THE BISTRO MODERNE'S MANGO MOJITO

The Hotel Derek may have been sold, and the Bistro Moderne (2525 W. Loop S., 713-297-4383) menu may have gone from French to American, but the cocktails are still ooh-la-la, and so are the customers. In fact, on a recent night, as I was twirling the mint leaves in my mango mojito, I had an imaginary date with the handsome man next to me. The romantic lighting, the demon rum, my new high-heeled leather boots and boredom must have triggered my trip to fantasyland. My mystery man and I finish our drinks and then have a steamy make-out session in the back of the cab as we head out on the town. After a night of dancing, we return to the trendy Hotel Derek for passion straight from a cheap harlequin novel, complete with heaving bosoms and throbbing members. Before I started to sweat for real, I jumped back to reality, ordered another drink and surveyed the scene. What the hell, why not go for it? I slowly turned toward handsome guy, flipped my hair, smiled and introduced myself. He smiled back, then politely pointed out that I had a mint leaf stuck in my teeth. Oh, well, so much for reality.

2 ounces Malibu mango rum

1 ounce Leblon Cachaça

1/2 ounce soda

1/2 ounce simple syrup

1/4 ounce lime juice

Mint leaves

Crush two or three mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well and serve over ice. Floss optional.