Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler

The Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler is a beautifully balanced mocktail designed for ultimate refreshment. It captures the essence of the tropics with the tangy, aromatic pulp of fresh passion fruit, perfectly complemented by the invigorating coolness of muddled mint. A touch of lime juice adds a bright, citrusy zing, while a simple sweetener balances the flavors before being topped with sparkling water for a delightful effervescence. This drink is a perfect choice for those seeking a complex and satisfying alcohol-free beverage.
Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a modern mocktail, representing the growing trend of sophisticated, non-alcoholic drinks. It falls into the category of a "cooler" or "smashed" drink style, utilizing muddled fresh ingredients topped with a carbonated mixer for a refreshing experience.

Serving

Serve this refreshing, non-alcoholic drink cold over ice in a tall Highball glass to showcase its vibrant color and effervescence.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While it doesn't have a specific historical origin, the Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler emerged from the modern craft mocktail movement. It is an evolution of classic drinks like the Mojito and the Smash, adapted to be alcohol-free while highlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Its creation is driven by the desire for non-alcoholic options that are just as thoughtful and flavorful as their spirited counterparts.
Origin
This mocktail is a product of contemporary mixology, with no single country or specific year of origin. It is widely popular in tropical regions and has gained global recognition in recent years as part of the broader interest in creative non-alcoholic beverages.

Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler

This drink is primarily known as the Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler. Some may refer to it as a "Passion Fruit No-jito" due to its similar preparation method and ingredients (mint, lime, sweetener) to a Mojito, just without the rum and with added passion fruit.
Original name
Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler
Alternative names
  • Passion Fruit No-jito
  • Sparkling Passion Fruit Mint Cooler

Characteristics overview

This drink has a vibrant tropical flavor dominated by tangy passion fruit and cool mint, with a refreshing, bubbly texture and a clean finish. Its sunny golden-orange appearance makes it a perfect, light-bodied summer beverage.
Flavor
Tropical, tangy, minty, sweet, citrusy
Aroma
Fruity, herbal, zesty
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, refreshing, minty
Fizziness
Bubbly, sparkling
Color appearance
Golden-orange, cloudy, flecks of green mint
Texture
Light, effervescent, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intensely fruity and sour, balanced by moderate sweetness and carbonation. It is a completely alcohol-free beverage with no bitterness, saltiness, or creaminess.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This mocktail requires fresh passion fruit pulp, mint leaves, lime juice, a sweetener like simple syrup, and sparkling water to top. The quality of fresh ingredients is key to its vibrant flavor.
  • Fresh Passion Fruit PulpPulp of 2 medium passion fruits (approx. 45 ml / 1.5 oz)
    Use fresh passion fruits for the best tangy flavor and aroma. Canned or frozen pulp can be used as a substitute.
  • Fresh Mint Leaves10 to 12 leaves
    Spearmint is ideal. Muddle gently to release oils without bruising the leaves too much.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust quantity to taste. Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
  • Sparkling WaterApprox. 120 ml / 4 oz, to top
    Club soda or seltzer water works perfectly. Tonic water can be used for a slightly more bitter note.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker and a muddler to prepare this drink. A fine-mesh strainer is also recommended to ensure a smooth texture free of mint bits and passion fruit seeds.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients
  • Muddler for gently pressing the mint
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double straining

Instructions

The process involves muddling mint with lime and syrup, shaking with passion fruit pulp and ice, then double straining into an ice-filled glass. Finish by topping with sparkling water and garnishing.
1. In the base of a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup to release their aromatic oils.
2. Add the passion fruit pulp to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill a Highball glass with fresh cubed ice.
5. Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass to remove ice shards, seeds, and small mint pieces.
6. Top the drink with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
7. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and half a passion fruit shell before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and half of a spent passion fruit shell for a professional and aromatic presentation. The garnish enhances both the visual appeal and the sensory experience.
  • Mint sprig for aroma and visual appeal
  • Half a passion fruit shell, floated on top

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is also caffeine-free, vegetarian, and vegan (when made with simple syrup or agave instead of honey).
Contains alcohol
Caffeine-free
Dairy-free
Egg-free
Soy-free
Nut-free
Gluten-free
Vegan-friendly
Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie mocktail, with its caloric and sugar content primarily coming from the passion fruit and simple syrup. The nutritional values can be lowered by reducing the amount of sweetener used.
Calories
Approximately 80-110 kcal / 335-460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for warm-weather gatherings like summer parties, barbecues, and picnics. Its elegant and festive nature also makes it an excellent choice for celebratory brunches, baby showers, or any occasion requiring a sophisticated non-alcoholic option.
  • Summer parties
  • Brunches
  • Baby showers
  • Afternoon refreshment

Pairing suggestions

The drink's tropical and tangy profile pairs wonderfully with light and fresh foods such as summer salads, grilled white meats, or seafood. It also effectively cuts through the richness of fried or spicy appetizers, making it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes.
  • Light salads
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Spicy appetizers like spring rolls

Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler: A Tropical Escape in a Glass

The Passion Fruit & Mint Cooler is an exemplary modern mocktail that proves non-alcoholic drinks can be complex, delicious, and visually appealing. It skillfully balances the tart, tropical notes of fresh passion fruit with the cooling sensation of mint and the bright acidity of lime. Easy to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, it is a perfect thirst-quencher for a sunny day or an elegant choice for any social gathering. This drink is a celebration of fresh ingredients and thoughtful flavor combination, offering a truly satisfying experience for all.

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