How to Make Prickly Pear Shaved Ice at Home

The prickly pear syrup

Great prickly pear shaved ice starts with a real-fruit syrup rather than a neon bottle. Simmer a simple syrup of roughly equal parts sugar and water, then work in prickly pear — fresh, frozen or as a quality puree — and strain until smooth.

Prickly Pear is watermelon-bubblegum, so taste as you go and brighten it with a little citrus to keep the flavor lively. Prickly pear fruit, or tuna, grows right on the cactus pad.

Shaving the snow

Freeze a clear block of ice slowly, let it temper on the counter for a few minutes, then shave it into loose, fluffy ribbons. Pile the snow tall and pour your syrup over the top so it soaks down through every layer.

Flavor after shaving, never before — that's the secret to snow that tastes great from the first spoon to the last.

Toppings for prickly pear

To finish, lean into pairings that flatter prickly pear. We love it with lime and mint.

• Fresh fruit cut into little cubes
• A chewy topping like boba, mochi or jelly
• A drizzle of condensed milk or coconut cream
• A tiny sugar blossom, because presentation is half the fun

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