The Reshake: Watermelon + Fernet

Welcome to my first re-shake post, where I make one of the many awesome looking cocktail specs that I’ve been saving on instagram, but never seem to get around to actually trying. Today, I’m talking about @limoncellokitchen and her Watermelon + Fernet cocktail. As soon as I saw this spec, and honestly I’m jumping on the band wagon because I’ve seen it reposted at least twice, I knew I needed to make it myself. I have a whole bottle of Fernet siting in my bar, but… I really struggle with making it work in cocktails. So, when I saw this drink I was very intrigued and I just happened to have half a watermelon sitting on my counter.

I have to admit that I have a hard time following - instructions, trends, trains of thought, large groups, societal norms… you get the picture. So I definitely did my own thing here, just a bit. Partially because I didn’t have any apricot liqueur, and could really justify buying some, and partially because I really wanted to know what this would be like with Amaretto. As with any spec that is largely based on a fruit juice, the sweetness of your melon is going to be a factor but aside from that I thought this was a very interesting and easy cocktail. This was very refreshing, only slightly sweet and had a bitter herbaceous-ness that I really enjoyed. Its not your usual watermelon cocktail, and I’m all for it

Re-shaken Watermelon + Fernet (@limoncellokitchen)
1.5 oz. fresh watermelon juice
1.5 oz. white rum (
0.5 oz. Fernet Branca
0.25 oz. Amaretto (the original recipe calls for apricot liqueur)

Combine all ingredient in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into a coupe and garnish with watermelon (and @limoncellokitchen suggests mint).

Cheers!