by partysugar 1

Kick-start your farmers market feast with a potent, fresh-fruit cocktail in the form of a watermelon-rum mash. Cubes of melon are pureed and mixed with mint and rum. The final concoction is refreshing and conversation enhancing. When you sit down for dinner, pour a crisp, green white like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or Spanish Verdejo. Pair an effervescent dessert wine, such as this Moscato, with the strawberry ricotta shortbread. To look at the cocktail recipe, please read more.

From Self

Watermelon Rum Mash

Ingredients

6 fresh shiso (or mint) leaves, plus 8 additional sprigs for garnish
12 3/4 cups (2 3/4 quarts) cubed seedless watermelon, pureed and strained (makes 1 1/2 quarts juice)
1 2/3 cups white rum (or to taste)

Directions

1. Crush shiso in the bottom of a large pitcher, using a long wooden spoon.
2. Add watermelon juice and rum; stir. Serve over ice; garnish with shiso sprigs.

Serves 8.

print recipe