When my friend Alex calls and asks if I’m free to do research, I get excited. Ten years ago, when we were in journalism school together, I would’ve been less than ecstatic at the prospect. But these days she’s referring to researching drink recipes for our summer cocktail series. And our latest creation, the sweet and satisfying Prickly Pear Vodka Soda, is my favourite to date!

Now, I’m going to point something out. For most of you, it’s probably obvious. But it wasn’t until I opened this bottle of Prickly Pear EquineOx Vodka and gave it a smell that I noticed Alex wasn’t purveying pear vodka but prickly pear – the sweet cactus fruit.

She’s a long-time fan of the Alberta-based Eau Claire Distillery and wanted to give this unique vodka a try, as did I.

Personal side note: I worked in communications for our gaming and liquor commission for three years. I’m honestly BLOWN away by the incredible craft beer, wine and spirits being manufactured in Alberta, and always love supporting local!

Given this was our first time experimenting with prickly pear, we perused Eau Claire Distillery’s recipes and saw they’d paired the flavoured vodka with blueberry.

After more than a couple rounds of trial and error we discovered the perfect combination of ingredients. The result? A sweet and refreshing drink that goes well paired with backyard patios and sunny afternoons!

Let’s take a peek:

Prickly Pear Vodka Soda Recipe

Yields 1 cocktail

You’ll need:

• 1.5 oz vodka (our preference – Prickly Pear EquineOx Flavoured Vodka)
• .5 oz ginger simple syrup (recipe below)
• 5 mint leaves
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• Juice of half a lime
• Club soda (approx. 1/3 can)
• Ice
• Cucumber to garnish
• Lavender to garnish

Directions:

Add vodka, ginger simple syrup, mint, blueberries and lime juice to a tall glass and muddle with a muddling stick or the back of a spoon.

Line the side of a second glass with a thin slice of cucumber. Fill glass with ice and strain the first mixture into the glass. Top with soda. Mix, garnish and serve.

Ginger Simple syrup

You’ll need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup grated fresh ginger

Directions:

Boil ingredients in a medium saucepan until the sugar fully dissolves, then cover and steep for 40 minutes. Strain and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four weeks.

Swoon-worthy Barware

I stumbled across some cute cactus-themed barware that’ll add some extra flair to your Prickly Pear Vodka Soda, as well as swoon-worthy glasses, marble coasters and muddlers:

Alex (@alexandtribe) and I (@chandeliers.and.champagne) are sharing delicious cocktail recipes all summer long. Tag us on Instagram if you try one for yourself (or use #yegsummercocktail) – we’d love to see your photos!

Happy sipping!

Xo Holly and Alex

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