prickly pear syrup. Deseed your prickly pear fruit (carefully!), extract the juice, and combine it with the water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and allspice berries in a saucepan.
2. Simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate. This syrup will keep for about a week.
4. Now for the cocktail! Muddle the 2-inch piece of prickly pear fruit in your cocktail shaker to release all that gorgeous juice.
5. Add 2 oz of Joven mezcal and about 1 oz of prickly pear syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference – see variations below!). Then squeeze in about ¾ oz of fresh lime juice.
6. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until well-chilled.
7. Rim a glass with salt (optional, but recommended!). Fill the glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into the glass.
8. Garnish with a small prickly pear slice or a lime wedge and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Prickly Pear Prep: Seriously, wear gloves when handling prickly pears! And a quick rinse under cold water can help dislodge some of the smaller spines.
• Syrup Consistency: The syrup should coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the amount of prickly pear syrup and lime juice to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different!

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Spice Level: Mild: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the allspice berries from the syrup.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Start with 1 oz of prickly pear syrup and add more to taste. Some prickly pears are sweeter than others.
• Festival Adaptations: Mexican Independence Day: Add a pinch of chili powder to the salt rim for a festive kick!
• Vegan – Naturally Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free – Naturally Gluten-Free: Cheers to a gluten-free cocktail!

Serving Suggestions

This cocktail pairs beautifully with spicy Mexican food, grilled fish, or even just some good conversation. I love serving it with a side of homemade guacamole and tortilla chips.

Storage Instructions

The prickly pear syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cocktail itself is best enjoyed immediately!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Mezcal and how is it different from Tequila?

Mezcal and tequila are both agave-based spirits, but they’re made differently. Tequila can only be made from blue agave, while mezcal can be made from many different types of agave. Mezcal also typically has a smokier flavor due to the way the agave is roasted.

Can I use other types of prickly pear?

Yes, absolutely! While Roja Pelona is my favorite, any ripe prickly pear will work. Just adjust the amount of syrup to taste.

How do I know when the prickly pear syrup is ready?

The syrup should be slightly thickened and coat the back of a spoon. It will also have a rich, fruity aroma.

What is the best way to rim the glass for this cocktail?

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip it into a plate of salt. For a little extra flair, mix the salt with a pinch of chili powder.

Can I make this a mocktail?

Definitely! Simply replace the mezcal with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic agave spirit. You might want to add a splash of orange juice for extra complexity.