3 Fresh Approaches to Fruit-Forward Cocktails

From passion fruit purée to watermelon candy, this spring’s drinks start with the flavors of nature.

 

MonieRita
Also known as the Peach VodkaRita, this iteration of the margarita is named after Queen Latifah’s protégé, old-school hip-hop legend Monie Love, and served in a copper coupe.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 ½ oz. Absolut Elyx Vodka
• ¾ oz. Gifford Pêche de Vigne
• ¾ oz. fresh lime
• ½ oz. agave
• Crushed and cubed ice
• Thyme sprig garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker (other than crushed ice and garnish) and shake vigorously. Strain into a copper coupe, top with crushed ice and garnish with sprig of thyme. (Copper coupe can be purchased at elyxboutique.com.)

Frozen Agua Fresca
Aguas frescas, or “fresh waters,” are popular non-alcoholic beverages originating from the streets of Mexico; however, this housemade watermelon version is thrown into the slushy machine and served with pressed lime and your choice of spirit. Recommended: Milagro Tequila or Montelobos Mezcal.

INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz. fresh watermelon (plus wedge for garnish)
• 1 oz. pressed lime
• ½ oz. agave
• 1 ½ oz. spirit of your choice
• 4 large ice cubes
• Lucas Watermelon candy, crushed
• Watermelon wedge garnish

DIRECTIONS:
Blend all ingredients (aside from spirit and garnish) to a slushy consistency. Pour the Lucas Watermelon onto a plate, pass the remaining lime around the rim of glass, and lightly dip the glass into the candy powder. Pour your spirit of choice into the bottom of the glass and fill with frozen watermelon agua fresca. Garnish with watermelon wedge.

Agave Sunset
Here’s a favorite drink from a legendary favorite Miami establishment, Rusty Pelican.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Silver Tequila
• 1 oz. passionfruit purée
• ½ oz. agave syrup
• 1 oz. sour mix

DIRECTIONS:
Add all ingredients into shaker and muddle raspberries. Top with ice and shake. Pour into rocks glass and garnish with a lime wheel and raspberry.

Monierita and Frozen Agua Fresca Photos by La Margarita Shop at 222 Taco.

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