Ingredients
- 0.25 oz Passion-Fruit Puree
- 2 oz Apple Juice
- 0.5 oz Lime Juice
- 1 Slice(s) Pineapple(s)
Instructions
- Prepare in a blender with crushed ice. Strain into a large highball glass. fill with crushed ice. and serve.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Mocktails like the Long Distance Runner are a relatively modern development in cocktail culture. As more people seek non-alcoholic options that aren’t just soda, bars and home mixologists have gotten creative. This particular blend likely emerged from a need for a complex, refreshing, and visually appealing drink that caters to a sober palate, often found in daytime settings or health-conscious establishments.
This drink sits squarely in the blended fruit cooler family. Think along the lines of a non-alcoholic Pina Colada or a blended fruit smoothie, but with a more refined balance of sweet and tart. What sets the Long Distance Runner apart is its specific combination of passion fruit and apple, creating a unique profile that avoids being overly sweet or cloying, unlike some simpler juice blends.
You’d typically find a drink like this at a poolside bar, a sunny brunch spot, or a resort cafe. It’s a natural fit for warm weather, daytime gatherings, or anytime you want a celebratory drink without the alcohol. It also works well as a sophisticated option for guests who aren’t drinking, ensuring they have something just as appealing as their boozy counterparts.
What it tastes like
The Long Distance Runner opens with a bright, tangy burst of passion fruit, quickly followed by the crisp, mellow sweetness of apple juice. The lime provides a sharp, clean acidity that cuts through the fruit, preventing it from becoming too heavy. The pineapple, while a garnish, adds an aromatic tropical hint, rounding out the finish with a subtle, lingering fruitiness that’s both refreshing and complex.
Given its ingredients, the Long Distance Runner is a completely non-alcoholic drink, clocking in at 0% ABV. This means it has no alcohol content whatsoever, making it a safe choice for any time of day or for those avoiding spirits. By comparison, a standard beer might be around 5% ABV, and a typical mixed cocktail often ranges from 15% to 25% ABV or higher.
The technique
Building this drink starts in the blender. Combine all the liquid ingredients with a generous amount of crushed ice. Blend until smooth and frothy, ensuring all the ice is fully incorporated for that characteristic slushy texture. Once blended, fine strain the mixture into a large highball glass already filled with fresh crushed ice. This double ice method keeps it colder longer and maintains the desired consistency.
The key technique here is the blending and straining. Blending with crushed ice creates that perfect, smooth, frosty texture that defines a good blended drink. Don’t overblend to the point of melting the ice, but ensure there are no large chunks. Straining afterward is crucial to remove any fibrous bits from the pineapple or passion fruit, giving you a clean, sip-able drink without an annoying pulp in the finish.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Passion-Fruit Puree
- Use
- Fresh or good quality frozen puree, like Funkin or Perfect Puree, for authentic flavor and texture.
- Skip
- Passion fruit syrup, which is often too sweet and lacks the natural tartness and fibrous texture of real fruit.
- Why
- Delivers the essential tropical tang and aromatic complexity that defines the drink’s character and prevents it from being bland.
Apple Juice
- Use
- Freshly pressed or good quality, unsweetened cloudy apple juice for a crisp, natural taste.
- Skip
- Highly filtered, very sweet concentrate-based juices which taste artificial and can overwhelm the delicate fruit balance.
- Why
- Provides a mellow, balancing sweetness and a crisp base that lets the passion fruit and lime shine without being too sharp or acidic.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Boozy Runner
- Add a spirit for a kick
- Introduce 1.5 oz of white rum or vodka to the blender for an alcoholic version that maintains the tropical fruit profile.
Spicy Runner
- A hint of heat
- Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño or add a few drops of a mild chili tincture to the blend for a subtle spicy contrast.
Berry Runner
- Fruity twist
- Swap out half the apple juice for a mixed berry puree or a handful of fresh berries to shift the fruit profile towards a darker, richer fruitiness.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try mango puree for a similar tropical sweetness, or a mix of orange juice and a tiny dash of grenadine for color and a hint of tartness.
White grape juice or pear juice can provide a similar mellow sweetness and body, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Fresh lemon juice works as a direct substitute for acidity, or a small amount of citric acid solution if you’re really in a pinch.
Muddle the pineapple slice thoroughly, then combine all liquid ingredients with crushed ice in a shaker. Shake hard and strain into your glass, but expect a less uniform, icier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Long Distance Runner?
The Long Distance Runner contains passion fruit puree, apple juice, lime juice, and is garnished with a pineapple slice.
Is the Long Distance Runner alcoholic?
No, the Long Distance Runner is a mocktail and contains no alcohol. It is a completely non-alcoholic drink.
What kind of apple juice should I use?
Opt for a good quality, unsweetened cloudy apple juice for the best flavor balance. Avoid overly sweet or highly filtered varieties.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of a slice?
Absolutely. You can add a small wedge of fresh pineapple to the blender for more intense pineapple flavor and to aid in the texture.
What type of glass is best for this drink?
A large highball glass is ideal for serving the Long Distance Runner, allowing plenty of space for the crushed ice and a substantial, refreshing pour.
Can I make a batch of Long Distance Runners?
Yes, you can multiply the ingredients and blend them in a larger batch. Serve immediately, as the crushed ice will melt over time.
Is this drink healthy?
While it contains fruit juices, it also has natural sugars. It’s a refreshing treat, but like any juice-based drink, it should be enjoyed in moderation.
What are some good garnishes for a Long Distance Runner?
A fresh pineapple slice is traditional. A lime wheel, a sprig of mint, or even edible flowers can also add a nice visual touch.
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