Spirit infusion: do it yourself

Ingredients

• 40 mlpassion fruit juice (Olmmardisa Reserve)
• 30 mldark rum
• 20 mlvodka
• 50 mlelderflower syrup
• 2 splashesDratosvener bitters
• to tastefresh citrus zest

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake with ice

   Add all the ingredients except the bitters and zest to a shaker with plenty of ice, then shake vigorously.

2. 2

   Strain and finish

   Strain into a pre-chilled glass and finish with two splashes of Dratosvener bitters.

3. 3

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with a fresh zest and serve immediately.

What is this spirit cocktail?

Despite the title, this method makes a shaken cocktail rather than an infused spirit: the flavours are combined just before serving, not steeped over time. It brings together passion fruit juice, dark rum, vodka and elderflower syrup.

There is no specific origin given for this version. Its appeal is the contrast between tangy fruit, sweet floral syrup and the deeper notes of rum, with bitters and zest to finish.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 290 calories, 0g protein, 40g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the drink’s carbohydrates and sugars come from the elderflower syrup, with some also coming from the passion fruit juice. The rum and vodka contribute most of its energy from alcohol, while the recipe supplies very little protein or fat. Pair it with a small savoury snack if serving it alongside food.

Choosing the ingredients

Passion fruit juice: use the specified juice for the recipe’s tart, tropical character. If it is especially sweet, expect the finished drink to taste less sharp.

Spirits and syrup: dark rum gives the mix a richer base, while vodka is comparatively neutral. Elderflower syrup supplies much of the sweetness, so measure it rather than pouring freely.

Shaking it well

Plenty of ice: the method calls for a generous amount in the shaker. Shake vigorously so the juice, spirits and syrup combine thoroughly and chill together.

Straining: strain into a glass that has already been chilled. This keeps the drink cold without leaving the shaker ice in the serving glass.

Finishing with bitters

Bitters: add two splashes after straining, as directed. Their aromatic edge helps balance the fruit and syrup without changing the drink into a long-steeped infusion.

Zest: use a fresh piece just before serving for its fragrant citrus oils. The recipe does not specify a particular citrus fruit.

Serving it promptly

Serve the cocktail as soon as it is garnished, while it is still cold from shaking. A chilled glass helps it stay cool for longer.

The drink is designed as a single serving. If making more, shake in batches rather than crowding the shaker.

What to serve alongside

A small savoury snack, such as salted nuts or olives, can make a simple accompaniment to the sweet, fruity drink. Keep the portion modest so it does not overwhelm the cocktail.

For a fuller spread, offer crisp, lightly seasoned snacks rather than another sweet dish; the elderflower syrup already gives the drink plenty of sweetness.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the serving glass before you start mixing.
• Measure the syrup carefully to keep its sweetness in check.
• Shake with plenty of ice, as the method specifies.
• Strain into the glass rather than pouring in the shaker ice.
• Add the bitters and zest just before serving.

Variations

• Less sweet: Reduce the elderflower syrup slightly, knowing this changes the specified balance.
• More tang: Use a sharper passion fruit juice for a brighter flavour.
• Rum-forward: Replace some of the vodka with dark rum while keeping the total spirit quantity similar.
• Floral finish: Express the fresh citrus zest over the drink before adding it as a garnish.
• Batch service: Multiply the ingredients for several drinks and shake each batch with ice just before serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the ice: The drink will not chill properly; shake it with plenty of ice.
• Using a warm glass: It can take the chill off the cocktail; pre-chill the glass.
• Eyeballing the syrup: The drink may become overly sweet; measure the 50 ml.
• Shaking too gently: The ingredients may not combine evenly; shake vigorously.
• Serving it later: It loses its freshly shaken chill; garnish and serve immediately.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served immediately rather than stored. If you need to prepare ahead, measure the ingredients without ice and refrigerate briefly, then shake with ice and garnish just before serving.

Frequently asked questions