Watermelon goes surprisingly well with whiskey, making for a refreshing summer cocktail combo.

Thank you to Katie Mazur for submitting this recipe to our 2021 NYPD Cocktail Competition amateur division!

Watermelon Rye-Zing

1/2 cup cubed watermelon

3oz Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

1oz lemon juice

1oz chipotle honey syrup *recipe follows

1 teaspoon good balsamic vinegar

In a shaker, muddle watermelon well. Add remaining ingredients, ice, and shake. Strain through a mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled halfway with ice.

*Chipotle Honey Syrup 1/4 cup honey 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 cup water 1/4 tsp chipotle powder Bring first 3 ingredients to a full boil, whisking occasionally. Mixture should become foamy and expand. Reduce heat to a simmer and add chipotle powder. Simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Allow to cool. Makes approximately 8oz of syrup.