Dracquiri Delight

Hops makes it look so easy, but Emerald knows that mixology is a fine art. They’ve made “cocktails” before, in their house, but they were usually just vodka and cranberry juice. Easy, simple, delicious. But clearly not as delicious as Hops’ signature drinks, because after a good few Dracquiris the night before, Emerald declared that they would do anything - absolutely anything, even marriage or tax fraud or assistance in crime or a gift of priceless rare crystals - to learn how to make one. 

Hops laughed, of course, but the gears started turning in her head, and before Emerald left the Rabbit Hole, they had made a deal: the following day, Emerald would assist Hops in making drinks… for a price. In drunken admiration for the rabbit-goddess of alcohol, Emerald absolutely rejected the idea that their labour and carats would be taken advantage of. 

Waking up with a slight headache and a sober state of mind, Emerald finally realised that they set themself up to pay to do someone else’s job. A promise is a promise, they had to remind themself. And it would even be fun! They would get to sample their creations, and, on top of that, answer the burning question: could they really buy all the ingredients for a Dracquiri at their nearest supermarket? 

Emerald arrives at the Rabbit Hole twenty minutes early, and as soon as Hops spots them, her eyes widen in a slightly malicious expression of greedy joy, which only intensifies as Emerald reaches for their wallet. When they hand her the carats, Hops does a little gleeful dance. 

“I did not think this would actually work! I thought you’d realise that you’re paying to help me work, and then your avarice would kick in. But just in case you’d turn up, I did write up all the recipes! I hope you can read my handwriting.” 

Hops hands Emerald a bundle of flash cards. Her handwriting is perfectly legible, if a bit scrawled. But it’s charming: the names of the drinks have tiny hearts drawn around them and it’s absolutely certain that she put a lot of care into it. Emerald excitedly flicks through them, and notes that every single one of them lists a “secret ingredient”. 

“This is both adorable and informative but what the hell is the secret ingredient? What are you putting in these things?” 

“Okay, I know this sounds sketchy, but I’ll tell you when we’re through, okay? It’s easier to explain once you’re familiar with the drinks.” 

Emerald nods. They feel like they’re about to become a wizard and make mystical potions, and so they follow Hops behind the bar. 

There are so many different kinds of liquor, and Emerald thinks that the trickiest part of the evening will be remembering where each ingredient is. It almost looks like one of the walls of Emerald’s room: the multicoloured liquids and the shine of the bottles reminds them of precious gems, so they try to feel at home.

“I’ll teach you how to make a Dracquiri first, since you like them so much!” 

The actual mixing looks easy, but Emerald knows that Hops is moving at half the speed she usually does. A beautiful and expensive-looking rum, a lemonade that is certainly artisanal, lime juice, fresh strawberries… and finally, a pinch of a glittering powder, which must be the secret ingredient. Arranged in a cocktail glass, the drink looks splendid and daunting. 

Emerald tries their best to copy Hops’ steps, painstakingly measuring out the ingredients, and makes a drink that looks rather nice. They finish it off with a dusting of the “magic” powder, which seems to make the drink a deeper red. 

“You’ll have to work much faster than that, but it looks good! Give it a try!” 

“Oh, you don’t have to tell me twice!” 

Emerald takes a sip of it, and it tastes… surprisingly like a standard Dracquiri. Sweet, slightly sour, and ice-cold. With a huge toothy smile of success, they hand the drink to Hops, who politely refuses. 

“It’s all yours, you’ve earned it.” 

They most definitely have earned it, and they savour its taste. Lamentably, they probably won’t be able to get the weird glitter from a supermarket, and will have to bribe Hops for supplies. But they at least will be able to make something that resembles a Dracquiri, and that’s good enough. 

Just then, the doors of the Rabbit Hole open, and the first customers of the night slowly start coming in. One of them walks up to the bar and ponders over the selection of drinks, before locking eyes with Emerald who appears to be blissed out as they drink the last drops of their beverage. 

“I’ll have… what you’re having?” 

Emerald beams at them and Hops gives a nod of approval. 

“Sure thing,” Emerald says, “if you don’t mind waiting a bit longer than usual!”