Description
Guavadilla is a yellow variety of passion fruit, closely related to the granadilla. Inside its yellow skin is a wonderfully fragrant, tangy pulp filled with edible seeds. It can be eaten fresh or used in juices, yoghurt, desserts, cakes, and preserves.
Don’t be put off if the fruit starts to wrinkle. Allowing it to wrinkle for a few days can help develop its sweetness and flavour.
Guavadilla Vodka – Zoerdoef
Guavadilla’s fragrant, sweet-tart pulp makes it a lovely fruit to infuse into alcohol. The flavour slowly draws into the vodka, creating a bright, tropical drink that can be enjoyed over ice or added to cocktails.
Ingredients
Zoerdoef is a homemade South African granadilla liqueur made with granadilla pulp, sugar, pineapple syrup, and vodka.
Ingredients
12–24 granadillas (passion fruit)
500g–1kg white sugar (depending on desired sweetness)
750ml vodka
Pineapple syrup (optional, for added flavor)
Preparation Steps
Extract the pulp from the granadillas and place it in a large glass bowl.
Mix with sugar and pineapple syrup until the sugar dissolves completely.
Cover the mixture with cling film and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Add vodka to the mixture, stir well, and transfer into bottles for storage.
Method
Storage and Serving
Keep the bottled Zoerdoef cold in the refrigerator.
It can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in cocktails.
The liqueur improves in flavor if left to mature for a few days before serving
Store in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks, giving the jar a gentle shake every few days.
Taste after two weeks. When you’re happy with the flavour, strain the vodka into a clean bottle for a clearer drink, but this is optional.
Serve chilled or over ice.
Tip: Start with less sugar. You can always sweeten it after infusing, but you can’t wrestle the sugar back out once it’s in there!
