A mojito is one of those drinks that never fails to cool you down. It is crisp, lightly sweet and filled with fresh mint that wakes up your senses. Add passion fruit to the mix, and you have something even more special. This passion fruit mojito cocktail takes the traditional flavours and gives them a bold tropical lift with the tangy sweetness of passion fruit. The result is a cocktail that is playful, zesty and incredibly easy to enjoy. Whether you are having friends over or just relaxing at home, this five step recipe will bring a splash of sunshine to your glass.
When choosing your passion fruit, go for the ones that feel slightly heavy and have a wrinkled skin. These are the ripest and juiciest. For mint, pick fresh leaves that are vibrant green and not too small. And always use fresh lime for that clean citrus bite.
Step 1: Scoop out the passion fruit and prep the mint
Cut two to three ripe passion fruits in half and scoop out the pulp with a spoon. Set aside. Rinse a small bunch of mint leaves and set aside a few for garnish. Take the remaining leaves and gently bruise them with your fingers to release the oils. This is what gives mojitos that burst of fresh minty aroma. Do not crush them too hard, just enough to bring out their natural scent.
Step 2: Muddle lime, mint and sugar
In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, place eight to ten mint leaves, two teaspoons of sugar and the juice of half a lime. Muddle gently using the end of a wooden spoon or a muddler. The idea is to dissolve the sugar and mix it with the lime juice while pressing the mint leaves just enough to release their oils. This forms the base of your mojito and gives it its fresh flavour.
Step 3: Add the passion fruit and rum
Add the scooped passion fruit pulp directly into the muddled mix. If you do not like the texture of the seeds, you can strain the pulp before adding it, but many enjoy the crunch. Pour in sixty millilitres of white rum. Stir everything together so the flavours begin to combine. If you prefer a lighter cocktail, you can use slightly less rum or add a splash of orange liqueur for added sweetness.
Step 4: Top with soda and ice
Add ice cubes to your serving glass until it is about three fourths full. Pour the mojito mixture over the ice. Top with chilled soda water until the glass is full. Stir gently to mix everything together. The seeds will float through the drink, giving it a lovely speckled look, while the mint leaves and lime add colour and aroma. Make sure everything is well mixed but not over stirred.
Step 5: Garnish and serve immediately
Add a sprig of mint, a slice of lime and a small spoonful of passion fruit pulp on top for garnish. You can also rim the glass with sugar before serving for a little sparkle. This cocktail is best served immediately while it is still fizzy and chilled. It goes well with light appetisers or tropical snacks, and it is also perfect as a sunset drink on a warm evening.
The passion fruit mojito cocktail is a refreshing blend of familiar and exotic flavours. It has the structure of a classic mojito, but the passion fruit adds something unexpected and delightful. With mint, lime, rum and fruit all working together, it is a drink that feels bright, fun and easy to make. This five step recipe is one you will reach for again when the mood calls for something light and lively. Let every sip remind you of the joy in simple ingredients that sing together.