Prickly Pear Soda

Method 4 steps

1. 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. 2

   Combine the fruit flesh, water, and agave nectar in a saucepan.

3. 3

   Boil the mixture until it becomes very thick, then strain it to get approximately 5 oz (120 ml) of syrup.

4. 4

   Make the finished soda by combining 1 volume of syrup with 5 volumes of carbonated water.

Region evidence: recipe text — “This prickly pear soda is popular in Mexico and the Southwestern United States.”