Jerry's Gin & Juice

Executive chef Jeremiah Galey, affectionally called “Jerry” by close friends and co-workers at Amy’s on Franklin in Evansville, Indiana, urges cocktailers to play around with portions to find the combination you like best.

“I prefer Empress 1908 gin because of its beautiful indigo color, the story behind it, and the subtle, balanced juniper flavor,” he says.

And, to make a simple syrup, just mix equal parts of raw or granulated sugar and water and heat until the sugar dissolves, then allow it to cool.

Jerry’s Gin & Juice

Yields: 1 cocktail

2 oz fresh watermelon juice1½ oz gin½ oz grenadine½ oz simple syrupjuice from ½ lime (scant ½ oz)icemint leaf or sprig (optional)

In glass, stir together watermelon juice, gin, grenadine, simple syrup and lime juice; top with desired amount of ice, stir and garnish with mint, if using.