Mazeno
Mazeno is a shaken cocktail combining passion fruit juice, brown rum, vodka and elderflower syrup. It comes together in minutes and is served cold with bitters and a fresh citrus zest.
Ingredients
- 40 mlpassion fruit juice
- 30 mldark rum
- 20 mlvodka
- 50 mlelderflower syrup
- 2 dashesDratosvener bitters
- to tastefresh citrus zest
Instructions
- 1
Shake with ice
Put all the ingredients except the bitters and zest in a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously.
- 2
Strain the drink
Strain into a pre-chilled glass, then finish with two dashes of Dratosvener bitters.
- 3
Garnish and serve
Garnish with a fresh zest and serve straight away.
What is a Mazeno?
Mazeno is a mixed drink built around fruit juice, spirits and a floral syrup. The recipe supplied here gives it a tropical, sweet-tart character, with bitters added at the end for a more complex finish.
This version is quick to make: a vigorous shake chills and combines the ingredients, while the zest provides a fresh aromatic note.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 285 calories, 0g protein, 44g carbs, 0g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less elderflower syrup | 200 kcal | 0g | 31g | 0g |
| This serving | As written | 285 kcal | 0g | 44g | 0g |
| Hungry | Serve with a savoury snack | 428 kcal | 0g | 66g | 0g |
The elderflower syrup supplies most of the carbohydrates and sugars, while the rum and vodka contribute most of the remaining energy. Passion fruit juice adds some carbohydrate, with very little protein or fat overall. Pair the drink with a savoury snack or a meal that includes vegetables and a protein source.
Choosing the ingredients
Passion fruit juice: its sharp, fragrant flavour balances the sweetness of the elderflower syrup. Use juice rather than a thick purée so the cocktail strains cleanly.
Spirits and syrup: brown rum brings depth, while vodka keeps the spirit profile relatively neutral. Elderflower syrup supplies the drink’s floral sweetness.
Get the shake right
Ice: add plenty to the shaker so the drink chills quickly as you shake. A firm shake also brings the juice and syrup together evenly.
Straining: use a pre-chilled glass and strain promptly after shaking. This keeps the drink cold without leaving loose ice in the glass.
Finish with bitters and zest
Bitters: add the two dashes after straining, as directed, so their aroma sits on the finished drink. Measure them carefully; a little goes a long way.
Zest: use a fresh piece for a bright citrus fragrance. Avoid including a thick strip of white pith, which can taste bitter.
Serve it straight away
The method takes about three minutes, including shaking and straining. Chill the serving glass beforehand so the cocktail stays cold for longer.
Serve as soon as it is garnished, while the drink is still well chilled and the zest is aromatic.
What to serve alongside
The cocktail’s sweet, fruity profile pairs well with salty nibbles such as olives or salted nuts. Small savoury snacks can also balance the elderflower syrup’s sweetness.
For a lighter pairing, serve it with fresh fruit or a simple platter of crisp vegetables.
Recipe notes & tips
- Chill the glass before you start mixing.
- Use plenty of ice in the shaker for a properly cold drink.
- Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the cocktail as soon as the shaking is finished.
- Add the bitters after straining, as specified in the method.
Variations
- Less sweet: reduce the elderflower syrup slightly and taste before serving.
- More citrus: garnish with a fine strip of orange or lemon zest.
- Freshly squeezed: use strained fresh passion fruit juice for a brighter flavour.
- Extra chill: serve over fresh ice in the glass if you prefer a longer, colder drink.
- Spiced finish: add one extra dash of bitters if you want a more pronounced bitter note.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not enough ice: the drink may not chill properly; fill the shaker generously.
- A warm glass: the cocktail loses its chill sooner; pre-cool the glass.
- Weak shaking: the ingredients may not combine evenly; shake firmly and vigorously.
- Too much zest pith: it can add a harsh bitter taste; use only the coloured outer peel.
- Waiting to serve: the drink warms and loses its fresh aroma; serve immediately after garnishing.
How to store
This cocktail is best made and served immediately. If you need to prepare ahead, measure the ingredients and chill them separately, then shake with ice just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Mazeno without a cocktail shaker?
A jar with a tightly fitting lid can work in a pinch. Shake it firmly with plenty of ice, then strain into the glass.
Can I use light rum instead of brown rum?
Yes. Light rum will make the flavour less deep and molasses-like, but it will still mix with the other ingredients.
What can I use instead of elderflower syrup?
Another floral syrup can work, though the flavour will change. Adjust the amount to suit its sweetness.
Do I need fresh passion fruit juice?
No. Use a bottled passion fruit juice if that is what you have, ideally one that is not overly sweet.
Why is the glass chilled first?
A cold glass helps the cocktail stay chilled after straining. Put it in the freezer briefly or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from cocktailforum.de. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on cocktailforum.de