Prickly Pear Soda

This prickly pear soda is popular in Mexico and the Southwestern United States.

Ingredients

• 3 prickly pears
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• ½ cup (120 ml) agave nectar
• Carbonated water as needed (see note)

Procedure

1. Remove the peel from the prickly pears, cut them into small pieces about 0.5 x 0.5 in (1.25 x 1.25 cm), and remove the seeds.
2. Combine the fruit flesh, water, and agave nectar in a saucepan.
3. Boil the mixture until it becomes very thick, then strain it to get approximately 5 oz (120 ml) of syrup.
4. Make the finished soda by combining 1 volume of syrup with 5 volumes of carbonated water.

Notes, tips, and variations

• Use water from a carbonating machine or a brand of pure carbonated water such as Polar Original sparkling water, Great Value Seltzer Water, or Signature Select Seltzer Water. Do not use a brand of mineral water such as Perrier, San Pellegrino, or Mineragua because the added minerals will ruin the taste. Avoid flavored sparkling water such as La Croix or Spindrift, because the preexisting fruit flavors will ruin the drink.