Dragon Fruit Mojito

Do you ever go out to a restaurant or event and try a dish or drink that you just have to recreate at home? I find myself in that situation pretty often. It’s a great excuse to have an extra nightcap. You kn0w… for research sake.

After tasting a unique margarita while browsing around Nashville in the summer heat wave, I decided to create my own twist dragon fruit (rawrrrr) recipe here.

If y’all follow my Instagram (you do, right? RIGHT?), you’ll see that I enjoy trying unique drinks when I am out and about around town. I’ve always been more of a sweet and citrus kinda fan. Same with candy, sweets, confections. I love that bit o’ tartness, backed by a hint of sweetness, that fruit gives.

I’ve made all kinds of juleps on the blog (inspired by a recent visit to Kentucky for Derrrrrrby Weekend – much, much more on that soon!), tons o’ bourbon-based cocktails, but not too many mojitos. It’s odd, because I drink my fair share (plus a few) during the summer months. It’s basically the only reason I grow fresh mint in my backyard.

So… If I am totally honest, I have to admit that when I go out, I don’t usually order cocktails at restaurants. Why? Because I’m a cheap ass. That’s why. I know that I make a mean cocktail at home, so why spend a nice penny to have someone else make one for me?

From time-to-time, I will give in and try something it it looks unique and tasty. This is where all of the inspiration for this post came from. I was out and about in the miserably hot sun a couple weeks ago and decided to pop into a bar for a moment. Full disclosure… I just wanted shade. It’s been a hog’s hair away from hitting 100F here in Nashville recently, and I. just. can’t. deal. with. it. Since I was inside, and decided that I probably wouldn’t be received well just standing under the A/C for an hour without at least buying a bar peanut, I decided to look at the drink menu. I saw a dragon fruit margarita on the menu. Ummm.. yes, please?! I’m pretty sure it’s science that drinking fruit on a hot day will instantly cool you off and give you tons of antioxidants or something. Science, y’all. Can’t go wrong there.

A mojito is the perfect canvas for exploring with lesser-known ingredients. You can throw just about any fruit into a glass full of rum and a bit o’ mint, and it will be glorious. I loved the incorporation of the dragon fruit, because it doesn’t have a super strong flavor profile. It’s more mild, almost like a kiwi has, I think. Perfectly balances with a splash of lime and a muddle of mint. Chilled to perfection, and you’ve got yourself a unique summer sipper.

What’s your favorite summer time sipper?
Let me know below!