Prickly Pear Orange Sundial

Prickly pear's mild sweetness is rounded out by orange, with ginger giving the finish a little warmth. The color depends on the fruit juice you find, so a pale version is just as valid as a bright pink one. Choose plain juice rather than a cocktail syrup unless you want a much sweeter result. Pull the ginger out before it starts to overshadow the softer prickly pear. This is a gently tropical fizz that feels different without being difficult to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 5 oz Sparkling water
• 2 oz Prickly pear juice
• 2 oz Orange juice
• 2 slice Fresh ginger, thinly sliced

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Mash soft fruit to release juice; lightly press herbs or thin ginger slices without shredding them.
2. Add the still juices and stir. Strain out seeds, skins or herb pieces if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Pour in the chilled sparkling water slowly and stir once. Serve immediately, with ice if you like.

Benefits

Orange · a little vitamin C

Using orange with prickly pear and ginger brings vitamin C for absorbing iron from plant foods, along with a familiar sweet-tart citrus flavor.

Prickly pear · more than a sweet mixer

With orange and ginger in the glass, the measured prickly pear contributes a mellow, melon-like sweetness as an accent to the fizz.