The 10 Best Kiwi Cocktails You Need To Try

February 18, 2026

Kiwi is the unsung hero of the bar cart. Often relegated to a simple garnish, this fuzzy fruit actually offers a complex profile of bright acidity and tropical sweetness that can rival lime or pineapple when used correctly. Because it contains actinidin (an enzyme that breaks down proteins), it brings a unique mouthfeel to drinks, though it requires a bit of finesse to keep it from overpowering other delicate spirits.

Whether you are looking for a zingy refresher or a sophisticated evening sipper, here are the 10 best kiwi cocktails you need to try in 2026.

Kiwi Cocktails You Need To Try

1. The Kiwi Margarita

The classic Margarita is the perfect canvas for kiwi. The fruit’s natural tartness complements the citrus of the lime and the earthy notes of agave.

Best For: Sunny afternoon gatherings.
The Recipe: Muddle one ripe kiwi with 20ml of agave syrup. Add 60ml Blanco tequila, 30ml lime juice, and a splash of triple sec. Shake with ice and fine-strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

2. Kiwi & Elderflower Gin Fizz

This is a floral, effervescent drink that highlights the "green" notes of both the kiwi and the gin.

Best For: A sophisticated brunch.
The Recipe: Combine 50ml dry gin, 20ml elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain), and the puree of half a kiwi. Shake and strain into a highball glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of mint.

3. The Kiwi Caipirinha

Brazil’s national cocktail gets a tropical facelift. Since a Caipirinha is built on muddled fruit, the kiwi's seeds add a beautiful aesthetic and a slight crunch.

Best For: Fans of bold, spirit-forward drinks.
The Recipe: Muddle half a lime (cut into wedges) with 2 teaspoons of sugar and one peeled, sliced kiwi. Add 60ml Cachaça and plenty of crushed ice. Stir and serve.

4. Kiwi Basil Smash

Inspired by the modern classic Gin Basil Smash, this version adds kiwi to deepen the herbal profile.

Best For: Those who prefer "savory" fruit cocktails.
The Recipe: Muddle 5-8 basil leaves with half a kiwi and 15ml simple syrup. Add 50ml gin and 20ml lemon juice. Double strain to ensure no basil bits remain.

5. Frozen Strawberry-Kiwi Daiquiri

The ultimate nostalgia trip, but elevated with fresh ingredients rather than sugary syrups.

Best For: Poolside sipping.
The Recipe: Blend 60ml white rum, 30ml lime juice, 2 fresh strawberries, and 1 ripe kiwi with a cup of ice until smooth. The kiwi adds a creamy texture that helps stabilize the frozen blend.

6. The "Green Destiny" (Kiwi & Bison Grass Vodka)

Bison Grass Vodka (Zubrowka) has notes of woodruff and vanilla, which pair exceptionally well with the tropical zing of kiwi.

Best For: Adventurous palates.
The Recipe: Muddle half a kiwi with a splash of apple juice. Add 50ml Bison Grass vodka and a dash of lemon. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe.

7. Kiwi Collins

A bright, elongated version of the Tom Collins that focuses on high drinkability.

Best For: A refreshing long drink on a hot day.
The Recipe: Recipe in a tall glass: 50ml gin, 25ml kiwi puree, 20ml lemon juice, and 15ml simple syrup. Stir with ice and top with soda water.

8. Mezcal "Kiwi Be Friends"

The smokiness of Mezcal provides a dramatic contrast to the bright, acidic pop of kiwi.

Best For: Late-night lounge vibes.
The Recipe: 45ml Mezcal, 15ml elderflower liqueur, 20ml lime juice, and half a muddled kiwi. The smoke and fruit create a complex, "grilled tropical" flavor profile.

9. Kiwi Bellini

A simple two-ingredient cocktail that turns a standard mimosa-style drink into something much more exotic.

Best For: Toasts and celebrations.
The Recipe: Puree ripe kiwi and pass it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Place 30ml of the smooth puree in the bottom of a flute and top slowly with chilled Prosecco.

10. The Kiwi Mule

A variation on the Moscow Mule where the spice of ginger beer meets the tartness of the kiwi.

Best For: Ginger lovers.
The Recipe: Muddle a kiwi in a copper mug. Add 50ml vodka and 15ml lime juice. Fill with crushed ice and top with a high-quality, spicy ginger beer.

Pro Tips for Kiwi Mixology

Ripeness is Key: A rock-hard kiwi will be too acidic and lack juice. Choose fruit that gives slightly to pressure.
To Strain or Not To Strain: Kiwi seeds are edible and look great in a "rustic" drink like a Caipirinha, but for elegant drinks like a Martini or Bellini, always use a fine-mesh strainer.
Avoid Milk: Kiwi contains actinidin, which can cause dairy to curdle and turn bitter almost instantly. Stick to clear spirits, juices, and syrups.

Summing Up

The kiwi is more than just a pop of color; it is a versatile ingredient that brings acidity, sweetness, and a unique tropical flair to the glass. From the smoky depths of a Mezcal pairing to the bubbly heights of a Bellini, these ten recipes prove that the kiwi deserves a permanent spot in your cocktail repertoire.