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Spicy Passion Fruit Martini

Sweet but with a spicy finish, the Passion Fruit Martini will become your new favorite!

a passion fruit martini on a white background

This Spicy Passion Fruit Martini recipe came about because of my obsession with a drink I had in Portland last month.

I’ve been raving about it since I got back from my trip. Determined to find the recipe or recreate it myself, I decided to search the internet first.

I couldn’t believe it, but I found the recipe posted at Portland Monthly – how’s that for luck?! It’s called the Sacsayhuamán and they actually link to the actual passion fruit puree they use.

How do you make passion fruit puree for cocktails?

It’s simple to make your own passion fruit puree. Cut passion fruit in half. Hold it over the blender to catch any juice, then scoop out the pulp and puree.

Since we don’t always have access to fresh passion fruit, I needed a way to purchase it so I could make Passion Fruit Martinis anytime.

I was thrilled that I could replicate their cocktail exactly…but then I saw the price of the puree. $25 for 30 oz.!! I thought about buying it anyway since there were recipes swirling in my head (and not just for a Passion Fruit Martini), but it’s an additional $30 to ship it. UGH.

So I did what I always do – I checked Amazon to see if they had it any cheaper. Sadly, they didn’t…but what they did have are their reviews (which I always read). And one reviewer had this to say:

a passion fruit martini on a white background

You can buy passion fruit concentrate for your Passion Fruit Martini at most grocery stores. If you can’t find it there, try a Mexican grocer; it is called MARACUJA. It only costs $3.00 at my local store!

Although I was doubtful, I really had nothing to lose (except enjoying my favorite Passion Fruit Martini at home whenever I’m in the mood) so I went in search of some MARACUJA.

I could have bought it on Amazon but I was pretty sure our international market would have something pretty close (I’m always looking for an excuse to make the drive there so it was a win-win even if I left empty-handed). Have it they did – a product by dafruta that looked darn close to what I needed.

We had some friends over for an impromptu barbecue who were the perfect guinea pigs friends to taste test out the first Passion Fruit Martini made! The first batch didn’t go so well as I’d assumed the passion fruit juice would be sweet and tried to follow the recipe I’d found exactly as written.

The change in ingredient definitely had a significant impact on the flavor so I played around with it until it was just right. And it was, and is, just right.

It’s a bit sweet with a lingering spice that encourages another sip, and another sip, and another sip… I sipped so often that I had four!! Granted, that was over the entire length of the barbecue, but let’s just say that I was feeling no pain!

What to serve with a Passion Fruit Martini?

They go wonderfully with Mexican food! For appetizers, I almost always serve them with Mexican Nachos, Choriqueso or Stuffed Jalapeños. A Mexican Salad and Instant Pot Pulled Pork Tacos are also great choices.

a passion fruit martini on a white background

Spicy Passion Fruit Martini

Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes

To infuse vodka with habaneros, place 3 - 4 cups of your favorite vodka into a jar with 4 habanero peppers; cover. Leave for about a week in a cool dry place, then remove peppers when vodka has reached desired level of spice. {If vodka gets too spicy, you can add some regular vodka to tone it down}

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. habanero infused vodka (use regular vodka if you don't want it spicy)
  • 2 oz. passion fruit concentrate or puree
  • 2 oz. simple syrup

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake until icy cold then strain into a martini glass. Sugared rim optional.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 275Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 22mgCarbohydrates: 44gNet Carbohydrates: 37gFiber: 7gSugar: 35gProtein: 2g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.

Kristy Bernardo
Latest posts by Kristy Bernardo (see all)
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K

Wednesday 9th of March 2022

2 oz of simple syrup????????

Kristy Bernardo

Wednesday 9th of March 2022

ummm...yes? Sorry, not quite sure how to respond to this one. I'm assuming you think that's a lot? I don't care for drinks that are too sweet and this amount is perfect for my palate, but you can certainly add less if you prefer. :)

Kiana

Sunday 13th of January 2019

Can I use Passion Fruit syrup to make this drink?

Kira

Tuesday 4th of October 2016

Also, what should I use to make the sugar stick to rim? Lemon?

Thanks!

Kristy Bernardo

Tuesday 4th of October 2016

I just use a tiny bit of water then press the glass into the sugar.

Kira

Tuesday 4th of October 2016

Do I need to open/cut the habanero peppers before putting them in the vodka? Remove the stems? Are they supposed to float?

Thanks in advance!

Kristy Bernardo

Tuesday 4th of October 2016

Nope, just toss them in. It's fine if they float :)

Ruth Frost

Sunday 7th of August 2016

My cocktail was a bit too sweet and heavy using your recipe. Maybe I need to switch out the puree for actual juice, or try cutting the puree with some lemon or lime juice.

Kristy Bernardo

Wednesday 10th of August 2016

Hi Ruth! I love it as is but a few adjustments for personal taste is always a good thing. Cheers :)

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