
Passionfruit tea quickly became my answer to scorching afternoons and weekend brunches alike thanks to its tropical tang and refreshingly simple method. This breezy drink combines the bright notes of real passionfruit with your favorite tea, a touch of sweetness, and plenty of ice. Whether you need a pitcher for a get-together or an everyday treat, this is the kind of sip that instantly perks up any moment.
The first time I served passionfruit tea at a picnic, everyone asked for seconds—and now it is a regular request for every family barbecue and book club gathering.
Ingredients
- Black or green tea bags: Four total, you can pick according to your caffeine and flavor preferences. Fresh high-quality tea will taste best
- Boiling water: Three cups, ensures the tea bags steep properly and extract full flavor
- Sugar: One third cup, gives just enough sweetness to balance tartness, but you can adjust as you wish
- Passionfruit pulp: One half cup, brings the signature tropical zing; use ripe passionfruit, the aroma should be heady and fruit should feel heavy for its size
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brew the Tea:
- Place four tea bags or loose tea in an infuser inside a large heatproof pitcher. Pour in three cups of boiling water and sprinkle in the sugar. Stir thoroughly until most of the sugar is dissolved. Allow tea to steep for three to seven minutes depending on if you like your tea stronger or weaker. Judge color and aroma as you go.
- Add the Passionfruit:
- Remove tea bags or infuser. Scoop in half a cup of fresh passionfruit pulp including some seeds if you like a crunchier texture. Stir gently to mix well with the brewed tea and dissolved sugar.
- Adjust Flavor and Serve:
- Taste and stir in extra sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink or adjust with more passionfruit pulp or a splash of passionfruit juice for a punchier flavor. Keep stirring until everything dissolves completely.
- Serve Over Ice:
- Pour the tea into tall glasses brimming with ice. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or more passionfruit seeds for a colorful finish and extra aroma.

For me, passionfruit has always been that mysterious fruit sitting in the produce aisle, until a friend brought one over from her garden. Now I routinely seek it out for drinks and desserts, my kitchen counter always has one or two tucked in a bowl for inspiration.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover passionfruit tea in a sealed glass jar or pitcher in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. I like to prepare a double batch and store half without ice so none of the flavor gets diluted as it chills.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh passionfruit pulp, the drink still works beautifully with frozen passionfruit purée or unsweetened canned pulp. Adjust the sugar since pre-made purée may already contain sweetener. You can swap honey or agave instead of sugar for added depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Passionfruit tea is crowd pleasing at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks. Garnish each glass with a few mint leaves or a chunk of mango for a fun twist. For a festive touch, float edible flowers or thin slices of citrus on top.

This vibrant passionfruit tea is sure to impress, whether for a relaxed afternoon or as part of a grand celebration—it truly embodies tropical bliss in every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use green tea instead of black?
Yes, green tea offers a lighter taste and pairs well with the bright, tangy flavor of passionfruit.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
Add more or less sugar to suit your preference, and remember you can balance sweetness with extra passionfruit.
- → Is fresh passionfruit pulp necessary?
Fresh pulp gives the best flavor, but bottled juice can be substituted if needed for convenience.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and chill in advance, then serve over ice for a ready-to-drink refreshment.
- → What garnishes complement this drink?
Lemon slices, mint, or extra passionfruit seeds add a fresh, aromatic touch to each glass.