Refreshing Citrus Passion Punch Cocktail

We love using syrups from local Portland company, Portland Syrups in our cocktails. They’re made with “whole botanical” ingredients and have 40% less sugar calories than “typical” cocktail syrups and they’re so versatile. All of their syrups are delicious but the fan favorite is the Citrus Passion, which we use to make a version of their Passion Punch. The Passion Punch recipe is actually a mocktail recipe (also delicious) but we add vodka or gin to make our popular, Citrus Passion Punch cocktail. The mixture of the lime juice with the syrup gives a perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Here’s what you need.

1.5 oz vodka (We love Portland’s New Deal Vodka.) or gin (Freeland Spirits Gin is the only way to go.)
1 oz fresh lime juice
1-1.5 oz Citrus Passion Syrup (I prefer 1 oz, but my husband prefers 1.5 oz.)
2 oz Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water
Cocktail Shaker + A tropical frame of mind.

Here’s how you make it.

Pour the vodka or gin, the lime juice, and the syrup over ice into the cocktail shaker. Shake it. Shake it. Shake it like a Polaroid picture (Sorry, I had to.). Fill your serving glass with ice. I like to use a mason jar when I’m drinking this at home and I’m a believer in using a lot of ice for a drink like this. Pour cocktail shaker contents over ice and top with the Topo Chico. Give it a stir. You can use any bubbly water you want but contrary to the belief of some, all bubbly waters are not created equal. Topo Chico is really the best for this drink, but use La Croix … if you must. Garnish with a lime wheel, an orange slice, or my personal favorite a tangerine wheel floating on top. Throw an umbrella in it if you feel so inclined, sit back, relax, and imagine yourself in a tropical locale.

Careful, these go down REAL easy. Best served on a hot afternoon and enjoyed with a magazine in the backyard. Or, equally as good, served to all of your guests at your next event from a super cute vintage trailer.

The Swig Rig was featured on KPTV’s Good Day Oregon making this drink on location at the gorgeous Abbey Road Farm. Please disregard my extreme fear of the camera.

Cheers!