With this post, I’m delighted to launch a weekly series of cocktail posts in collaboration with two of Rochester’s most respected independent retailers of cocktailware and spirits: Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor—located less than a mile from each other on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners in Brighton. Please read more about these partners below, and shop local! 

It’s watermelon season! And what place says “watermelon” more than Miami? … Well, okay … but, whatevs … break out your muddler and try this delicious, summery sip. 

THE MIAMI MARTINI
Meat from a wedge of watermelon (with seeds removed)
2 oz Gin or vodka of choice (Sipsmith VJOP gin is my preference)
¼ oz Campari (or Aperol for a little less alcohol and bitterness)
½ oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
⅔ oz Simple syrup
2 dashes Fee Brothers Gin Barrel Aged Orange Bitters

Muddle the watermelon in the base of a shaker. Add the other ingredients and ice, then shake until the shaker’s so cold your hands can’t stand it. Strain the mix into a chilled Martini glass; be patient about it and pour from several different angles; the watermelon mush slows the pour.

Garnish with a small wedge of watermelon or sprig of basil. The drink is cold and sweet and everything you’d want from a summer cocktail.

Need gin and Campari? Get them at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor! Don’t have a muddler or a shaker? Cooks World does!

ABOUT OUR COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK PARTNERS:

Shop local, and support independent, family-owned businesses! Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor are less than a mile from each other on Monroe Avenue near Twelve Corners in Brighton.

Cooks’ World, in business since 1978, is Rochester’s premier retailer of dining, kitchen, and cooking products, including a complete selection of glassware, mixology tools, and accessories for spirits and wine lovers. Follow Cooks’ World on Facebook and Instagram. Sign up here to receive Cooks’ World’s daily email specials and other news. 

Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, in business since 1997, offers a thoughtfully curated selection of spirits and wine from around the world, with a savvy staff to assist in your selection and encourage you along your cocktail and wine journey. Follow Pinnacle on Facebook and Instagram. For the inside track on Pinnacle’s spirits-related sales, send two text messages to (585) 765-7546:
— Text the word “bourbon,” to receive weekly text messages offering the chance to buy rare or allocated whiskies or special prices on popular products.
—Text the word “spirits,” to receive roughly monthly offers on fine spirits other than whiskies.