Though it’s most often paired with clear spirits, watermelon can play well with brown spirits, too, says Chad Hauge. Here, whiskey, manzanilla sherry and grapefruit juice counter the fruit’s inherent sweetness, resulting in a light, balanced and complex summer cocktail.
Contraband Picnic
Chad Hauge, Longman & Eagle | Chicago

Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 1/4 ounces whiskey, preferably J. Rieger
- 1 1/2 ounces manzanilla sherry, preferably La Guita
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce watermelon juice
- 1/4 ounce lime juice
- 1/4 ounce simple syrup
Garnish: fresh, pickled or booze-soaked watermelon
Directions
- Shake vigorously and double strain into a highball glass over ice.
- Garnish with fresh, pickled or booze-soaked watermelon.