Need a fun twist for your next margarita? Our passion fruit margarita is the ultimate cocktail, blending fresh passion fruit pulp, smoky mezcal, and zesty lime for a bold, well-balanced tropical drink that’s easy to make.

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✋🏼E aí, pessoal! Hey there, friends! If you love tropical fruit, like our coconut margarita, as much as I do, you’re in for a treat today! As someone born in Brazil, passion fruit has always been one of my favorite tropical fruits to eat back home. Its unique tart-yet-sweet flavor and little crunchy seeds give it such a fun texture and flavor.
Today, I’m sharing my fresh passion fruit margarita, a cocktail that blends the bright, tropical notes of fresh passion fruit with smoky mezcal, zesty lime, and just the right touch of sweetness. Our recipe uses real passion fruit—no concentrates or pre-made mixes—because nothing beats that fresh, vibrant flavor. As a passion fruit lover, I couldn’t imagine skipping the texture and crunch of those little seeds, which are such a fun part of the experience. And in honor of my husband, we’ve added mezcal for a smoky twist that takes this margarita far beyond the average.
It's the perfect tropical cocktail to pair with our yuca chips, yuca fries, or our dairy-free Brazilian Cheese bread!
😍Why You'll Love This Margarita
- We use Fresh Passion Fruit for Authentic Flavor: This recipe uses fresh passion fruit pulp, not concentrate or nectar, for a bold, natural tropical flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Smoky Mezcal for a Unique Twist: The combination of tequila blanco and mezcal adds depth, making this margarita a standout compared to traditional recipes.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: Carefully crafted ratios of lime juice and agave syrup ensure the perfect margarita every time.

🍸Ingredients and Flavor Notes
Our passion fruit margarita combine bright, tropical flavors with a tangy twist to get that perfect flavor balance. When developing this recipe, we choose simple ingredients to help create that perfectly balanced margarita recipe.

- Tequila: Almost any tequila will do, I used tequila blanca for this recipe for its smooth and clean flavor. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free.
- Mezcal: This smoky tequila adds a depth of flavor that makes this margarita unique and a little more complex. It’s a great option if you enjoy a touch of smokiness in your cocktails!
- Triple Sec: This orange liqueur adds a citrusy sweetness that balances the tartness of the passion fruit and lime.
- Ripe Passion Fruit: If you can, I highly recommend using fresh passion fruit and fresh pulp. Look for fruit that’s wrinkled on the outside for peak ripeness. The tangy flavor makes this drink stand out. However, if you can not find ripe passion fruit, use passion fruit purée (usually found in the natural juice section of some grocery stores).
- Fresh Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice is necessary for that sharp, zesty kick. Bottled lime juice doesn’t compare.
- Agave Syrup: A touch of agave helps mellow out the tartness and adds just the right amount of sweetness. I prefer it over traditional simple syrup when using tequila!
- Tajín or Sea Salt (for the Rim): This adds a burst of salty or spicy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy drink.
- Ice Cubes: Essential for chilling and diluting the drink to perfection.
- Lime Wheel and Lime Zest (for Garnish): Lime slices add an extra touch and make the drink even more inviting. I also recommend adding a little lime zest to the tahin and salt for an extra delicious glass rim.
You’ll find the exact quantities in the recipe card below.
⚠️ For Celiacs: See the section above regarding celiac-safe choices. Always double-check product labels and consult the manufacturer if you’re unsure. Ensuring all ingredients meet your dietary needs is important to avoid cross-contamination.
🔁Substitutions
This passion fruit margarita relies on just a few key ingredients, so substitutions can affect the drink’s balance. However, a few alternatives can work without altering it too much.
- Mezcal Substitution: If you don’t have mezcal, you can use more of the tequila. While you’ll miss the smokiness, tequila blanco keeps the margarita light and flavorful.
- Triple Sec Substitution: Swap for Cointreau to maintain the orange note. Grand Marnier is another great substitute with its slightly richer flavor.
- Passion Fruit Substitution: If fresh passion fruit isn’t available, opt for store-bought passion fruit concentrate or juice with no additives, like passion fruit nectar. Alternatively, check the frozen section for passion fruit pulp, which you can blend with a little water to make juice. If your fresh passion fruit isn’t ripe, it won’t yield much juice and will taste more sour. Look for fruit that’s wrinkled on the outside for peak ripeness.
- Agave Syrup: Swap for equal amounts of simple syrup or pure maple syrup.
- Tajín or Sea Salt Substitution: If these aren’t available, mix coarse salt with a pinch of chili powder for a similar flavor profile.
👩🏽🍳Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Glass
Add some Tahini, coarse sea salt, and lime zest to a small plate. Juice your limes and cut a few lime wheels or wedges. Then, prep your glass by taking a lime wedge and rubbing it around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim onto a small plate of Tajín or sea salt. This adds a pop of flavor and makes the drink look even more appealing.



Step 2: Prep the Passion Fruit
Cut your passion fruit in half and place a strainer over a bowl. Then, using a spoon, scoop out the inside of each passion; you are looking for about ½ cup of juice. I prefer some passion fruit seeds in my margarita, so I will add a few back in, but that preference is yours.
Step 3: Mix the Drink
In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, Mezcal, Cointreau or Triple Sec pulp, passion fruit juice, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. Add a generous handful of ice.


Step 4: Shake It Up
Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 15 seconds. This ensures everything is well-chilled and mixed and you get a nice ice-cold margarita.


Step 5: Strain and Garnish
Use a cocktail strainer to pour the passionfruit margarita into your prepared glass over fresh ice. I like to add some of the passion fruit seeds into the drink, so I often won't strain when pouring. Finish by garnishing your margarita with a lime wedge or a slice of fresh passion fruit.
Tip: If you prefer a smoother drink, double strain using a fine-mesh strainer.



💡Recipe Tips
Here are my top tips to help you create the perfect passion fruit margarita recipe possible:
- Use Ripe Passion Fruit: If your fresh passion fruit isn’t ripe, it won’t yield much juice and will taste more sour. Look for fruit that’s wrinkled on the outside for peak ripeness.
- Chill Your Glass: Place your glass in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving. This extra step keeps your drink colder for longer, especially in warm weather.
- Get the Rim Just Right: For the best rim, make sure the glass is slightly wet from the lime wedge before dipping it into the Tajín or salt. This ensures an even coating.
- Skip Straining for a Textural Twist: If you enjoy a little crunch in your drink, skip straining the seeds from the passion fruit pulp. They add a fun texture and a unique visual appeal to the margarita.
- Rest the Mix (If Not in a Rush): If you have time, let the mixture rest in the shaker for a minute before shaking. This allows the flavors to meld together and the ice to dilute slightly for a smoother cocktail.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with less simple syrup and taste-test before adding more. Passion fruit can vary in tartness, so adjust based on your preference.
🥡How To Store This Recipe
Our passion fruit margarita is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, store the mixed drink (without ice) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep it in a sealed container and shake well before serving. For leftover garnishes like passion fruit pulp or lime wedges, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

🍹Mocktail Version
If you need a non-alcoholic version, swap the tequila and mezcal for soda water or smoky ginger ale, like Fever-Tree Smoky Ginger Ale. Replace the triple sec with a splash of orange juice to maintain the citrusy balance. Then, add the remaining ingredients, but you may want to reduce the agave syrup if you use a sweet mixer (like the Fever Tree or soda). This version keeps the fresh passion fruit and lime as the stars and still delivers a balanced, refreshing drink everyone can enjoy!
🍴Recipe Variations & More Cocktails To Try
- Spicy Passion fruit Margarita: Add a few thin jalapeño slices to the shaker for a spicy kick.
- Fruity Passion Fruit Margarita: Mix in a splash of pineapple or mango juice for an extra tropical vibe.
- Frozen Passion Fruit Margarita: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy, refreshing treat.
- Coconut Margarita: A coconut version of this passion fruit margarita! Featuring coconut cream and a toasted coconut rim for a creamy, tropical twist on the classic margarita.
- Batida de Coco: A creamy, tropical Brazilian cocktail made with coconut milk and cachaça.
- Famous Brazilian Caipirinha: Brazil’s national drink, made with cachaça, lime, and sugar—it’s simple, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
🚫Are Tequila, Mezcal, and Triple Sec Gluten-Free?
- Tequila: Most pure tequilas (100% agave) are naturally gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease. However, flavored or mixed tequilas can sometimes contain additives or flavorings with gluten. Always check the label for a gluten-free certification.
- Mezcal: Like tequila, mezcal is made from agave and is naturally gluten-free as long as it’s pure. Be cautious with flavored mezcal or specialty blends, as these may include gluten-containing additives.
- Triple Sec: Most brands of triple sec are naturally gluten-free since it’s typically distilled from sugar cane or other gluten-free sources. However, cross-contamination can occur during production. If you are concerned, Cointreau, a premium triple sec, is a good choice as it’s considered safe for gluten-free diets.
Celiac-Friendly Tip: Always verify with the manufacturer if you’re unsure about a specific brand, and look for a certified gluten-free label to ensure safety. Let me know if you'd like to dive deeper into specific brands!

❔Recipe FAQ
If fresh passion fruit isn’t available, use passion fruit puree (concentrate) or nectar. You can find these in the natural juice section of many grocery stores or specialty stores. To make juice from frozen pulp, blend it with a little water. Avoid store-bought juices with additives, as they can affect the flavor.
Look for fruit with a wrinkled outer skin. This indicates it’s ripe and ready to use. If the skin is smooth, the fruit may still be unripe and will yield less juice with a more tart flavor.
The trick is to wet the rim of your glass thoroughly with lime juice before dipping it into Tajín or salt. Use a lime wedge to coat the rim evenly, and dip the glass immediately into the seasoning. If the seasoning still doesn’t stick well, try pressing the rim into the seasoning more firmly and let it sit for a few seconds.
🌟 Loved our delicious cocktail recipe? Let us know! I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment, star rating, or share this recipe. Your feedback helps support and improve AtMyTable and helps others discover new favorites. Or come chat with me on Facebook or Instagram!
🥣More Recipes To Try
We love sipping our passion fruit margarita with yuca chips and smokey eggplant dip. The pairing is chef's kiss!
👋🏼Até logo, amigos! Keep savoring every sip of this passion fruit cocktail and don’t forget—life’s better with a little flavor and fun. Até a próxima!
📖 Recipe

Passion Fruit Margaritas
Ingredients
- 3 oz mezcal
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 2 oz triple sec
- 5 oz passion fruit juice and pulp about 3-4 ripe passion fruits
- 2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz agave syrup
- 1 cup ice
- Tajín and Salt for garnish
- Lime wedge garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into a small plate of Tajín seasoning or sea salt for an even coating.
- Prepare the Passion Fruit: Halve the passion fruits and scoop out the pulp. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain out the seeds. Alternatively, leave the seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Mix the Drink: In a large cocktail shaker, combine the tequila blanco, mezcal, triple sec, passion fruit pulp, lime juice, and agave syrup. Add ice to the shaker.
- Shake It Up: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, ensuring all the ingredients are well-chilled and combined.
- Garnish And Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared glasses over fresh ice. Finish with a lime wedge or a slice of passion fruit on the rim for a festive touch.Optionally, skip straining if you enjoy the crunch of passion fruit seeds in your margarita.
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