Life’s Flavors ~ Urban Infused Cocktail, Prickly Pear, Mojito By Allison Libby-Thesing
A short while ago a friend had given me a Prickly Pear Syrup for making drinks with. At long last I decided summer was a great time to make a new herb infused cocktail for The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, so today we have a Prickly Pear Mojito. This refreshing herb infused cocktail is a little sweeter than we usually make, due to the Prickly Pear syrup but we mix it with a little more lime juice to cut the sweet.
The prickly pear cactus, also know as Opuntia cacti, has been used by Native American’s for food, medicine and a source of water, as well as needles. Prickly Pear gets its name from the spines on the steams as well as the fruit it gives called pears ortunas. I’m sure you have seen the prickly pear plant before and would recognize it in the wild, or possibly your neighbors yard.
Prickly Pear Mojito
1 1/2 tablespoon Prickly Pear Syrup
6 to 8 spearmint leaves
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 ounces)
2 ounces of rum
1 to 1/2 cups cubed or crushed ice
2 ounces club soda
In a tall glass, place the mint leaves, lime juice and the cactus syrup. Muddle the leaves for 20 seconds to release the mint oils using either a muddler or a wooden spoon. Add the rum, and stir. Fill the glass until 3/4 full with ice. Top off with the club soda. Garnish with mint leaves.
I really enjoyed this drink and you can make it sweeter with more syrup and less lime juice. Want more mint flavor, add more leaves and muddle before adding the juice and syrup. Make it your own to enjoy with friends. As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!
By Allison Libby-Thesing
