A passion fruit margarita is the very definition of refreshing. Sweet-tart passion fruit melds with tangy lime juice, citrusy triple sec and tequila’s pure agave flavor to create a bright, refreshing cocktail. Combined with a spicy Tajin rim, this punchy margarita is one of those fruity summer sippers that’s sure to cool you down on a sweltering summer day.
The classic margarita is such a beautiful template for fruity exploration. A splash of fruit juice or puree infuses it with fun new flavor and breathes new life into the tequila cocktail. We love the rich taste of blackberry margaritas or watermelon margaritas, but this tropical passion fruit margarita recipe may be our new favorite variation!
What is passion fruit?
Passion fruit is a purple- or yellow-skinned warm-weather fruit native to Brazil. Cutting into the fruit reveals a vibrant yellow interior studded with a lot (and I mean a lot!) of gelatinous seeds. That can feel a little intimidating, but don’t shy away from this exotic fruit. The crunchy seeds are edible, and you can eat the pulp, seeds and all.
Ingredients for Passion Fruit Margarita
- Tequila: Blanco or silver tequila is the best tequila for margaritas. This unaged tequila is clear and bright, allowing the tangy lime and sweet-tart passion fruit flavors to shine through.
- Passion fruit nectar: Passion fruit nectar (also called passion fruit cocktail) usually contains added sugar to balance the passion fruit’s tart character.
- Triple sec: This orange liqueur adds sweetness and citrusy flavor. Feel free to substitute another orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Cointreau, if desired.
- Lime: For the freshest, brightest flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice is much less vibrant.
- Simple syrup: This sugary syrup adds a velvety texture to margaritas and reduces the sour flavors of the passion fruit and lime.
- Tajin seasoning and salt: Tajin seasoning is a spicy chili-and-lime seasoning that can be combined with salt to make a spice-rimmed cocktail glass.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the cocktail glass
If desired, moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with a lime wedge, sprinkle salt and Tajin seasoning on a plate, and dip the glass rim in the salt and seasoning. Then, fill the glass with ice.
Step 2: Shake the passion fruit margarita
In an empty cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, passion fruit nectar, triple sec, lime juice and syrup. Fill the shaker with ice. Cover and shake until frost forms on the outside of the shaker, 15 to 20 seconds. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Recipe Variations
- Start with fresh passion fruit: If you can’t find passion fruit nectar (or if you enjoy making things from scratch), buy a few passion fruits from the grocery store. Slice them in half, and scoop the pulp into a blender. Blend the pulp until smooth, and strain the puree through a fine-mesh strainer. Stir in water until the juice is slightly thicker than orange juice. Add simple syrup to taste, if desired.
- Prepare a pitcher: To make pitcher margaritas, multiply each ingredient by the number of people you plan to serve. Combine the ingredients in a pitcher or large punch bowl. Add ice, and stir with a large spoon until the cocktail is chilled and the outside of the pitcher has formed condensation.
- Make it with mezcal: Substitute mezcal (tequila’s smoky relative) to add complexity to this passion fruit margarita recipe.
Can you make passion fruit margaritas ahead of time?
You can make passion fruit margaritas up to three days ahead of time. Mix the cocktail ingredients, but do not add any ice. Store the cocktail in a jar with a tightly fitted lid in the refrigerator.
If you’re making homemade simple syrup for passion fruit margaritas, you can make the syrup well ahead of time. Store the cooled syrup in a lidded glass container. Unflavored simple syrup lasts for up to four weeks in the refrigerator.
Passion Fruit Margarita Tips
How do you adjust the sweetness of a passion fruit margarita?
Passion fruit can be quite tart, so you may want to add extra simple syrup to the drink to make it sweeter. Conversely, if the drink turns out too sweet, add lime juice to make the drink tangier.
Can you use frozen passion fruit to make passion fruit margaritas?
You can use defrosted passion fruit pulp or puree to make passion fruit margaritas, but you may need to adjust the recipe slightly. The passion fruit nectar we use in this recipe has a consistency similar to orange juice (maybe just a tad thicker). Passion fruit pulp or puree is much thicker than juice, so dilute it with water if necessary. You may also want to add extra simple syrup if the pulp or puree is unsweetened.
