Secret Lemon and Nopal Drink! That sounds like a refreshing and healthy beverage. Nopal is the paddle cactus (prickly pear cactus), which is often used in Mexican drinks for its unique flavor and health benefits, like antioxidants and fiber. Combining it with lemon gives a tart, bright flavor.
Here’s a simple way you could make it at home:
Ingredients:
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1-2 fresh nopal pads (cleaned and de-spined) or 2 tablespoons nopal juice/puree
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1 lemon (or 2 tablespoons lemon juice)
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1-2 teaspoons honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
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1 cup cold water
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Ice cubes
Instructions:
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Prepare the nopal:
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If using fresh pads, remove the spines and edges, then dice them. Boil for 10–15 minutes until tender.
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If using nopal juice or puree, skip this step.
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Blend the ingredients:
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Add the cooked nopal (or nopal juice) into a blender.
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Squeeze in the lemon juice.
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Add honey/agave if you want it sweet.
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Pour in the cold water.
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Blend until smooth.
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Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon as needed.
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Serve chilled
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Pour over ice and enjoy!
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💡 Tips:
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You can also add a pinch of salt or chili powder for a Mexican twist.
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Nopal has a slightly slimy texture, so blending well or adding more water can make it smoother.
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For extra flavor, you can mix in a little orange juice or mint.