You can’t sip a prickly pear margarita without tipping your hat to the opuntia cactus and its fruit—known oddly as “tuna.” Yes, really. You might guess Opuntia is the botanical name for the prickly pear cactus, but few would imagine its fruit is named as a fish!

Prickly pear cacti are native to the Americas and thrive across Mexico, especially in the central highlands. If you’re wandering the streets of Oaxaca or exploring desert trails, you’re bound to spot one standing in the sun.

Survival Myth-Busting

Let’s set the record straight, most cacti won’t quench your thirst in a survival situation. In fact, drinking from the wrong one can make you violently ill. Only the fishhook barrel cactus is considered remotely safe as a water source—and even then, with caution. So skip the cactus juice survival hack and enroll in a proper desert training course if you’re planning to test your limits.

The edible flesh of the tuna is used to make syrup for the base of this gorgeous purple hued cocktail. While it may not be your savior in the desert, it can be a spiritual way to commune with nature.

Tequila vs. Mezcal: The Agave Dilemma

Traditionally, tequila is the go-to spirit for margaritas—thanks to global marketing and a long-standing place on every bar shelf. But mezcal, tequila’s smokier, more complex cousin, is gaining ground. Made primarily in Oaxaca from a variety of agave plants and roasted in earthen pits, mezcal brings depth and drama to any drink. Want to up the ante on your prickly pear margarita? Sub in mezcal and thank us later.

But Who’s Margaret?

Theories abound about the origin of the margarita’s name, with actress Peggy (Margaret) Lee often cited as inspiration. But the cocktail itself likely dates back to the late 1930s, where tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice came together in a perfect storm of refreshment. Since then, bartenders have painted a rainbow of riffs across the margarita canvas—including this bold, beautiful prickly pear version.

Come along with me on The Margarita Trail—there’s a world of flavor out there, and this vibrant purple pour is just the beginning. Print