Cocktail: Pink Perfection

Pink Perfection is the name of a much-loved camellia, but this drink comes pretty close to perfection in a glass. Unless you live near a juice bar that makes fresh, strained watermelon juice daily, I strongly recommend making the juice yourself. The “fresh” stuff sold in stores in plastic bottles is usually far too cloying, and besides, this is easy to do. And if you prefer vodka to the rum, the drink works just as well. — Julia Reed

Pink Perfection Cocktail

Serves 1

You can do the math on this and make up a whole pitcher of Pink Perfection if you’re having a crowd. In that case, I’d mix without ice, so as not to dilute the drink, and chill.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Orange-Infused Rum (recipe below)
• ¾ cup Fresh Watermelon Juice (recipe below)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon simple syrup
• 1 orange slice for garnish
• 1 mint sprig for garnish

Directions

1. Combine the rum, watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and some ice in a cocktail shaker and shake.
2. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange slice and a mint sprig.

Orange-Infused Rum

Makes 1 liter

Ingredients

• 2 large navel oranges, rinsed, dried, and cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 1 liter white rum

Directions

1. Cut the orange slices in half and place in a pitcher large enough to accommodate them and the rum. Pour the rum over the oranges and refrigerate overnight.

Note: You’ll have plenty of the infused rum left over. Strain the remaining infused rum into a mason jar and store indefinitely in the refrigerator.

Fresh Watermelon Juice

Makes 6 cups

Ingredients

• 6 pounds seedless watermelon, rind removed, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 12 cups)

Directions