What is a passionfruit?
Passionfruit, for those yet to sample it, is a delectable fruit native to South America. It’s adored for its sweet and tangy taste and easily identified by its hard and smooth dark purple skin that wrinkles as it ripens. When cut open, it reveals a bright yellow pulp filled with black seeds with a gorgeous tropical smell that’s appealingly tart. Just like lime juice, passionfruit brings an acidity that makes it a perfect match for cocktails, particularly gin-based ones, as well as creamy flavors, like in a Pornstar Martini, that balance out its intense taste.
Passionfruit Gin Cocktail recipe with a twist
This Passionfruit Gin Cocktail is part of the Tom Collins gin-based cocktail family, but our version is delightfully stirred with passionfruit pulp. Start with a top-quality gin such as a Bulldog London Dry Gin, or Bickens Premium Distilled for a good base, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the passion fruit pulp. Stir easily in a pitcher or large glass then poured over ice into a highball or Collins glass and top up with some soda water for fizz.
Pro tips to make the best Passionfruit Gin Cocktail
Choosing a perfectly ripe passionfruit is key, so pick one that feels heavy and is purple or yellow in color with wrinkled skin. Wrinkly skin means the fruit is riper and sweeter, so avoid ones with spots, bruising, or discoloration. If your passionfruit is wrinkly and the pulp is super sweet, you’ll need less syrup. If you have a tarter-tasting one, then go easy on the lemon juice.
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity of this passionfruit gin cocktail but want to upgrade it with a tasty twist, experiment with flavored gins. Bickens do a delicious pink gin with a grapefruit base, which makes a fabulous pairing with passionfruit. For more of a citrusy boost, try an O’ndina Gin, a zesty goodness-worthy made in small batches with Southern Italian lemons and oranges. A gin with creamy vanilla notes will also work well in this delicious drink.
For an impressive serve that your guests will adore, garnish with a slice of lemon and extra pulp. Add pretty edible flowers for a touch of gorgeousness if serving this cocktail at a wedding or garden party.
Flavor variations to try
Our passionfruit drink blends really well with other fruits to create a more tropical flavor. For pink passion, muddle in some raspberries or strawberries, or try it with mango and pineapple for island vibes. Other great combinations are papaya and kiwi.