Casa Dragones
The Le Petite Dragon was created by Alfredo Pineda Fernández, who developed this refreshing highball to highlight herbal, fruity, and floral notes. It features Casa Dragones Blanco tequila infused with hoja santa, bringing a light, earthy touch. Yellow Chartreuse adds gentle spice and depth, while homemade prickly pear soda provides a sweet, sparkling lift. Finished with an orange twist and basil flower, the drink is as visually striking as it is flavorful. Carefully crafted to be smooth, bright, and easy to enjoy, this cocktail showcases thoughtful ingredients and a well-balanced profile.
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Tasting Notes
Le Petite Dragon is a bright, herbaceous, and lightly floral cocktail with a delicate balance between earthy, sweet, and citrus notes. The hoja santa–infused tequila brings a subtle anise-like and peppery aroma, giving depth to the spirit without overpowering it. Yellow Chartreuse adds a gentle herbal sweetness with hints of honey, while the prickly pear soda introduces natural fruitiness and a soft tang. The carbonation lifts the flavors, making the drink feel crisp and refreshing. Finished with an orange twist and basil flower, the garnish adds fresh aroma and a touch of elegance to both the nose and presentation.
Equipment and Glassware
For preparation, you’ll need a highball glass to serve the cocktail. A jigger ensures precise measurement of the tequila and Chartreuse, while a bar spoon helps mix the ingredients evenly once the soda is added. If making the infusions, you’ll require a sous vide setup or a container for maceration at room temperature. For the prickly pear soda, you’ll need a juicer, measuring tools, a whisk for mixing in agave syrup, and a carbonation siphon or CO₂ tank. A vegetable peeler will help prepare the orange twist garnish, while kitchen shears can be used for trimming the basil flower.
Ingredients
For the cocktail:
- 45 ml Casa Dragones Blanco infused with hoja santa
- 15 ml yellow Chartreuse
- Prickly pear soda (to top)
- Garnish: Orange twist and basil flower
For hoja santa infusion:
- 500 ml Casa Dragones Blanco
- 1 hoja santa leaf
For prickly pear soda:
- 500 ml prickly pear juice
- 250 ml water
- Agave syrup (to taste)
- Juice of 1 yellow lemon
Instructions
Prepare hoja santa–infused tequila:
- Add hoja santa leaf to 500 ml of Casa Dragones Blanco.
- Sous vide at 55°C for 30 minutes, or macerate at room temperature for 3–4 hours. Strain and store.
Make prickly pear soda:
- Combine prickly pear juice with water.
- Sweeten with agave syrup to taste.
- Add lemon juice, carbonate with a siphon or CO₂ tank, and chill.
Assemble the cocktail:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in 45 ml hoja santa–infused tequila and 15 ml yellow Chartreuse.
- Top with prickly pear soda.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a basil flower.
Pro Tips
- Infuse tequila gently to avoid overpowering bitterness
- Use fresh prickly pears for brighter flavor in the soda
- Adjust agave syrup to match your preferred sweetness
- Keep soda chilled to retain carbonation longer
- Express orange twist over the drink to release oils
- Select a fresh basil flower for maximum aroma
- Avoid over-stirring to preserve bubbles
- Pre-chill highball glass for better temperature retention
- Fine strain prickly pear juice to remove pulp before carbonating
- Taste soda before assembling to ensure balance between sweet and tart
When to Serve
Le Petite Dragon is ideal for summer afternoons, garden parties, and cocktail hours where guests appreciate a light yet complex drink. Its herbal and citrus-forward profile pairs well with fresh seafood, light salads, or grilled vegetables, making it a versatile pre-dinner option. The bright color and refined garnishes make it suitable for special occasions, while its refreshing nature ensures it remains approachable. It’s also a great choice for events where presentation matters, as the combination of carbonation, vibrant pink soda, and delicate garnishes creates an eye-catching beverage.
Similar Cocktails
- Violet Vodka Lemonade
- Peach Bourbon Smash
- Peach Basil Gin and Tonic
- Cantaloupe Mojito
- Dr Pepper Margarita
Ingredients
For the cocktail:
- 45 ml Casa Dragones Blanco infused with hoja santa
- 15 ml yellow Chartreuse
- Prickly pear soda to top
- Garnish: Orange twist and basil flower
For hoja santa infusion:
- 500 ml Casa Dragones Blanco
- 1 hoja santa leaf
For prickly pear soda:
- 500 ml prickly pear juice
- 250 ml water
- Agave syrup to taste
- Juice of 1 yellow lemon
Instructions
Prepare hoja santa–infused tequila:
- Add hoja santa leaf to 500 ml of Casa Dragones Blanco.
- Sous vide at 55°C for 30 minutes, or macerate at room temperature for 3–4 hours. Strain and store.
Make prickly pear soda:
- Combine prickly pear juice with water.
- Sweeten with agave syrup to taste.
- Add lemon juice, carbonate with a siphon or CO₂ tank, and chill.
Assemble the cocktail:
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in 45 ml hoja santa–infused tequila and 15 ml yellow Chartreuse.
- Top with prickly pear soda.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with an orange twist and a basil flower.
Notes
Pro Tips
- If you can’t find hoja santa, fresh tarragon or anise hyssop can provide similar herbal notes.
- Chill the soda before topping to keep carbonation longer.
- Use clear ice cubes for a more refined presentation.
