Passion fruit mojito

Ingredients

• 30 ml (1 oz)lime juice
• 60 ml (2 oz)white rum
• 10mint leaves
• 180 ml (6 oz)sparkling water
• 2passion fruits
• 30 ml (1 oz)simple syrup
• 2 sliceslime
• 4–6ice cubes

Instructions

1. 1

   Muddle lime and mint

   Put the lime juice, lime slices and mint leaves in a glass. Press them gently a couple of times with a muddler.

2. 2

   Add fruit and rum

   Scoop the passion fruit pulp into the glass, then add the white rum, simple syrup and ice. Stir to combine.

3. 3

   Top and serve

   Add the ice cubes, pour in the sparkling water and serve immediately.

What is a passion fruit mojito?

A mojito is a Cuban cocktail traditionally built around rum, lime, mint, sweetness and soda. This Caribbean-style variation adds passion fruit for a fragrant, tart flavour alongside the familiar mint and citrus.

The method keeps the mint gently muddled rather than crushed, then adds sparkling water at the end. That helps the drink stay fresh and fizzy.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 233 calories, 1g protein, 29g carbs, 0g fat.

The carbohydrates mainly come from the passion fruit and simple syrup, while the rum provides most of the drink’s energy without much protein. To make this a more balanced plate, enjoy it with a savoury meal that includes a source of protein and vegetables.

Choosing the ingredients

Passion fruit: Use ripe fruit with aromatic pulp; scoop out the seeds and pulp for the drink. The recipe calls for two fruits, also known as parcha or maracuyá.

Mint and lime: Fresh mint and lime bring the crisp, citrusy character that balances the fruit and syrup. The lime slices are muddled with the juice to release their aroma.

Muddle gently

Mint: Press the leaves lightly just a couple of times. The aim is to release their fragrance, not mash them into small pieces.

Lime: A few gentle presses help bring out the citrus oils from the slices. Avoid grinding the lime aggressively, which can make the drink taste harsh.

Build the drink in stages

Before the fizz: Stir the passion fruit, rum, syrup and ice together after muddling the lime and mint. This distributes the fruit and sweetener through the base.

At the end: Pour in the sparkling water just before serving. Stir only as needed so the drink retains its bubbles.

Balance sweetness and tartness

Simple syrup: It rounds out the sharp lime and passion fruit, while white rum gives the cocktail its alcoholic base. The recipe uses 30 ml of syrup; the final balance will also depend on how tart the fruit is.

Sparkling water: This lengthens the drink and softens the concentrated flavours. Keep it chilled if you want the cocktail to stay cool as the ice melts.

Serve it straight away

Timing: The drink takes about 10 minutes to prepare, but it is not suited to making far ahead. The ice gradually dilutes it and the sparkling water loses its fizz.

Pairing: Serve it as a refreshing drink alongside savoury Caribbean-inspired food, or enjoy it on its own. Add the sparkling water only when ready to drink.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the sparkling water before mixing so the drink stays cool without relying on extra ice.
• Press the mint gently to release its aroma without shredding the leaves.
• Scoop the passion fruit pulp directly into the glass to catch its juice as well as the seeds.
• Add the sparkling water last to preserve its fizz.
• Serve immediately, before the ice has time to dilute the drink.

Variations

• Extra mint: Add a few more leaves for a stronger herbal note.
• Less sweet: Reduce the simple syrup to suit a tarter passion fruit.
• More citrus: Add another squeeze of lime for a sharper finish.
• Seed-free: Strain the passion fruit pulp before adding it to the glass.
• Alcohol-free: Leave out the rum and top with extra sparkling water.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Crushing the mint: This can make its flavour harsh; press the leaves gently instead.
• Adding soda too early: It loses its sparkle as you mix; pour it in just before serving.
• Using warm soda: It makes the drink less refreshing; chill it first.
• Skipping the stir: The syrup and fruit can settle; stir the base before topping with soda.
• Making it ahead: The ice dilutes the cocktail and the fizz fades; assemble it just before drinking.

How to store

This cocktail is best served immediately and is not suitable for storing once mixed, as the ice dilutes it and the sparkling water goes flat. If needed, prepare the lime, mint, passion fruit, rum and syrup base shortly ahead, then add ice and sparkling water just before serving.

Frequently asked questions