CHINOLA Passion Fruit Liqueur

So, I haven’t been posting much recently because I’ve been focused on making cocktails. I’m really enjoying them. I suppose what I’m trying to say is that this was an unplanned purchase during cocktail season. I would never normally consider something like this. What even is it? Opaque, very opaque. Darker than a deep, imperial flat IPA. Thick. Oh, and it’s orange. Passion fruit from start to finish. Essentially juice. Room temperature passionfruit juice. At this point, I’m wondering, “is this pure or a syrup?” Oh, hello alcohol. Well, sort of. Rose flower bush? It’s still essentially syrup with added vodka and a hint of perfume? The initial astringent bite is replaced violently as your salivary glands attempt to protect themselves from the citrus concentrate. You almost forget that for a couple of seconds it tasted like wheat vodka. This is peculiar to me. And I like it. Spritz? It only needs ice. Does adding champagne improve it? It’s like a fine curaçao has been transformed into an enhanced syrup. I can imagine this being superb with tequila, rum, vodka - and I’ll even venture to say high rye bourbon combined with this equals a tiki old fashioned?

Set aside any preconceived notions you might have about fruit-flavored liqueurs. Chinola is remarkably tart, vibrant, and tastes genuinely natural. Typically, liqueurs tend to be excessively sweet and artificial-tasting (what manufacturers refer to as "natural flavoring"). Chinola surpasses all other passion fruit liqueurs available, offering a product that genuinely seems homemade. Furthermore, unlike most syrups, it remains shelf-stable and doesn't require immediate use. This characteristic will significantly benefit your bar, especially if you serve Porn Star Martinis. It also serves as an excellent component for tiki-style beverages such as Trader Vic's Grog and Puka Punch.

Sweet and fruity with deep fruit tones. It's very drinkable on its own, but I created an excellent cocktail with it using white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup; coconut rum would also pair well.

A pronounced passion fruit flavor, not overly thick to enjoy straight. It's like consuming a boozy fruit beverage. Ideal for the summer!