Few cocktails take you to a to a tropical state of mind quite like a mojito. Light, refreshing and not too strong a mojito is basically a vacation in a glass. One sip and I’m transported to a place where palm trees fringe white sand beaches, bathing suits are the outfit of the day and warm breezes gently sway though colorful blooms of bougainvillea. This Passion Fruit Mojito is the the prefect drink for when you want a tropical getaway in your own backyard.

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History of the Mojito

Traditionally a mojito is a combination of lime juice, mint, sugar, rum and sparkling water. The mojito is one of the most popular cocktails to have originated in Cuba though there are competing stories (though I suspect there’s a bit of truth in both versions) in it’s origins.

One story holds that the mojito was created by African slaves working the Cuban sugar cane fields in the 18th century. An older story goes back to the 1500s, where after an unsuccessful raid, the crew of Sir Francis Drake was suffering from scurvy and given a tonic by the local Indian population. This tonic consisted of lime, fermented cane juice (aguariente de cana) and mint. The mojito later became one of the most popular cocktails thanks to Ernest Hemingway’s love of the version served at Le Bodeguita del Medio , a bar in Havana.

How to Make a Mojito

The mojito is one of my go-to cocktails and I’ve especially come to love versions made with passion fruit from one of my favorite local Peurto Rican restaurants here in Virginia Beach as well as some of my favorite restaurants in Miami.

I personally think mojitos are one of the easiest cocktails to make at home. White rum is a standard of most home bars, and limes, mint and sparkling water are easy to find and super affordable. Fresh passionfruit can be found in most well stocked super markets or your local Latin market or frozen passion fruit puree can be found in the freezer aisle. If using frozen passion fruit puree make sure to thaw it before making your cocktail.

To make a mojito start by muddling together mint and lime juice. Add passion fruit pulp or puree (which I find sweet enough so I don’t add sugar or simple syrup in this version) and rum and stir to combine. Add ice (crushed or cubed, you do you) and top with sparkling water and the prettiest sprigs of mint you can find. Kick off your shoes, head outside and start sipping for your instant getaway in a glass.

Like this Passion Fruit Mojito? Be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!

Limoncello Spritz

White Port and Tonic

Texas Ranch Water Cocktail

Chambord Raspberry Margarita

Spiced Maple Old Fashioned

If you make this Passion Fruit Mojito please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!