Passion Fruit Margarita (Ain’t that Some Cocktail)

Why it Works

This tropical passion fruit margarita is delicious and easy to make! The passion fruit gives it a tart and fruity flavor while keeping the sourness of a traditional margarita.

The flavor is balanced with fresh fruit juices and has a hint of salt and spice from the Tajin rim.

I’ve tried making these with orange liqueur like Grand Marnier, but even ½ ounce overpowers the taste of the passion fruit. It’s much better with fresh-squeezed orange juice. It doesn’t use as much lime as a traditional margarita because the passion fruit adds a sour component.

About the Recipe

Passion fruit is one of those things I discovered through travel. I fell in love with it while I was in Hawaii. It’s sweet, sour, tangy, and captivating. It always reminds me of the world’s best mai tai at Monkeypod Kitchen. They serve it with a honey lilko’i foam on top, and it’s unforgettable!

Then, of course, there’s the classic New Orleans Hurricane, which gets its distinct sour and tangy flavor from passion fruit.

This passion fruit margarita was inspired by the Ain’t That Some cocktail at  Morgan Wallen’s This Bar in Nashville, TN. If you’re visiting Nashville, make sure to try it and order Morgan’s spaghetti with the giant meatball!

I make my own passion fruit syrup for cocktails at home, and this is one of my favorite ways to use it!

Ingredients

Gold Tequila: You can use an aged gold tequila, such as Don Julio Reposado. Or keep it simple with Jose Cuervo gold.

Passion Fruit Syrup: You can order a bottle from Liber & Co., but it’s super easy to make your own! Check out my passion fruit syrup recipe.

Fresh Squeezed Orange and Lime Juices: The flavor of fresh-squeezed juice doesn’t compare to the bottled version. Take the time to make fresh-squeezed.

Tajin Seasoning: Tajin is the perfect rimmer for this cocktail. It’s salty, spicy, and sour. You can use salt if you prefer.

Orange Wedges or Dried Orange Wheels: I love making my own dried orange wheels during citrus season. They look beautiful with this cocktail, and their slightly bitter flavor complements the sweet and sour passion fruit margarita.

How to Make it

You’ll need a jigger, a cocktail shaker, and a rocks glass.

First, pour a small amount of passion fruit syrup into a shallow dish. Pour Tajin into a separate shallow dish.

Dip a rocks glass into the passion fruit syrup, then gently move in a circular motion to coat the rim. Then dip it in the Tajin and coat the rim with Tajin.

Fill the glass with ice.

Fill a cocktail shaker half full of ice. Add the tequila, passion fruit syrup, orange juice, and lime juice. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously to mix the margarita.

Strain it into the prepared rocks glass and garnish with a dried orange slice or a fresh orange wedge.

Enjoy!

Make a Pitcher

You can mix a pitcher a few hours ahead. Any longer than that and the fresh-squeezed juice will lose its flavor.

Combine the tequila, passion fruit syrup, orange juice, and lime juice and chill until ready to serve.

When you’re ready to serve the margaritas, prepare glasses with a Tajin rim and fill them with ice. Pour the margarita mixture over the ice. Garnish and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

If you don’t have a cocktail jigger, you can use a tablespoon to measure. 2 tablespoons equal 1 ounce.

Serving Tips

Menu Pairing Ideas

They’re a perfect accompaniment to Mexican-inspired meals. Try them with appetizers like Mexican street corn dip. Or serve them with tacos. They’re the perfect drink to serve with shrimp tacos or spicy potato tacos.

They’re also delicious with a steak or seafood dinner.

When to Serve

• Make a pitcher of passion fruit margaritas for your next party.
• Enjoy them on girls’ night.
• Make them during a beach trip.
• Serve them at a pool party or backyard BBQ.
• Add them to your menu for Cinco de Mayo or the Super Bowl.