Last weekend, we were fortunate enough to nab a site at Furnace Creek Campground for the annual Dark Sky Festival, an event that draws stargazers and adventurers from around the globe.
Daytime excursions revealed the stark beauty of Badwater, Artist’s Palette, and Zabriskie Point—geological marvels that define the region. Yet it was the return to the Last Kind Words Saloon that truly capped off a day of exploration. Here, we savored the park’s signature cocktail: The Death Valley Prickly Pear Margarita — a refreshing reward after hours in the arid desert.
The tart and colorful Prickly Pear Margarita emerges as a standout cocktail at Death Valley’s Oasis Resort, blending local flora with mixology expertise.
The Prickly Pear: A Resilient Desert Native
The Oasis Resort at Death Valley notes that six distinct species of prickly pear cactus thrive within Death Valley National Park. These resilient plants, with their paddle-like nopales and sharp spines, are both a challenge and a resource. Once stripped of their prickles, nopales serve as a cornerstone of traditional Mexican cuisine, a practice embraced by The Oasis to enrich its menu.
The Fruit’s Hidden Sting
The prickly pear fruit demands careful handling, its skin bristling with minute, needle-like spines. Beneath this exterior lies a vibrant purée, the key ingredient lending the Death Valley Prickly Pear Margarita its distinctive tang. This fusion of caution and reward mirrors the desert itself—harsh yet bountiful.
Craftsmanship at the Saloon
Mixologists at the Last Kind Words Saloon and the newly opened Wild Rose Tavern expertly harness prickly pear purée, crafting a margarita that stands apart. Their creation balances tradition with innovation, offering a taste unique to the region.
For those inspired to replicate it, the General Store stocks an array of prickly pear products—margarita mixes, purees, and more—while Amazon provides syrup and purée options for wider access.
Try either the Finest Call Prickly Pear Syrup or the Liquid Alchemist Prickly Pear syrup.
Death Valley Prickly Pear Margaritas for a Crowd
Using Xanterra Resort’s original recipe, this batch version scales the saloon’s formula to serve eight. The Death Valley Prickly Pear Margarita pitcher version preserves its authenticity while accommodating a group of thirsty campers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Arette Blanco Tequila
- 1 cup prickly pear puree or syrup
- 3/4 cup Sweet and Sour mix or fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup Cointreau
- Tajin, for rimming glasses
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Preparation Instructions
- Pitcher Method: Blend all components in a 1 1/2 quart pitcher, stir thoroughly, and refrigerate for one hour. To serve, rim glasses with lime and Tajin, fill with ice, pour the mixture, and add a lime slice garnish.
Death Valley Prickly Pear Margarita: A Taste of the Desert
Death Valley’s Prickly Pear Margarita recipe encapsulates the spirit of its namesake—rugged, striking, and rewarding. Whether enjoyed amid the dunes or recreated at home, it offers a tangible connection to Death Valley’s untamed allure, proving that even in the harshest environments, flavor flourishes.
😋 More Delicious Recipes
- Death Valley Date Nut Bread
- Spicy Margarita
- Mai Tai for a Crowd
- Best Bloody Mary
- Vaca Frozen Gin and Tonic
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Death Valley Prickly Pear Margarita (For a Crowd)
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
- 2 cups Arette Blanco Tequila
- 1 cup prickly pear puree or syrup
- 3/4 cup Sweet and Sour mix or fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup Cointreau
- Tajin for rimming glasses
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Blend all components in a 1 1/2 quart pitcher, stir thoroughly, and refrigerate for one hour. To serve, rim rock glasses with lime juice and Tajin, fill with ice, pour the mixture, and add a lime slice garnish.
