White sugar simple syrup

Ingredients

• 4 cl (40 ml)passion fruit juice
• 3 cl (30 ml)brown rum
• 2 cl (20 ml)vodka
• 5 cl (50 ml)elderflower syrup
• 2 dashesDratosvener bitters
• to tastefresh zest
• plentyice

Instructions

1. 1

   Shake with ice

   Add the passion fruit juice, brown rum, vodka and elderflower syrup to a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously.

2. 2

   Strain the drink

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

3. 3

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish with fresh zest and serve immediately.

What is this cocktail?

This is a fruit-forward mixed drink built from passion fruit juice, spirits and elderflower syrup, rather than a traditional simple syrup. Its exact origin is not specified, but the combination draws on familiar international cocktail ingredients.

The recipe works by balancing tart fruit with floral sweetness and the warmth of rum and vodka. A brief shake chills and combines everything, while bitters and zest add a finishing aromatic note.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 250 calories, 0g protein, 30g carbs, 0g fat.

The passion fruit juice and elderflower syrup provide most of the carbohydrates, while the rum and vodka contribute most of the energy from alcohol; the drink contains very little protein or fat. For a more balanced occasion, serve it alongside a savoury snack such as olives or cheese.

The ingredients that shape the drink

Passion fruit juice: this supplies the drink’s tangy, tropical character. Use juice that tastes bright rather than overly sweet so it can balance the syrup.

Elderflower syrup: this brings floral sweetness and is the main sweetening ingredient. Since the recipe gives a fixed amount, taste the juice beforehand to understand how sweet the finished drink is likely to be.

Rum and vodka: brown rum contributes a richer spirit flavour, while vodka keeps the overall spirit profile relatively neutral.

Why shake it well

Ice: shaking with plenty of ice chills the mixture and blends the juice, syrup and spirits. Use a well-sealed shaker and shake vigorously as directed.

Straining: pour the shaken drink into a pre-chilled glass, leaving the ice behind. This keeps the serving cold without filling the glass with shaker ice.

The finishing touches

Bitters: two dashes are added after straining to round out the fruity and floral flavours. Measure them carefully, as a little goes a long way.

Zest: a fresh zest garnish adds a fragrant finish. Add it just before serving so its aroma is at its best.

Timing and serving

The stated preparation time is 3 minutes, so have the glass chilled and the ingredients ready before you start shaking. Serve the cocktail immediately after garnishing.

Its sweetness and fruitiness pair well with salty nibbles or a small bowl of olives. Keep accompaniments simple so they do not compete with the elderflower and passion fruit.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the serving glass before you begin mixing.
• Use plenty of ice in the shaker for a well-chilled drink.
• Shake vigorously to combine the juice and syrup thoroughly.
• Add the bitters after straining, as specified.
• Prepare the zest just before serving for a fresher aroma.

Variations

• Adjust the sweetness: use a little less elderflower syrup for a less sweet drink.
• More passion fruit: increase the juice slightly for a tangier flavour, while keeping in mind that this changes the recipe’s balance.
• Citrus garnish: try a different fresh citrus zest for a subtly different aroma.
• Serve over ice: pour into a glass with fresh ice if you prefer a longer, slower drink.
• Try another bitters: substitute a different aromatic bitters for a variation in the finish.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the ice: shake with plenty of ice so the drink chills properly.
• Weak shaking: shake vigorously to bring the juice, spirits and syrup together.
• A warm glass: pre-chill the glass as directed to help keep the drink cold.
• Too much bitters: measure two dashes rather than pouring freely.
• Waiting to serve: garnish and serve immediately so the drink stays cold and fragrant.

How to store

This cocktail is best made fresh and served immediately. Do not store it after shaking, as it will become diluted as the ice melts.

Frequently asked questions