A recipe for a Prickly Pear Margarita inspired by our time in Sedona, Arizona! This vibrant cocktail has a blend of tequila, Cointreau, prickly pear syrup, and lime juice.
Sedona
I first visited Sedona, Arizona in October 2024 to spend time with my brother and his incredible girlfriend following the unexpected death of our mother.
Despite the difficult circumstances, it was wonderful to see some of my brother‘s favorite places and where he works. I originally put together a post sharing some of those notable spots along with a recipe for Red Velvet Donuts.
We recently returned as a family for spring break and I have now updated that original post to include locations along SR 89A, plus a new one today covering spots along AZ-179 and a recipe for a Prickly Pear Margarita.
Getting to Sedona
To get to Sedona, we flew nonstop from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), then rented a car and drove 120 miles (193 kilometers) north to Sedona.
In general when I rent cars, I go for the smallest size possible for easy navigation and parking since I have some anxiety with driving unfamiliar vehicles in unfamiliar areas. I actually do not recommend this for the drive to Sedona.
I-17 is very hilly and I was a little nervous at times about the car making it up the mountain. Other than that, it is a fairly easy (as long as there aren’t any accidents) and beautiful drive. I especially loved seeing the landscape change from the Sonoran Desert surrounding Phoenix to the Red Rock formations as I got closer to Sedona.
The city is also about 490 miles (789 kilometers) from Los Angeles, 280 miles (450 kilometers) from Las Vegas, and 350 miles (563 kilometers) from Albuquerque.
Arabella Hotel Sedona
For this visit, we stayed at Arabella Hotel to be closer to our family. Overall, it was such a fantastic and relaxing base for our time in Sedona.
Arabella Hotel Sedona is an independent boutique hotel located at 725 AZ-179 and within easy walking distance to multiple shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
The property has two heated pools, hot tubs, complementary cruiser bicycles, fire pits, hot breakfast buffet, fitness room, access to hiking trails (Marg’s Draw), dog park, daily activities, and more.
We booked a courtyard room on the second level (access via stairs and exterior door) with two queen beds, chairs, bathtub/shower, WiFi, air-conditioner, coffee machine, 42 inch television, and a sink area with plenty of counter space and storage.
The room also had a spacious balcony overlooking the garden and pool with sweeping views of the red rocks in the background. Rooms on the ground floor have a patio.
Other options included the standard and trailhead accommodations.
Black Potion Sedona
Black Potion Sedona is right next to Arabella Hotel at 841 AZ-179. They serve a variety of coffee drinks using Peixoto Coffee and Brazilian inspired flavors along with crystals, jewelry, and local Sedona-based souvenirs. We walked over from our room, but there is a dedicated lot parking.
My favorites were the Brigadeiro Cold Brew (inspired by the Brigadeiro with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate syrup) and the Smoked Praline Latte. Chad also enjoyed the Peanut Butter Mocha.
Big Park Bakery
Big Park Bakery was opened in the Village of Oak Creek by Firecreek Coffee in Summer 2024 and features a beautiful assortment of sourdough, sweet and savory pastries, salads/other packaged takeaway items, coffee, and tea.
There is a small parking lot in the front of the building. You can either order to-go or enjoy the indoor/outdoor seating.
I started the day with a Campfire Latte (graham cracker, mocha, marshmallow) and a Chicken Apple Sausage Croissant (so so good!). I also picked up a Vegan Chocolate Cupcake with Pistachio to take back to my family.
Butterfly Burger
Butterfly Burger is located in Sedona Vista Village at 6657 AZ-179 Ste B1. This stylish restaurant focuses on gourmet burgers, small bites, soups, salads, sides, shakes (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), cocktails, and vegetarian options.
We tried an assortment from across the menu and absolutely loved everything:
- BB Old Fashioned- Four Roses small batch bourbon, simple syrup, blended bitters, expressed lemon oil, expressed orange oil.
- Desert Heat- Herradura Anejo tequila, Fresno chile, prickly pear syrup, naranja, lime juice.
- Lucid Dreams Mocktail- hibiscus syrup, fresh orange juice, prickly pear syrup, sparkling soda water.
- Bowl of Paradise- vegan. Organic arugula, confetti quinoa, avocado, sweet and sour dressing, mango pico de gallo, balsamic vinegar, roasted Pepitas.
- Street Tots- tater tots with queso fundido sauce, pico de gallo, cotija cheese.
- Pollo Poco Loco- grilled chicken, pepper jack cheese, charred poblano, guacamole, crispy onions, Louis sauce.
- Italian Stallion- burrata, oven roasted Campari tomatoes, basil pesto, balsamic reduction, arugula.
- Double Trouble- 8 oz Australian Wagyu double patty, double New World American cheese, Wagyu sauce, artisan bun.
- Hey Kiddo Grilled Cheese- white cheddar and Gruyère on grain bread with truffle dijonaise and house pickles.
Son Silver West Galleries
On the way to dinner one day, my brother and sister took us to Son Silver West Galleries.
This fun store at 1476 AZ-179 is divided into rooms filled with a huge assortment of Southwestern decor, jewelry, pottery, trinkets, gifts, food items, and more. I picked up a table runner and a bottle of prickly pear syrup (which I used in today’s recipe) here.
FreeForm Specialty Coffee
FreeForm Coffee Roasters is open daily 7-2 at 411 AZ-179 Suite 7 and features locally roasted beans, espresso, tea, seasonal specialties, and a selection of pastries.
It was definitely busy shortly after opening, but the line moved quickly and most of the visitors were taking coffee to-go so I still had plenty of options for seating (either indoors or upstairs outside).
After asking for recommendations, I was led to the seasonal Salted Maple Latte. It was definitely a refreshing start to the day. I also picked up a bag of Stargazer Dark Roast House Blend (rich notes of chocolate, graham cracker, and hazelnut) for Chad.
Tlaquepaque Village
For shopping, Tlaquepaque Village is an outdoor shopping center at 336 AZ-179 filled with art galleries, restaurants, crafts, and specialty stores.
Most of the shops are open daily 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During peak hours and holidays, the parking lot can get quite busy. When staying at Arabella Hotel Sedona, we opted to walk (about 0.5 mile/800 meters).
The Artist’s Kitchen
The Artist’s Kitchen Shop is packed with such an exciting variety of specialty food products, tableware, towels, Polish pottery, kitchen gadgets, and decor.
I found a puzzle-shaped trivet that I will incorporate into a photo at some point. My brother ended up taking home a fun Javelina-shaped cookie cutter.
Cucina Sedona
Cucina Sedona has been open for over ten years with a unique collection of Southwest-themed kitchenware, linens, pottery, glassware, spice mixes, cookbooks, and more.
I got a couple of towels (including the one used in the background of today’s Prickly Pear Margarita photos) and a tortilla warmer.
Oak Creek Brewery and Grill at Tlaquepaque
During our latest visit, we stopped by Oak Creek Brewery and Grill at Tlaquepaque for lunch.
They are open daily for lunch and dinner with an assortment of beer brewed on the premises, wine, cocktails, appetizers, salads, gourmet burgers, pizza, sandwiches, desserts, plus beautiful views of the Red Rocks from the second story patio.
We decided on the:
- Seven Dwarves Beer Sampler.
- Prickly Pear Margarita- blue agave tequila, DeKuyper triple sec, prickly pear syrup.
- Strawberry Mango Salad- arugula and baby spinach, fresh strawberries, almonds, fresh mango, red onions, prickly pear vinaigrette.
- Smokehouse Burger- cheddar, bourbon bbq sauce, crispy fried onions.
- Brew Pub Club- ham, grilled chicken breast, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, basil aioli on wheat berry.
- The Schnitzel Sandwich- tended breaded pork cutlet, grainy mustard, mayo, and fries.
- Wicked Pickles- beer battered fried pickle spears with ranch dressing.
- Cone of Seasoned French Fries- chipotle bbq, mustard aioli, ketchup.
Prickly Pear Margarita
After returning home, I made a Prickly Pear Margarita inspired by the ones I enjoyed at Oak Creek Brewery and Butterfly Burger!
This vibrant and easy cocktail comes together with a blend of tequila, Cointreau, prickly pear syrup, and lime juice.
Simply shake the prickly pear syrup with the other ingredients until combined, then strain into an ice filled glass and serve immediately.
Prickly Pear Syrup
I bought a bottle of Cheri’s Prickly Pear Cactus Syrup while in Sedona and used that as the base. It was a bit of a gamble packing it in my checked luggage for the flight home and I am so so happy that the bottle didn’t break and turn all of my clothes pink.
The syrup can be purchased online in the United States if not available locally. I have also seen (but have not personally tried) versions from Torani, Monin, and Amoretti.
In case you are able to find fresh prickly pears, We are not Martha has a recipe for a Homemade Prickly Pear Syrup.
The exact ratio of ingredients in this recipe is mostly a guideline and how I personally enjoyed the drink after trying a few different versions. Adjust as needed based on individual preference. If you want it sweeter, increase the prickly pear syrup a bit.
Frozen Prickly Pear Margarita
For a refreshing variation on hot summer days, this Prickly Pear Margarita can easily be adjusted into a frozen option.
Add the ingredients as written to a blender with about 1 cup (150 grams) of ice. If using a larger blender, I recommend doubling the ingredients to make two servings.
If still too thin and not frosty enough, add a little more ice and blend again to the desired texture.
Tajín or Salt Rim
You can pair this Prickly Pear Margarita with a Tajín, salt, or even a sugar rim. I personally prefer Tajín for a bit of contrast with the lightly sweetened cocktail. If using, make the rim before pouring in the drink.
To make the rim, place a thin layer of the Tajín, salt, or sugar on a plate or in a wide bowl a little larger than the diameter of the glass.
Rub a lime wedge around the rim of the glass, then immediately press the rim into the Tajín, salt, or sugar to coat.
For the photos, I opted to coat a side of the glass.
Prickly Pear Margarita Recipe
Adapted from Garlic & Zest
Prickly Pear Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces (44 milliliters) tequila blanco
- 1 ounce (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3/4 ounce (22 milliliters) Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce (15 milliliters) prickly pear syrup
- ice for serving
- lime slices for serving
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, and prickly pear syrup.
- Shake until chilled and well blended.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass, then garnish with a lime slice if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Mimi Rippee
The only time I’ve had a prickly pear marg is in Sedona! But we stayed out of town. Nice write-up!