On a recent girls nights out at the best Italian restaurant in Vero Beach, Trattoria Dario, we bellied up to the bar to get one of, Craig McCarty’s cocktail creations. Craig is the head bartender at Trattoria Dario and always takes care of my fetish of drinking clean, mixing drinks with only fresh ingredients. He dazzled the group with his unique creations, shaking up a jalapeno margarita for Lucy and a fresh watermelon martini for Paula and myself.
Well, you know I completely took advantage of the opportunity and invited Craig to join us for “Clean Drink Happy Hour” so he could share his mixology know how with our viewers, so we took it on the road!
Watermelon Dream Martini
- 4 oz. Tito’s Vodka
- 2 oz. Seedless Watermelon Puree
- 6 Mint Leaves
- Mint Sprig for Garnish
Instructions:
Shake vodka, mint leaves, and watermelon puree with ice and strain into chilled martini glass.

Puree Recipe:
- 1/2 lb. fresh seedless watermelon chunks
- 2 oz. light agave nectar
- Blend to puree consistency.
OMG, this cocktail ROCK’S as my favorite summer drink! Thanks to all our friends at, Trattoria Dario for being a part of “Clean Drink Happy Hour” and remember friends, until next time keep it clean!
Photography by Patricia Davis Brown Designs, LLC.
Photographer Stephanie Davis
that was one great drink! Love that he used in season fruit! Craig makes other clean drinks too!!!!!
I think using in-season ingredients only makes the drink “cleaner”. Can’t wait to find more clean drinks with you.
I tried this over the weekend and it’s become my new favorite. You could try it Mexican style with tequila instead of vodka and a bit of chili powder. Ever heard of salt and chili powder over watermelon cubes?
That would really give it a kick! Thanks :), so glad you enjoyed.