DRINK RECIPE:
WATERMELON COOLER

Here’s a whisky cocktail that’s fully charged with the essence of summer. The watermelon shrub gives the drink brightness and character, while the saline tincture enhances some of the citrus notes. The bourbon, of course, gives the whole thing structure and depth. Mixed, shaken, and served up in a coupe… Cheers!

WATERMELON COOLER

2 oz Old Forester Bourbon
1 oz Watermelon Shrub
.5 oz Aperol
.75 oz Lemon Juice
2 drops Saline Tincture
Fresh Black Pepper

Mix ingredients into a tin, add ice, and shake.
Strain and pour into a coupe glass.
Garnish with two revolutions of black pepper.

WATERMELON SHRUB INSTRUCTIONS:

A shrub typically refers to a sweetened, vinegar-based syrup and it can be made by extracting the juice from any fruit of the season. For this one we’re using watermelon.

1. Put the watermelon in the blender and purée until liquified.
2. Strain the purée through fine mesh strainer.
3. Add apple cider vinegar to watermelon juice and stir. (10:1 ratio, juice to vinegar)
4. Place in a glass container and store in the refrigerator.

SALINE TINCTURE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine water and salt (4:1 ratio) in a jar and shake until clear.
2. Transfer to a dropper dispenser.
3. Add two drops of saline solution to enhance the flavor.