A tropical twist on the classic Mai Tai, this version brings in the bright, tangy flavor of passion fruit for a refreshing drink I love making during warm weather or whenever I’m craving beachy, vibrant vibes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this Passion Fruit Mai Tai balances sweetness, citrus, and rum with a bold pop of passion fruit. It feels both classic and new at the same time, and I find it incredibly refreshing. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and always impresses when I’m hosting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 oz light rum
1 oz dark rum
1/2 oz orange curaçao
1/2 oz orgeat syrup
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz passion fruit juice
Crushed ice
Mint sprig (for garnish)
Lime wheel (for garnish)
Directions
I combine the light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and passion fruit juice in a cocktail shaker.
I fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
I strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
I garnish with a mint sprig and a lime wheel.
I serve it immediately to enjoy all the tropical flavors.
I swap the passion fruit juice for mango or pineapple when I want a different tropical twist.
I use aged rum instead of dark rum for a deeper, richer flavor.
I add a splash of sparkling water when I’m craving something lighter and more refreshing.
I blend the drink with ice instead of shaking for a frozen version.
I rim the glass with sugar and lime zest for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I recommend enjoying this cocktail right after making it. If I need to prepare it ahead, I mix all the ingredients except the ice and garnishes, store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and shake it with ice just before serving. This cocktail shouldn’t be reheated.
FAQs
Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Yes, I replace the rum and curaçao with orange juice, extra passion fruit, or a splash of coconut water for a mocktail version.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
I can, but I find that fresh lime juice gives the cocktail the brightest, freshest flavor.
What can I use instead of orgeat syrup?
I substitute almond syrup or even a small splash of amaretto when I don’t have orgeat.
Can I batch this cocktail for parties?
Yes, I multiply the ingredients by the number of servings I need and keep the mixture chilled. I shake each serving with ice before pouring.
What type of rum works best?
I prefer using a combination of light and dark rum because it gives a nice balance of brightness and depth, but any quality rum works.
Conclusion
I love making this Passion Fruit Mai Tai whenever I want something tropical, refreshing, and surprisingly simple. With bright citrus, smooth rum, and vibrant passion fruit, it’s a cocktail that always hits the spot and brings a little vacation mood to my glass.
The Passion Fruit Mai Tai is a tropical take on the classic tiki cocktail, combining light and dark rum, lime, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, and passion fruit juice for a bright, tangy, and refreshing drink perfect for warm weather or beachy vibes.
Total Time:5 minutes
Yield:1 serving
Ingredients
1 oz light rum
1 oz dark rum
1/2 oz orange curaçao
1/2 oz orgeat syrup
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz passion fruit juice
Crushed ice
Mint sprig (for garnish)
Lime wheel (for garnish)
Instructions
Combine light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and passion fruit juice in a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
Orgeat syrup adds a nutty, sweet depth—almond syrup or amaretto can substitute in a pinch.
For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with ice instead of shaking.
To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the rums and curaçao with orange juice or coconut water.
Batch the ingredients ahead for parties and shake individual servings with ice before serving.
