You’ll find this cocktail mixing watermelon, cranberry, and smoke-infused mezcal is a complex celebration of each of its flavors. Sip it around a firepit or a fireplace to indulge in the ultimate fireside chat.
Ingredients:
Serves 2
6 ounces freshly made watermelon juice or enough watermelon to create 6 ounces watermelon puree (strained to become 6 ounces juice, if preferred)
4 ounces cranberry juice
4-8 fresh leaves basil (depending on how much you like basil)
4 ounces mezcal
Orange bitters, a few drops to taste (optional)
Preparation:
Use fresh watermelon juice or puree enough fresh watermelon to create the amount of puree needed. Strain the puree through a fine mesh if you prefer a smooth, less textured cocktail; either way, the final amount should equal 6 ounces.
Muddle the watermelon juice, cranberry juice, and basil leaves to release the full basil flavor. Let sit for a minute or so. Remove and discard the basil leaves.
Combine the juice mixture with the mezcal, and shake or stir, as you prefer. Taste and add orange bitters to taste (optional).
Serve over ice.
Recipe tested by Lizzy Hibbard, Moisés Roman Mendoza, Paul Zador and Ellen Ficklen; email questions to hello@watermelontimes.com