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A simple yet delicious tropical Passion Fruit Margarita is perfect for any occasion! With just a few ingredients, this tequila cocktail recipe always hits the spot with its sweet and tangy flavor.
about this passion fruit margarita
A passion fruit margarita is the ideal blend of tart, tangy, and sweet. If you are looking for a tropical escape, this is the way to get it without having to book a plane ticket or use up your paid vacation time.
It might not beat being on the beach, but it comes close!
Passion fruit is in season right now, so you know I had to hop on the bandwagon with a cocktail. Whenever I want to incorporate fruit into a cocktail, I generally gravitate to the margarita. Tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice are the easiest ingredients to add fruit to. They naturally compliment the flavor of fresh produce so well! There’s no margarita mix here – it’s fresh ingredients, all the way.
To give this particular recipe an added zing, I like to use Tajin as the rimming mixture for a spicy kick to pair with the fresh and vibrant flavors in the drink. You could also opt for the classic option of salt, or sweeten things up by using sugar.
Plus, turning this cocktail into a big batch for gatherings is super simple as it can come together right in a pitcher filled with ice. For the full instructions to make this drink in a large amount, check out the recipe card at the end of this post.
ingredients
passion fruit pulp. You can purchase passion fruit puree (usually labeled as puree or pulp in the freezer section) or you can make it yourself with fresh passion fruits. Do not use passion fruit juice or passion fruit nectar – the puree has a lot more concentrated flavor to add to the drink.
tequila. I usually use tequila blanco or silver tequila for margaritas. Use your favorite mid-range price point option El Jimador or Dobel. You can use something more top shelf if you prefer like Patron. You can even use reposado tequila if you prefer that flavor more.
orange liqueuer. Using Cointreau or Grand Marnier is what makes this margarita taste best. However, you can also use triple sec.
lime juice. Fresh lime juice is best in this recipe!
simple syrup. Make your own simple syrup at home! All you need are equal parts water and sugar. If you are new to making simple syrup, I have a post on how to make simple syrup where all your questions can be answered. You can also pick simple syrup up at your local grocery store or liquor store. Another option is to use your choice of sweetener like agave nectar or honey.
Tajin. I use this seasoning to rim the glass! You could also use coarse salt or coarse sugar for the rim.
this recipe’s must haves
To make the cocktail, you will need a jigger, cocktail shaker, and cocktail strainer. Don’t have a shaker? Grab one of your mason jars and that will do the trick!
I like to use double old fashioned glasses or rocks glasses for my margaritas. You can also use a classic margarita glass.
If you are making this recipe in a big batch (notes in recipe card below for this), you will need a large pitcher and a cocktail stirring spoon.
margarita favorites
here’s how to make a passion fruit margarita
rim
Rub the rim of a rocks glass or margarita glass with a lime wedge. Dip the rim into a shallow container filled with Tajin (you can also use coarse salt or sugar, if you prefer). Set aside.
shake
Add passion fruit puree, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled through, about 15 seconds.
strain
Strain into rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh lime slices and serve.
tips and tricks
use fresh lime juice. Using fresh juice gives you the best flavor! Be sure to gently roll the limes between your palm and the countertop to help release the juices.
make your own puree. If you can get fresh passion fruits, simply scoop the flesh of the fruit into a blender (like a Vitamix) and blend until smooth.
More delicious margarita recipes to try: Mango Margarita | Pomegranate Margarita | Texas Margarita | Raspberry Margarita | Blueberry Margarita
how do you use passion fruit puree in a cocktail?
Passion fruit puree comes in packs, usually frozen. You could also make your own with fresh passion fruit by pureeing the fruit in a blender. However, passion fruits are usually in season for a short period of time. Therefore, getting the frozen puree is what I have to use when fresh passion fruits are not available.
Be sure to thaw the puree before using it in this cocktail.
can orange juice replace Cointreau?
I only recommend using freshly squeezed orange juice in this recipe if you are making it non-alcoholic. If you are making the margarita with tequila, be sure to use Cointreau or Grand Marnier for the orange liqueur. You can also use triple sec, but Cointreau or Grand Marnier provide a better flavor.
can I make this margarita non-alcoholic?
Yes, to make this margarita non-alcoholic, you can swap the tequila for club soda and the Cointreau for freshly squeezed orange juice.
how do I make this cocktail in a big batch for a party?
I love making a big batch of margaritas for a party! You can easily adjust the servings in the recipe card below to get the correct measurements for the gathering you plan to have. Instead of making the margarita in a shaker, make it in a pitcher filled with ice, stirring well to combine.
For easy reference, to make this drink for 8 people, you will need 1 cup passion fruit pulp, 2 cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau, 1 cup fresh lime juice, and 3/4 cup simple syrup. Stir it all together in a large pitcher and pour into rimmed glasses filled with ice.
Need some inspiration for seasonal cocktails? Check out my cocktails recipe page!
what to serve with a passion fruit margarita
What do I serve with margaritas? Tacos! It’s a great excuse to bust out a taco bar! From grilled chicken tacos to chicken tinga tacos, fried avocado tacos and more, this margarita goes with whatever tacos you can dream up.
Savory carne asada fries made with savory carne asada steak is a must make too.
If you are short on time, simply add this chicken taco seasoning to your chicken before cooking! The flavor is smoky, savory, and just a touch spicy.
Making a big batch for a party? Serve these passion fruit margaritas with chips and your favorite dip! Vibrant chunky salsa, veggie loaded guacamole, or BLT guacamole are some of our favorite Mexican-inspired recipes to serve to a big group.
more delicious tequila recipes
Light and vibrant tequila lime pozole is our take on the classic soup recipe!
The tequila lime marinade on these grilled chicken thighs is perfect for a savory backyard bbq gathering.
If you’d like a savory cocktail, this tequila sage smash cocktail is a lovely combination of herbaceous sage and citrus.
Finally, if you make this passion fruit margarita recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
passion fruit margarita
ingredients
- lime wedge
- Tajin for the rim
- 1 oz passion fruit puree or pulp
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz freshly squeeze lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- fresh lime wheel for garnish
instructions
- Rub the rim of the cocktail glass with a lime wedge or water to wet it. Dip the rim into a shallow container filled with Tajin. Set aside.
- Add passion fruit puree or pulp, tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled through, about 15 seconds.
- Fill rimmed cocktail glass with ice.
- Strain margarita into the prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh lime wheel.
Lynne says
Thanks for the post! Just made 2 passion fruit margaritas with some passion fruit my neighbor left on my door step! Wonderful!
Meghan Y. says
Lovely that sounds amazing! I need that neighbor in my life 😉