This maple cactus mudslide recipe may contain affiliate links.

I love a challenge. Sometimes, that challenge is to use a strange ingredient in a new recipe. And when my son found a carton of cactus water at the store, I had to use it in a fun new way. Now, I’ve been meaning to make a delicious maple drink for awhile, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity! It may sound a little strange, but prickly pear cactus water is already free of prickle (since it’s store-bought), and this mocktail is all about that white chocolate maple flavor with a refreshing hint of that cactus water. Trust me, you’ll love every element of this Maple Cactus Mudslide frozen mocktail. It’s perfect for brunch!

To start this drink, you’ll want to do it with some cold white hot chocolate. The easiest way, in my opinion, is just to take your favorite white hot cocoa, brew it, and then set it in the fridge or freezer until it gets cold. You can use any kind of white hot chocolate you like– I just used one I found for my Keurig. You’ll need 8 ounces of it.

This part is totally optional, but I like to give my drinks a little something extra. To do this, simply dip the rim of your glass in melted white chocolate, then dip it in chopped white chocolate chips. 

In a blender, combine 8 ounces of cooled white hot cocoa with 4 ounces of cactus water. Here’s the deal– cactus water has a slightly tangy, tart taste with light berry-ish flavor. But if you can’t find cactus water, simply swapping it out for coconut water, or for a creamier maple mudslide, going for milk, cream, or your favorite milk substitute, will work just fine.

Toss in some white chocolate chips for texture, and your favorite maple ice cream. This is a maple nut variety, but any sort of maple ice cream will work.

You’ll also need to add 1 cup of ice. The best way to extend the life of most blenders is to go for liquids on the bottom, soft foods in the middle, and harder foods on top, but consult your own blender’s manual for the best order to put the ingredients in!

Blend until smooth all the way through, and you’re ready to serve!

Drizzle each glass with a little bit of pure maple syrup, then pour the drink in. Serve these drinks right away while they’re still cold for the best flavor!

Now, this recipe makes a pitcher enough for 4 people, but that’s only if you’re actually willing to share. It’s a pretty delicious drink, so I would have gladly kept it all for myself!

These are perfect for brunch– when my brother sampled it, he said that he really wanted pancakes to go with it, making it delightfully maple. It’s a great drink, however, at any time of day you want to enjoy it!

Have you ever seen or heard of cactus water? And what’s your favorite mocktail?

Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to scroll down for the full printable recipe!

More Mocktail Ideas

Some Great Wineglasses (Set of 6) that are perfect for this recipe
My favorite blender
Mocktails, Punches, and Shrubs: Non-alcoholic Drinks cookbook
Coconut Sharks in the Water: A twenty-one pilots inspired mocktail
Red, White, and Blue Slushes
Cranberry Orange Twist– another perfect brunch drink!

Maple Cactus Mudslide Recipe