Spiked Passion Fruit Horchata

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 05/13/21
Spiked Passion Fruit Horchata Cocktail
Kimberlee Reimer/Moment Open/Getty Images
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

The spiked passion fruit horchata is a soothing drink filled with fun flavors that offer a unique taste. The recipe mixes a cinnamon-flavored tequila liqueur with horchata and passion fruit. The result is an intriguing semi-creamy, spicy, fruity cocktail that works unbelievably well. It really is worth trying at least once.

Horchata is a rice drink that is traditional in Mexico. It's often likened to spiced milk, but it is actually a dairy-free, sweetened rice milk that's flavored with cinnamon. You can find it ready-made at many international grocers or you can make your own horchata with a few simple ingredients and a blender.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces cinnamon tequila

  • 2 ounces horchata

  • 1/2 ounce passion fruit purée

  • Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

  3. Shake well.

  4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass with fresh ice.

  5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • If you prefer to make your own passion fruit puree, it's very easy. Simply combine about 1 1/2 cups passion fruit, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in your blender or food processor and blend about 30 seconds, or until smooth.
  • Cinnamon-infused tequila is also simple and a good alternative if you can't find a commercial alternative. Simply add a cinnamon stick to tequila in an infusion jar. Let it infuse for about 3 or 4 days, or until it reaches your desired flavor, then remove the cinnamon and bottle the tequila. Don't put the stick in a tequila bottle as it will soak up the liquid and expand, making it impossible to remove through the bottle's neck.

Recipe Variations

  • This cocktail would also be great when served "up" in a cocktail glass. Be sure to chill the glass before straining in order to keep it chilled longer since you won't be using ice.
  • Just like real horchata, this recipe can easily be increased to fill a small pitcher for a few people. Keep everything in proportion and chill it in the refrigerator, then pour it over ice to serve.
  • If you were to substitute anything for real horchata in this drink, RumChata is your best bet because it was inspired by the traditional drink. Though it is a dairy liqueur, it is readily available and mixes nicely with cinnamon and fruits.
  • Other fruits can work just as well as passion fruit. You could, for instance, go with apple, apricot, blood orange, pear, pineapple, or pomegranate, all of which pair nicely with cinnamon. Either buy or create a puree out of the fruit or pick up packaged options like juice or nectar.

How Strong Is a Spiked Passion Fruit Horchata Cocktail?

When made with an 80-proof tequila, this drink weighs in at a pleasantly mild 16 percent ABV (32 proof). It's just a touch stronger than drinking a glass of wine, only more delicious.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
176 Calories
1g Fat
11g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 176
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 13mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 4mg 22%
Calcium 25mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 75mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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