This recipe for Purple Passion cocktail is a copycat of the classic bottle beverage. It was very fruity, a little bit sweet, and had a high alcohol content. The gorgeous color and yummy flavor had a cult following and now you can make it at home.
Whether you want a special drink for a birthday party, wedding shower, anniversary, or bachelorette party, this is the best go-to cocktail. The cold beverage is not too strong & goes down easy - you have been warned!
Jump to:
The Why
Why do I need to make this recipe? Here are all the reasons why I cannot get enough of this recipe & why you will love it too.
- Pretty, colorful, & fun!
- Easy to shake up & serve on the rocks.
- If you are Gen X (or a Boomer), the flavor will bring back 80s nostalgic memories.
It was a favorite for myself and some friends long ago and I wanted to recreate the taste for a long time.
What is Purple Passion Drink?
Purple Passion was a grape-flavored Everclear-based drink from the 80s & 90s. This is a copycat recipe of the ready-to-drink bottled cocktail. It was made of Everclear, 190-proof grain alcohol.
It has a deep purple color with a fruity taste. It packs quite a punch that is balanced with sweet & tart flavors. It is a pretty recipe like my candy corn martini.
Purple Passion Ingredients
There are several ingredients to make the purple color and yummy taste that makes Purple passion so fun. To make a Purple Passion drink you need the following:
Here are the ingredients needed to make Purple Passion drink.
- Vodka - any plain will do such as Kirkland, Grey Goose, Titos' etc, nothing flavored.
- Grape Juice - for deep purple color & sweetness.
- Grapefruit Juice - for a tart balance that the original drink had.
- Grape Kool-Aid - more purple & a fruit punch flavor.
- Simple Syrup - since the bottled variety was really sweet, this was needed to get it to that next level.
See the recipe card for quantities & substitutions/variations.
How to Make Purple Passion Cocktails
Mix the Kool-Aid packet with bottled water and shake. No sugar is needed when using the single-serving packet.
- Measure out the vodka, juices, and simple syrup.
- Combine all ingredients over ice in a martini shaker.
- Close the lid tightly & shake for 15 seconds.
- Fill 2 high ball or collins glasses with ice.
- Pour through the strainer into prepared glasses.
- Add a purple straw & enjoy!
Top Tips & Equipment
All of these great tips are shared in the recipe card. But these are so good and important they are worth highlighting so you don't miss them.
- Do NOT add sugar to the Kool-Aid when mixing, the simple syrup will come in later & is used instead.
- Use your favorite brand vodka, nothing fancy or flavored here.
- A cocktail shaker is needed for this recipe.
- Serve in high ball glasses & use a purple straw to stick with the lovely theme.
FAQ
The company that bottled Purple Passion drinks was Luxco. The ready-to-drink cocktail was made with grain-alcohol, Everclear.
There are some retailers or delivery liquor stores that sell a variety of Purple Passion Everclear.
The original bottled Purple Passion was made with Everclear. It was 26 proof back in the day.
Final Notes & Behind the Scenes
Here is my recipe for success - including what I learned, funny stories or bloopers, and more from creating & testing this recipe.
- Most ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store, no need for a trip to a liquor store & specialty market.
- You can substitute the vodka with Everclear which is what the original recipe sold in bottles had.
- I am not sure when it went out of production but came back in 2014 for a short period of time - I wish for it to make another appearance.
- Don't drink this if wearing white or have white furniture/carpeting - don't ask me how I know this - haha!
- I made this drink to surprise my friend Caroline to enjoy before our high school reunion. It was a favorite of ours and purple is still her favorite color.
- I think I made the best copycat recipe & got it pretty close, what do you think?
Purple Passion Cocktail
Equipment
- Martini Shaker
- High Ball Glasses
- Straws
Ingredients
- 3 oz vodka
- 4 oz Concord grape juice
- 4 oz grape Kool-Aid mixed, ready-to-drink
- ½ oz grapefruit juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Mix the Kool-Aid as directed on the packet. I used single-serving packets that do not need added sugar. Simply mix it in a bottle of water and you are ready.
- To a martini shaker add about 8 ice cubes and all the ingredients.
- Close martini shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Prepare two high ball or collins glasses by filling ¾ of the way with ice.
- Remove the top and pour through the strainer into each glass over the ice.
- Add a straw and enjoy. CHEERS!
More Vodka Cocktail Recipes
If you love this recipe, try these similar favorites here on the blog:
Tricia Snow says
I think I missed this one since my daughter was born in 89! I will definitely be trying this. It looks so yummy!
Angela says
Better late than never.
A Brilliant Love says
Your blog is beautiful
Angela says
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Robin says
This sounds delicious and refreshing! I wonder if adding seltzer water would be good with it, too?
Angela says
During our "Many" taste-testing sessions, we did try a bit of seltzer. It was unanimous to not use it in the final version but give it a try and see what you prefer. The beauty of mixology is you can create to your liking.
Shirley says
I must have been living under a rock in the 80s because I didn't try this then, but I definitely want to try it now!
Angela says
Never too late to enjoy this one.
Natalie says
OH I’m gonna have to try this! I have a friend that loves purple and what a perfect drink for her! Loved you purple passion banned story by the way - too funny!
Angela says
Yeah, a friend that loves purple is a great friend to have. I hope she loves this and you can sip and laugh about our "banned" story! haha - Cheers Natalie!
Lisa Manderino says
That is so cool that you create new recipes! so fun!
Matt Epley says
Oh boy...that looks a little TOO good, if you know what I mean. LOL!
Angela says
Oh yeah, I know what you mean!
judean says
Yummy! You are taking me back...I must make this!
Candy K says
This sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa says
Wow this looks so delicious!!! Yummy!
Maria says
This looks delish! I've pinned it for future reference 🙂
Cindy says
What a great friend you are, to recreate the drink and revive memories. Bet you had a wonderful reunion!
Angela says
Thanks Cindy. It was so fun to recreate this and bring back some fun memories. I hope to do more of this in the future, food and memories are so important to my life!
Karla Petersen says
This looks delicious. Love the storytelling! LOL
Angela says
Thanks Karla. That means a lot from you, I love your writing and your blog so much!
Melissa Jones says
That looks great!!
Jennifer Morrison says
What a pretty drink! I always think it is fun to build a delicious concoction!
Brittany O'Keefe says
I know I'm late to the game, but thank you so much for posting this! My mom turns 50 this year and has talked about purple passion for as long as I can remember. I can't wait to make this recipe and surprise her!
Angela says
Happy Birthday to your mom! I hope she loves it and it brings back memories as fun as I had "back in the day" too! ENJOY!
Brittany O'Keefe says
Question as I prepare to make it... do you prepare the kool-aid with sugar? Want to make sure it isn't too sweet..
Angela says
Thanks for asking, I updated the recipe also to make it more clear. YOu do make the Kool-aid as directed with water. I used the single packets that are just mixed with bottled water. (no sugar needed to be added)
Reese says
Just mixed a batch of these and in love. So good and will make this again for sure.
Angela says
Cheers to more purple passion cocktails in your future.
Sparta says
I luvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv'd purple passion.
I have not tried your recipe but will actually try it and with everclear.
Did you ever make one withe everclear and did it work out similar?
Thank you for taking the time to do this.
My heart is full.
Angela says
I have not tried it with everclear. Let me know if you do - CHEERS!
K says
Does it matter of it is ruby red grapefruit juice or regular? Also i have ever clear in the house, would you sub the vodka 1:1 as everclear is stronger.
Angela says
Either grapefruit juice will work, ruby red may result in a deeper color. Everclear is the true Purple Passion ingredient so if you have it & like it, use it. I would use 2oz of Everclear instead of 3oz of vodka if you go that route. Let me know how it turns out.
Guy K says
When I was in the Army in Texas, we used to make it using MD 20/20 Grape wine and a small bottle of Everclear and a 2 liter of lemon lime soda , it went down like kool-aid ! Any grape wine will work, and the cheapest lemon lime soda is all you need , now we use the 151 Everclear , it will give you amnesia !🤯
Angela says
Love this story - thanks for another option to try.
Aleen Bailey says
I want to try this! I remember cruising the loop in high school drinking a 2 Liter of Purple Passion. Oh the memories! 💜
Angela says
Oh my! Please let me know what you think when you try this & if it brings back more memories.
Shonica says
This really took me back! I was feeling a little nostalgic today, so I happened upon purple passion for some reason. Then I found you quite by accident and used your exact recipe with two ounces of everclear over the vodka as suggested. It was absolutely perfect! Thank you!! I imagine I will sleep well tonight! Hahaha
Angela says
Sweet dreams! I am glad you loved the recipe - it is a personal favorite!
Bonny Rosser says
Sorry, but purple passion was made in the 1960's in washtubs at parties. It did not begin in the 80's. Back then it was vodka and grape juice (maybe Kool-Aid).
Angela says
It may have been, I was referring to when it was bottled and for sale. Thank you for your comment.