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Prickly Pear Syrup | Cooking On The Weekends

August 8, 2026

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With its stunning color and subtly sweet raspberry-watermelon-like flavor, this Prickly Pear Syrup recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for adding something special to drinks, desserts, and breakfast dishes.

Prickly Pear syrup in a bottle with a small ladle adding more at the top.

Have you ever seen a prickly pear (cactus pear)? Did you even know you could eat them? And did you know they’re absolutely delicious?

Several red prickly pears standing on their ends, on a white marble background.

You’ll need fresh prickly pear juice to make this syrup recipe. If you haven’t prepared the fruit before, use my How to Eat and Juice a Prickly Pear guide, which takes you through safely peeling and juicing them step by step with photographs.

What is Prickly Pear Syrup?

Prickly pear syrup is a simple fruit syrup made by combining prickly pear juice, sugar, and water. The result is a sweet, flavorful syrup with a knockout magenta color and a delicate fruity flavor that’s reminiscent of raspberries and watermelon.

It’s excellent for adding to cocktails and is super popular for making Prickly Pear Margaritas.

Ingredient Notes

Small saucepan with water, red-rimmed ceramic bowl with granulated sugar and glass measuring cup with prickly pear juice, on a white marble countertop.

Above: water, prickly pear juice, and granulated sugar

prickly pear juice (cactus pear juice) – The key ingredient in this syrup. You can easily make your own juice using my How to Eat and Juice a Prickly Pear guide, or use store-bought prickly pear juice or nectar. It’s not something you’ll typically see in most grocery stores, though.
granulated sugar – This creates the classic syrup consistency and enhances the natural sweetness of the prickly pear.
water – The water (and heat) helps dissolve the sugar and creates the syrup’s texture. A classic simple syrup is made with equal parts water and sugar.

How to Make Prickly Pear Syrup

– To prepare prickly pear juice, place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or glass measuring cup. Peel and quarter the prickly pears, then add them to a blender and purée until smooth.

– Pour the purée into the strainer and press with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible (the tiny black seeds will remain in the strainer and can be discarded). You’ll need 1 cup of juice for this syrup recipe. For step-by-step instructions and tips for safely preparing the fruit, check out my comprehensive How to Eat and Juice a Prickly Pear guide.

Several peeled cactus pears (prickly pears) on a cutting board with skins and a paring knife next to them.

– Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Heat, whisking occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

Sugar (not quite dissolved) and water in a small saucepan with a whisk.

– Add the prickly pear juice, whisk, turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Then pour it into a jar or bottle for storage.

Small saucepan with prickly pear syrup and a whisk.

Variations

Add citrus. Add about 1 ½ tablespoons of lime, lemon or orange juice.
Add fresh herbs. Before adding the prickly pear juice, simmer the syrup with fresh mint, basil, thyme, or rosemary for a few minutes.

How to Use Prickly Pear Syrup

Prickly Pear syrup in a bottle without a lid.

There are so many delicious ways to use this vibrant, tasty fruit syrup!

Cocktails and mocktails. You can add it to margaritas, sparkling water, lemonade, or your favorite mixed drinks.
Breakfast. Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal, or yogurt and homemade granola.
Desserts. Spoon it over vanilla or guava ice cream, cheesecake, raspberry pound cake, or fresh fruit.
Baking. Add a little to frosting, glazes, or baked goods for a unique fruit flavor.

And for something more savory, you will love my Prickly Pear Salad Dressing.

How long will it keep?

Prickly pear syrup can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks.

More Delicious Dessert Sauce and Syrup Recipes

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!