One of the biggest requests that I get while bartending is “I want something fruity! I want it strong but I DON’t want to taste the alcohol!!!” In my mind I’m thinking, “Well, I’ve never met you before and I have no idea what you like or don’t like or might be allergic to…. But sure, let me whip you up something AMAZING! (Insert eyeroll here.)”
One of the first tips I’ve given to the bartenders I’ve trained is to have a couple of “fruity” drinks ready to suggest. They can be some old standbys like a Sex on the Beach or a Malibu and Pineapple OR you can take this opportunity to create a signature offering.
One of my signature “something fruity” options is the Dragonfly. One of my favorite flavored rums is the Bacardi Dragonberry. It’s a Dragonfruit and Strawberry flavor that is fruity without being cloying or overpowering and it mixes well with tons of things. Plus almost everyone likes rum. Rum is a fantastic base for so many drinks. (And who doesn’t love a good rum & coke?) The Triple Sec gives it another layer of Citrus without adding anymore tartness. The sour mix keeps it from being too sweet. The Cranberry Juice is a familiar ingredient in the “something fruity” category of drinks. Plus it makes the drink a really pretty color!
I call this the Dragonfly. There is no great story behind the name. I’m really, REALLY bad at naming my drinks and one night I had to think of something to call it, so Dragonfly it was!
- Dragonfly
- *Build this directly in a Collins Glass (10 ounce glass, or close to that) filled with ice
- 1.5 ounces Bacardi Dragonberry
- 1 ounce Triple Sec
- Splash of Sour Mix
- Top with Cranberry Juice
- Stir to Combine and Enjoy!