Thirst Quenchers : Post #1 - Passionfruit Cooler

The hot weather is back!  Time to switch from "winter-warming" soups and stews to chilled drinks and cooling soups. 



Coolers are a great choice on hot days like these.  For the next few posts, I will be sharing a few ideas to make refreshing coolers to counter the heat.  Here's one of my all time favourite - Passionfruit cooler.

Passionfruit, sometimes called granadila or markisa in Indonesia, is one of my favourite fruits.  I didn't know that it can be grown in tropical climate until several months ago, when we drove past a fruit farm on our way to a seaside resort and saw rows upon rows of vines with an abundant overhang of passionfruit.  Hubby stopped the car by the roadside so I could snap a few quick photos. 

See the passionfruit vines at the top, propped up by green wires. 
The gnarly short "trees" below are dragonfruit plants.

Abundance of passionfruit

Close-up of the fruit

We love to eat the pulp straight from the fruit, and my son has also learned to enjoy it.  It is rich in beta carotene, lycopene, potassium, vitamin C and is known to be beneficial for people with high blood pressure. 

Following is a bit of trivia I learned from wikipedia about passionfruit.

"..it is named by missionaries because the parts of the flower seemed reminiscent of the torture (the Passion) of Christ prior to his crucifixion: 
 

• The three stigmas reflect the three nails in Jesus's hands and feet.
• The threads of the passion flower resemble the Crown of Thorns.
• The vine's tendrils are likened to the whips.
• The five anthers represented the five wounds.
• The ten petals and sepals regarded to resemble the Apostles (excluding Judas and Peter).
• The purple petals representing the purple robe used to mock Jesus' claim to kingship (Mt. 27:28)"

 

Blue Passion Flower - showing most elements of the Christian symbolism.
Source: Wikipedia

I couldn't stop buying when I saw them at the supermarket
(oh no, not another "bananas" episode! ;P) 

Eat the pulp straight if the passionfruit is fully ripened - it is really nice

Pure gloopy goodness

Passionfruit Cooler

• 1/2 cup of dry ginger ale (I use Schwepps Dry Ginger Ale)
• 1/2 cup of ice cream soda
• 1 sprig of mint leaves
• 2 tbspn of passion fruit pulp
• Lots of ice

1.  Mix the dry ginger ale, ice cream soda, passion fruit pulp and ice cubes in a glass cup.

2.  Add the sprig of mint leaves and bruise it slightly with a spoon to release the fragrant oils into the drink.

3.  Top with loads of ice and serve immediately.

Absolutely refreshing!