Passion Fruit Mojito

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Feeling a little run-down on a hot day? Refresh yourself with the sweet and minty Passion Fruit Mojito.

There’s a legend here in Hollywood about a film director who furiously yelled at everyone all the time, even when he wasn’t on set.

Striding around Tinseltown in his jodhpurs and silk scarf, a beret atop his shiny dome with a megaphone securely in hand, this intimidating dictator of the backlot had the meanest of dispositions. No one was sure if this demeanor was a result of or a perfect fit for his raging tantrums. An artiste to the core, and a perfectionist plus infinity, nothing could ever please or make him happy. Once, he was seen screaming at the kid bagging his groceries at the market checkout, raving about a lack of motivation. As a result, it was eggs on bottom, cans of soup on top. Once again, he was none too pleased.

Then, one random, hot Los Angeles afternoon, the doors to our local bar swung open, revealing his famous silhouette framed by blinding sunlight. The jukebox screeched to a halt, and a stuntman who frequented the place dove out the nearest window while shouting something about regretting nothing. The director strode slowly toward the bar, declaring that the last time he was served a drink it had lacked passion. He required passion, by gum!

So the barkeep, without flinching or batting an eyelash, quickly whipped up a Mojito… But not just any Mojito. We saw them muddle some fresh passion fruit pulp before prepping the bubbly libation the way one would be used to. The filmmaker grabbed it and sipped greedily, his face a stony, angry sculpture. Then he sipped again. And again. Soon, the cocktail was gone, slurped to the dregs. He stood up straight and quietly excused himself to the bathroom.

From behind the closed restroom door, we could’ve sworn we heard him weeping tears of joy.

What is the best rum to use in a Passion Fruit Mojito?

For citrusy and sweet libations, I tend to stick with white rum as the spirit base. Clear in color, slightly sweet and with tropically-tinged notes of coconut and sugarcane, the overall clean and mild flavor will combine with the passion fruit, lime and mint, resulting in a balanced and satisfying tipple. Bacardi Silver is always reliable and easy on your budget, as is Don Q.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Prep your cocktail in a highball or collins glass, fill with ice and garnish with some fresh sprigs of mint and a lime wheel on the rim.

What is the best club soda to use?

Some dismiss club soda as being just ingredient-free sparkling water, and by and large, that is correct. But not all club sodas are equal. Try experimenting with different brands like Canada Dry, QMixers or Fever-Tree to see how different each product can be, and how they can subtly alter your cocktail’s texture. Mineral water will work too, like Topo Chico.

Other mojito cocktails worth trying

An original Mojito is a good choice of drink when the night is hot and stifling. But the Passion Fruit Mojito really got your taste buds yearning for more fruity, rich flavor, melded with refreshing mint and tart lime juice, along with some tiny bubbles that tickle your nose. Below is just a sampling of different concoctions you can craft at home.

• Strawberry Mojito – This berry-infused elixir is a robust take on the minty classic.
• Blueberry Mojito – Perky, sweet and fresh flavor in every sip.
• Mango Mojito – Need something fruity and thirst-quenching on a hot afternoon?
• Watermelon Mojito – A blast of boozy refreshment is in this summertime sipper.