An entirely unique cocktail, the dragon’s heart cocktail is an absolute must-have. Blood Orange Rum is a mix of both rum and mezcal, making for a complex drink. This isn’t all, though, as the flavors are rounded out by the sweetness of elderflower, the tang of lime, and a good dose of bitterness to round out the taste. A cocktail created by NYC mixologist Ektoras Binikos for Ron Abuelo Rum, the Dragon’s Heart, is famous across the globe. Apparently extra lucky, the 12/12/12 date fell in the lunar Year of the Dragon, which meant it was considered a extra lucky day. In celebration of the anniversary, Ron Abuelo had 12 mixologists create 12 cocktails with his 12-year-old rum. Blood oranges are in season during the winter months, making this a perfectly suited drink for the colder months.
Recipe Variations
You can substitute Elderflower Cordial with St. Germain Liqueur if you are unable to find or do not have any in your bar. It is a very useful bottle to own anyway. Among those who suggested a variation on this recipe, someone suggested replacing the elderflower cordial with a mint citrus syrup. It gives a very distinct taste while also conjuring up an interesting atmosphere. You may not be able to buy this particular flavor in stores, so you’ll need to make it yourself. It’s very easy to make mint citrus syrup, and it can be ready to use in less than an hour. It is the mezcal in this cocktail that gives it a smokiness. If you prefer, you can pour tequila instead. As there are already a lot of flavors to choose from, you won’t miss much.
Tips
In a way, elderflower cordial is like lemonade, but with a sweet taste of elderflowers. Many traditional recipes call for this homemade ingredient, and those fortunate enough to be able to forage for their wildflowers swear by it. In addition to the cream, you can also find elderflower syrup (which is much sweeter) from a number of online or specialty shops.
