Prickly Pear Pink Citrus Slushy

Serves: 4
Active Time: ~20 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes (syrup)

Ingredients

Prickly Pear–Hibiscus Syrup

• 2 cups prickly pear pulp, strained of seeds

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 Tbsp dried hibiscus (jamaica)

• Zest of ½ orange

• 1 tsp fresh lime juice

Slush Base

• 1 cup Prickly Pear–Hibiscus Syrup (chilled)

• ½ cup fresh ruby grapefruit juice

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

• 3–4 cups crushed or nugget ice

• 2–3 Tbsp sparkling water (for lift)

• ¼ tsp orange blossom water (very potent—use sparingly)

Rim & Garnish

• Rim Mix:

  • 2 Tbsp tajín

  • 1 Tbsp pink salt

  • ½ tsp sugar

• Lime wedges (for rimming glasses)

• Garnish (optional but lovely):

  • Mint tops

  • Edible flower petals

  • Dehydrated citrus wheels

  • Thin fresh prickly pear slice

Method

1. Make the Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine prickly pear pulp, water, sugar, hibiscus, orange zest, and lime juice.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup turns deep magenta and lightly viscous.

Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently on solids. Discard solids.
Cool completely, then refrigerate until well chilled.

2. Prepare the Glasses

Mix tajín, pink salt, and sugar on a small plate.
Run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into the rim mix so crystals cling evenly. Set aside.

3. Blend the Slush

In a blender, combine:

• 1 cup chilled Prickly Pear–Hibiscus Syrup

• Grapefruit juice

• Lemon juice

• Lime juice

• Ice

Blend until thick, smooth, and slushy.
Taste and adjust acidity with a few drops of lime juice if needed.
Pulse in the orange blossom water briefly.

4. Finish & Serve

Pour into prepared tall, clear glasses.
Top each with a small splash of sparkling water for shimmer and lift.
Garnish with mint, petals, citrus, or prickly pear slice as desired.

Serve immediately.

Variations & Notes

• Heat: Add ⅛–¼ tsp ground chiltepín or a pinch of cayenne to the rim mix for dialable spice.

• Make Ahead: Syrup keeps refrigerated up to 1 week.

• Zero-Proof: Naturally alcohol-free, but pairs beautifully with a splash of blanco tequila or mezcal if desired.