Coquito Mojito Wins Cocktail Contest to Become the “Official” Cocktail of Naples, Florida

[quote]Coquito Mojito Wins Cocktail Contest to Become The Naples Original, the “Official” Cocktail of Naples, Florida[/quote]

“The Naples Original,” a signature cocktail created by the local, independent restaurants of Naples, Fla., made its recent debut following a cocktail tasting event for members of the community. Six original cocktails were judged by the local community with the Coquito Mojito winning top honors to become “The Naples Original.”

The Naples Original is made with rum, cream of coconut, mint, and fresh lime juice, and was created by mixologist David Ortiz on behalf of Naples Originals, the group of 35 local, independent restaurants.

The Naples Original will be served at many Naples bars and restaurants. Among the first restaurants to offer the drink are Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, Chez Boet, Ciao, The Dock at Crayton Cove, M Waterfront Grille, Stoney’s Steakhouse, Alberto’s on Fifth, Flava and Le Lafayette.

Naples Originals undertook the quest to find a signature Naples cocktail by enlisting nationally-known celebrity mixologist David Ortiz to create six original cocktails capturing the spirit and flavor of Naples. Ortiz used artisanal spirits from the American Still Life collection, for which he is the Florida ambassador, to create the cocktails.

David Ortiz is also featured on Sundance Channel’s televised and online “Iconoclasts,” profiles of original, accomplished individuals. He is president of the United States Bartenders’ Guild, and “works the stick” at the Viceroy Hotel’s Club 50 in Miami when not traveling the country for celebrity events, food festivals and industry competitions.

“The Naples Originals” Recipe:

Ingredients

• .75 oz Rum
• .75 oz Coconut Flavored Rum
• .75 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
• .75 oz Coco Lopez Coconut Cream
• Splash of club soda
• 3 sprigs fresh mint, plus one for garnish
• Lime wheel
• Coquitos (optional garnish)

Utensils

• Cocktail Shaker
• Muddler
• Strainer

Directions: Lightly muddle the mint in the coconut cream. Add lime juice, Dancing Pine Oak Cask Rum and coconut flavored rum. Fill with ice to the top and give it a long hard shake. Pour through strainer into a glass over ice. Add a splash of club soda. Garnish with mint sprig, lime wheel and coquito.

A demonstration of how to make the cocktail can be seen on Naples Originals’ Youtube channel.