Some drinks feel like pure sunshine in a glass, and this passion fruit orange punch is exactly that. With its sharp-sweet flavour and bright golden colour, it is perfect for parties, family lunches or even just a quiet afternoon when you want something cheerful and refreshing. The combination of passion fruit pulp and fresh orange juice is bold and energising, with just the right amount of sweet, tart and citrus sparkle. If you enjoy layered flavours and love tropical fruits, this drink is easy to make, easy to love and full of feel-good freshness.
For the best results, use fresh passion fruit with wrinkled skins, which means they are ripe and full of juicy pulp. Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size and give slightly when pressed these are the juiciest ones. You can also use a mix of sweet and slightly sour oranges for balance.
Step 1: Scoop out the passion fruit pulp
Cut three to four ripe passion fruits in half. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp, seeds and juice into a bowl. Passion fruit seeds are edible and add a lovely crunch to drinks, so there is no need to strain them unless you prefer a smoother texture. If you want to remove the seeds, press the pulp through a strainer using the back of a spoon to extract the juice. Keep the pulp chilled while you prepare the rest of the punch.
Step 2: Squeeze fresh orange juice
Juice four to five medium sized oranges to get about one and a half cups of juice. If you are using a citrus juicer, strain the juice lightly to remove any extra pulp unless you like it chunky. Freshly squeezed orange juice brings out the natural sweetness and blends beautifully with the tangy passion fruit. You can use sweet oranges like kinnow or Valencia for a smoother base.
Step 3: Mix the juices and add a sweetener
In a large pitcher or mixing bowl, combine the passion fruit pulp and orange juice. Stir well. Taste the mixture and decide if it needs a little sweetness. Depending on how tart your passion fruits are, you may want to add one to two teaspoons of honey, sugar or maple syrup. Stir until fully dissolved. The colour should be a golden orange with small black seeds floating through. This is your flavourful punch base.
Step 4: Add chilled water or soda for volume
To turn the juice into a punch, add one cup of chilled water, sparkling water or plain soda. If you want something bubbly and festive, go for soda or sparkling mineral water. If you prefer a milder flavour, stick with plain cold water. Mix everything well and add a handful of ice cubes. Stir gently. The drink should now be well balanced not too sweet, not too tangy and full of tropical notes.
Step 5: Serve with fresh garnish
Pour the punch into glasses. Add slices of orange, mint leaves or a spoonful of fresh passion fruit pulp on top for garnish. If you are serving for a gathering, you can also make a large batch and chill it in a glass dispenser or jug. Keep extra ice on the side so the drink stays cold without getting diluted. This punch is best enjoyed fresh and cold, sipped slowly to enjoy all the fruity layers.
This passion fruit orange punch is a simple yet stunning drink that feels like a tropical getaway in a glass. It is quick to prepare, endlessly refreshing and full of natural fruit flavour. Whether you are serving it at brunch, offering it as a welcome drink or enjoying it alone on a sunny afternoon, this five step recipe brings brightness to your day with every sip. Let the fruit shine and the good mood follow.