COCKTAIL RECIPE
Makes 1 cocktail
oz Uncle Val’s Botanical Gin
2 oz fresh watermelon juice
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
4 to 5 basil leaves
Basil leaf and watermelon slice, for garnish
Make the watermelon juice following Notes from the Bar. Lightly bruise the basil leaves and add them to a cocktail shaker with the gin, watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously, then double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a basil leaf and a small slice of watermelon.
NOTES FROM THE BAR
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FRESH WATERMELON JUICE
Blend or juice 2-3 large chunks of watermelon and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth, pulp-free juice. We use a handheld juicer for quick, minimal-mess extraction.
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No juicer? Muddle the watermelon directly in the shaker instead, it'll add a touch more texture but works just as well.
GIN CHOICE
Uncle Val's Botanical Gin has a soft, floral quality that lets the watermelon and basil lead. A London dry style gin will work too, but expect a slightly more juniper-forward finish.
BASIL TECHNIQUE
Lightly bruising the basil, rather than muddling it hard, releases the oils without turning the drink bitter or grassy. A gentle press with the back of a spoon is all it needs.
MAKE IT A MOCKTAIL
Skip the gin and add an extra ounce of watermelon juice plus a splash of soda water for the same bright, herbal profile without the alcohol.
JUST RELEASED
30 OF OUR MOST-LOVED COCKTAILS, GATHERED INTO ONE COLLECTION
A RITUAL WE RETURN TO
Our cocktails are part of something bigger for us. They’re the beginning of Date Nite, a connection-centered experience we created to help you slow down, share a meal, and enjoy time with the one you love.
Each Date Nite is thoughtfully planned for you, so you are not stuck deciding what to cook or how to pull the night together. We pair one cocktail with a complete menu, a simple flow from prep to plate, and small details that make the evening feel easy and connected from start to finish.
It is not about perfection. It is about presence, and creating space to reconnect, whether that is with your partner or simply with yourself, over a really good meal.
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