A refreshing twist on a classic summer drink, the Rosemary Cactus Cooler brings together prickly pear juice and fresh herbs for a unique cocktail experience.

This desert-inspired drink mixes tequila, prickly pear syrup, lime juice, and muddled rosemary to create a bright pink cocktail that tastes both sweet and earthy.

The drink takes its name from the prickly pear cactus fruit, also known as tuna fruit, which gives the cocktail its natural pink color. The addition of fresh rosemary sprigs adds an aromatic touch that pairs well with the fruit’s subtle sweetness.

This simple yet elegant cocktail works great for outdoor parties, summer gatherings, or any time someone wants a southwest-inspired drink.

The recipe takes less than five minutes to make and needs just a few basic bar tools.

Rosemary Cactus Cooler Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing cocktail combines prickly pear cactus juice with fresh rosemary and lime for a bright, desert-inspired drink perfect for warm days.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Fine-mesh strainer

Jigger or measuring tool
Muddler
Collins glass

Ice cube tray
Sharp knife
Cutting Board

Ingredients

2 oz prickly pear cactus juice
1.5 oz vodka
0.75 oz fresh lime juice

0.5 oz simple syrup
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
Club soda

Ice cubes
Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.

Add vodka, prickly pear juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
Strip leaves from one rosemary sprig and add them to the shaker.
Shake hard for 15 seconds until well chilled.

Double strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with remaining rosemary sprig and lime wheel.

Notes

Store-bought prickly pear juice works well, but fresh juice gives the best flavor. Look for ripe prickly pears at Mexican grocery stores.

Make simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a pot. Heat until sugar dissolves, then cool completely.

The drink can be made non-alcoholic by replacing vodka with extra club soda.

Keep rosemary sprigs fresh by storing them wrapped in damp paper towels in the refrigerator.

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Tasting Notes

The Rosemary Cactus Cooler offers a bright, crisp taste with subtle herbal notes. The prickly pear juice brings a sweet and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy rosemary.

A gentle fizz from the club soda adds lightness to the drink. The citrus notes from fresh lime juice create a tangy balance against the natural sweetness of the prickly pear.

The rosemary garnish releases aromatic oils that enhance each sip. Its pine-like scent mingles with the drink’s fruity elements to create a desert-inspired flavor profile.

The cocktail has a smooth texture and maintains its refreshing quality from start to finish. Ice keeps the drink cold and slightly dilutes the stronger flavors for a balanced taste.

Key Flavor Notes:

Sweet prickly pear
Fresh rosemary
Zesty lime

Light bubbles

The drink’s light pink color adds visual appeal. Temperature makes a big difference – serve this cocktail very cold for the best taste experience.

Substitute

If fresh rosemary isn’t available, dried rosemary works as a good backup. Use 1/3 teaspoon of dried rosemary to replace 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary sprigs.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace vodka with plain soda water or lemon-lime soda. Then add an extra splash of lime juice to keep the tangy taste.

No cactus water? Mix 1 part coconut water with 1 part aloe vera juice for a similar taste and texture. This blend matches the smooth feel of cactus water.

Fresh lime juice can be swapped with bottled lime juice in equal amounts. While fresh is best, bottled juice still adds the needed citrus kick.

Here are some simple syrup substitutes:

Agave nectar (use 3/4 the amount)
Honey (use 3/4 the amount)

Sugar (dissolve in warm water first)

Rosemary Cactus Cooler Cocktail Recipe