All praise the official drink of summer 2005: nine75’s scrumptious Grapefruit Mojito.
Glorious is this concoction. Splendid is its refreshing beauty. Epic is its fulfillment. And brilliant is its new happy hour price: $3.95.
This column has fawned over many a cocktail. I remember my first Lychee Sour at Monarck. And that Sub-Zero Martini at the Ship Tavern nearly brought me to my knees.
But both of those drinks are too unwieldy, artificial and inconsistent to rock throughout the summer. Nine75’s Grapefruit Mojito, with its chunks of succulent grapefruit, fresh lime juice and bright notes of fresh mint leaves, is a heaven-sent fruit cocktail with a punch.
The punch, surprisingly, is the Danska grapefruit vodka that nine75 (975 Lincoln St., 303-975-0975) employs instead of rum, the mojito’s traditional fuel. Izzy grapefruit soda is the floater, the topper that ensures a smooth ride.
Earlier this week, we were all about the smooth ride. A friend had just started a new job, and we had planned a happy hour at the semi-chi-chi nine75 to commemorate and celebrate her first day. It was an excellent and random group who showed up, and while we discussed – and disagreed on – everything from men’s shoes to real estate, we reached a consensus on the Grapefruit Mojito.
It’s naturally sweet, but because so much of that sweetness comes from fruit juices and mint essences, it’s never overwhelming. Three Grapefruit Mojitos later I felt guilty for neglecting the rest of the 7-week-old restaurant’s new cocktail menu, but the Orange and Berry Mojito was little more than a lackluster fruit punch, the fruits overwhelming the mint and rum. I was quick to return to the familiar comfort of the Grapefruit.
Staff writer Ricardo Baca can be reached at 303-820-1394 or rbaca@denverpost.com.
Funky: The restaurant, along with the attractive bar in the back, is pretty fancy. But it’s still comfortable. Grounding the room are the table-top Galaga and Pacman games against the wall, which are delightfully out of place – very Pizza Hut circa 1985. Don’t forget to request the free french fries that come during the 5-7 p.m. happy hour. They too are fancy. Just like the bar. And the ketchup.
Skunky: Steer clear of the Orange and Berry Mojito.
