As anyone will tell you, the perfect drink on a warm Phoenix day is, of course, the margarita. The versatile drink can be made with a variety of ingredients and flavors. But if you’re going to have one in Phoenix, the one to have is the prickly pear.Made with the fruit of cacti native to Arizona, the flavor profile is sweet and light with a hint of tartness.
For the ultimate summer refresher, make your way to these Phoenix restaurants, where unique versions of the prickly pear margarita await you.
Chelsea’s Kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood, Chelsea’s Kitchen is a local landmark that serves roadhouse-style cuisine that celebrates the American Southwest. Regional flavors shine through not only in such signature dishes as the green chile burger and the vegetarian tacos, but also in their expertly crafted cocktail menu. Chelsea’s version of the prickly pear margarita is made with blanco tequila infused with the sweet cactus fruit, house-made sweet and sour, and curacao.
5040 N. 40th St., Phoenix
602-957-2555
Blanco Tacos + Tequilas
Offering a fresh twist on Mexican food favorites, Blanco Tacos + Tequila is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a refreshing margarita on a summer day. With locations in the Biltmore Fashion Park and The Borgata in Scottsdale (as well as inside Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for the jet set), this easy, breezy hangout makes its version of the prickly pear margarita with Jose Cuervo Silver, St. Germain and their own prickly pear sour made with lime juice, pear puree, Desert Pear Monin, lemon juice and simple syrup.
2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix
602-429-8000
6166 N. Scottsdale Road, #601, Scottsdale
480-305-6692
Joyride Taco House
There’s no denying that margaritas and tacos are a match made in heaven. Nothing beats sipping a cold, fruity marg in between bites of delicious tacos spilling over with steak, pork, chicken, fish or shrimp. Making the most of this dynamic duo is Joyride Taco House, located in north central Phoenix as well as Gilbert. Fresh and fruity, this prickly pear margarita is made with tequila, triple sec, prickly pear and fresh lime.
5202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
602-274-8226
302 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert
480-632-8226
Sandbar Mexican Grill
Take one step into the Sandbar Mexican Grill and you’re immediately transported to a beachfront bar, all dressed up for a tropical soiree. With three Greater Phoenix locations, this festive spot serves a slew of cocktails and drinks. And while you may be tempted to try any one of their beach-worthy selections, you can’t go wrong with the prickly pear margarita, made with Patron Silver Tequila, Patron Citronge, and prickly pear liqueur and extract.
21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix
480-585-5900
7200 W. Ray Road, Chandler
480-961-1700
1975 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert
480-428-8444
El Chorro
Dining and cocktails on the patio at historic El Chorro—along with its famous Sticky Buns—is a long-standing Phoenix tradition. In fact, during the 1950s, such well-known icons as Milton Berle and Clark Gable frequented this Paradise Valley favorite as a hideaway from the demands of Hollywood life. You’ll feel like a star yourself, sipping El Chorro’s prickly pear margarita made with Reposado Tequila, prickly pear syrup, triple sec, lime juice and a splash of Sprite.
5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley
480-948-5170
Modern Margarita
The concept of Modern Margarita is a lot like cocktail program: a modern twist on traditional. Here, all of the inventive margaritas are made with local ingredients—choose from watermelon, mango and, of course, prickly pear. Formally, the Sonoran Sunset, this margarita combines Maestro Dobel Diamante, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice and prickly pear syrup. Fair warning, all the on-the-rocks varieties are available by the glass or the fish bowl size (far from the worst idea we’ve ever had). There is also equally modern tacos to pair with this unmistakable pink drink, we recommend the chef’s choice tacos … especially if you order the fish bowl.
5410 E. High St., Phoenix
602-795-8111
Rito’s Mexican Food
Forty years after the original Rito’s opened at 14th and Roosevelt streets in the historic Garfield neighborhood, the beloved restaurant has expanded to three locations: the original Garfield location, one in Surprise, and its latest incarnation at The Crown on 7th, where it joins neighbors Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen and Pubblico Italian Eatery. The prickly pear margarita is a must, pairing well with Rito’s selection of authentic Mexican food favorites.
Crown
5813 N. Seventh St., Phoenix
602-368-6726
Garfield
907 N. 14th St., Phoenix
602-262-9842
Prickly pear margaritas are also a favorite at Phoenix hotel bars and resort pools. If you're staying at any of these properties, you have fruity succulent goodness right at your fingertips (no need to wait for happy hour):
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