Del Estroibo

Chris Elford, Navy Strength | Seattle, WA

“Prickly pear adds electricity to cocktails,” says Chris Elford of Seattle’s tropical-inspired bar, Navy Strength. “It’s so craveable, and of course the color is compelling.” The cactus-grown fruit lends a distinct, highlighter-bright hue to drinks, but also a singular flavor reminiscent of strawberries, raspberries and watermelon. Seen in Elford’s “eminently crushable” Del Estroibo, the Daiquiri template is sweetened with a combination of prickly pear syrup with an added tang from citric acid.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 1 1/2 ounce white rum, preferably Uruapan Charanda
  • 1 1/2 ounce white rum, preferably Uruapan Charanda
  • 2/3 ounce prickly pear syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 2/3 ounce prickly pear syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1/3 ounce toasted corn syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1/3 ounce toasted corn syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 3/4 ounce lime juice
  • 3/4 ounce lime juice
  • 2 dashes green Chartreuse
  • 2 dashes green Chartreuse

Garnish: sprig of mint, lime wheel

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake with ice.
  2. Strain into a highball glass over crushed ice.
  3. Garnish with sprig of mint and lime wheel.
Editor's Note

Prickly Pear Syrup:
15 ounces prickly pear pureé
425 grams white sugar
1 ounce water
15 grams citric acid

Blitz all ingredients in blender for approximately 30 seconds until fully incorporated and smooth.

Toasted Corn Syrup:
1 cup salted corn nuts, such as Quicos
2 cups boiling water
425 grams white sugar

Infuse corn nuts for 30 minutes. Add white sugar and blend all together until smooth on low speed in a blender. Strain through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer.