Copycat Whataburger Prickly Pear Drink Recipe

For us Texans (and anyone lucky enough to have a Whataburger nearby), the Whataburger Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafresher has become the ultimate go-to seasonal treat. With its blend of zesty lemon, tart raspberry, and a touch of uniquely sweet prickly pear, it’s like capturing a warm sunset in a glass.

How to make Whataburger Prickly Pear Drink

The Whataburger Prickly Pear Drink, officially known as the Prickly Pear Raspberry Whatafresher, is a new premium craft beverage introduced by Whataburger as part of its Whatafreshers summer lineup.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• Prickly Pear Syrup (2-3 tablespoons): This provides the distinct sweet and fruity flavor of prickly pear. You can find prickly pear syrup online or at specialty stores.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1/4 cup): A splash of lemon juice adds a tangy citrus base.
• Raspberry Syrup (2 tablespoons) or fresh raspberries: This gives the drink its bold, tart raspberry undertones.

Sweetener (Optional):

• Honey, Sugar, or Simple Syrup (1-2 teaspoons): Adjust the sweetness to match your taste buds or more closely mimic Whataburger’s version.

Liquid:

• Sparkling Water or Soda Water (1 cup): For a fizzy finish, opt for soda water. If you prefer still water, that works too!
• Ice (as needed): Keep things chilled and refreshing.

Garnish (Optional):

• Lemon Slices or Raspberry Pieces: For a restaurant-style finish.

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Flavors

1. Start by pouring the fresh lemon juice into a glass or pitcher.
2. Add the prickly pear syrup and raspberry syrup (or crushed fresh raspberries), stirring gently to combine the flavors thoroughly.

Step 2: Adjust Sweetness

1. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness with honey, sugar, or simple syrup if desired. This step ensures the drink matches your preferred flavor profile.

Step 3: Add Liquid & Ice

1. Fill the glass or pitcher with ice cubes.
2. Slowly pour in sparkling water or soda water, giving the drink a bubbly, refreshing finish. Stir gently to mix everything together.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

1. Add slices of lemon or fresh raspberries for garnish to make it feel a little extra special.
2. Serve immediately while chilled.

Tips for the Perfect Prickly Pear Drink

• Pick Your Syrups Wisely: Quality syrups make a difference! Look for natural options without artificial flavors to achieve the best taste of prickly pear and raspberry.
• Try Fresh Prickly Pear Fruit: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap syrup for fresh prickly pear juice. Simply peel, puree, and strain the fruit to create your base.
• Balance the Sweet and Tart: The key to nailing the recipe is striking a balance between the tangy lemon and sweet prickly pear. Taste-test as you go to perfect the drink!
• Serve Cold: This drink tastes its best when served ice-cold. Keep the ingredients and glass chilled for optimal refreshment.
• Experiment with Sparkling Flavors: If you want to add more flair, try flavored sparkling water (like lemon or berry varieties) to give the drink a subtle twist.

What to serve with

The Whataburger Prickly Pear Drink is a vibrant, fruity, and refreshing beverage that pairs beautifully with bold, Southwestern-inspired dishes and classic comfort foods.

1. Southwestern Favorites

Since the drink is inspired by the flavors of the Southwest, pairing it with Tex-Mex or Southwestern dishes will complement its essence perfectly:

• Tacos: Whether they’re fish tacos, carne asada, or vegetarian black bean tacos, the drink’s sweet component balances the spice and richness of the tacos.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The smoky, creamy flavor of elote contrasts wonderfully with the fruity brightness of the prickly pear drink.
• Quesadillas: Pair it with gooey cheese-filled quesadillas packed with veggies, chicken, or steak.
• Nachos: Loaded nachos topped with jalapeños, beans, guacamole, and melted cheese are the perfect bold snack to enjoy alongside the refreshing drink.

2. Spicy Barbecue Options

The sweet-tart notes of the Prickly Pear Drink pair exceptionally well with smoky and spicy barbecue dishes:

• Brisket: A tender, smoky brisket works beautifully with the contrasting sweetness of the drink.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The raspberry and prickly pear flavors offset the richness of the pulled pork, making every bite and sip a perfect pairing.
• Sticky Ribs: Sweet and tangy ribs bring out the fruity elements in the drink, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled to perfection complement the drink’s light and fresh vibe.

3. Lighter Fare

For a balance of refreshing flavors, serve light dishes that won’t overpower the drink:

• Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh watermelon, strawberries, mango, and pineapple mirrors the fruity tones in the prickly pear beverage.
• Avocado Toast: Wholesome avocado toast topped with herbs and a drizzle of lime is an excellent light pairing for brunch or a midday snack.
• Garden Salad: A crisp and colorful salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled feta pairs beautifully with the drink’s bright flavors.
• Grilled Fish: A citrus-marinated grilled fish (like mahi-mahi or salmon) complements the prickly pear and lemon notes.

4. Desserts

The sweet nature of the drink makes it an excellent pairing for indulgent desserts:

• Churros: Warm churros dipped in cinnamon-sugar are a match made in heaven with the fruity drink.
• Cheesecake: Raspberry cheesecake or lemon cheesecake mimics the flavors of the drink while adding a creamy twist.
• Lemon Bars: The citrusy zing of lemon bars perfectly aligns with the drink’s tart lemon notes.
• Sugar Cookies: Simple, soft sugar cookies or shortbread create a complementary sweetness that doesn’t overshadow the drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Whataburger Prickly Pear Drink is a refreshing, limited-time beverage featuring prickly pear syrup, lemon-lime soda, and ice. If you’d like to recreate this drink at home but can’t source some of the original ingredients, there are many ways to substitute them without compromising the flavor.

1. Prickly Pear Syrup

Prickly pear syrup is the key ingredient in this drink, providing its signature bright, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor. If you can’t find prickly pear syrup, consider the following alternatives:

• Dragon Fruit Syrup or Juice: Dragon fruit has similar flavor characteristics—subtle sweetness with tang—and can mimic the flavor profile of prickly pear.
• Watermelon Syrup or Juice: Watermelon offers a refreshing sweetness reminiscent of prickly pear.
• Raspberry Syrup: For a tart yet sweet substitute, raspberry syrup is a great option. Aim to dilute slightly for a balanced flavor.
• Homemade Prickly Pear Syrup Alternative: If you have access to fresh prickly pears, you can make your syrup by blending the fruit pulp, straining out seeds, and mixing it with sugar and water. Boil the mixture to thicken into a syrup, then cool it before use.

2. Lemon-Lime Soda

The carbonated lemon-lime soda acts as the base for the drink, offering a tangy, effervescent quality. If you’d like to substitute it, here are some options:

• Club Soda or Sparkling Water: To maintain the carbonation, use club soda or sparkling water. You can then add fresh lime and lemon juice for the citrus flavor.
• Ginger Ale: A mild and sweet option with carbonation that pairs well with fruity syrups.
• Light Lemonade: If you’re looking for a non-carbonated version, lemonade provides a good, tangy base. Mix it well with any sparkling water if you prefer bubbles.
• Homemade Alternative: Combine fresh lemon juice, lime juice, and sugar (or simple syrup) with some sparkling water or soda.

3. Ice

Ice is straightforward, but the type can slightly impact the drink experience. While regular cubed ice is convenient, you can use:

• Crushed Ice: Offers a refreshing texture commonly used in summer drinks.
• Flavored Ice Cubes: Consider freezing cubes that mix water and prickly pear syrup for added bursts of flavor as the ice melts.
• Infused Ice: Freeze lime or lemon slices in your ice cubes to enhance the citrus profile as you enjoy the drink.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the blueprint for this summery beverage, it’s time to channel your inner mixologist and whip up your version of the Whataburger Prickly Pear Drink.

More Whataburger Recipes:

• Copycat Whataburger Mexican Hot Chocolate Shake Recipe