Sereno Cocktails

• Recipe by Eric Ripert

Eric Ripert invented this delicious rum drink on the spot in Puerto Rico.

Ingredients

1. 6 large basil leaves
2. 2 large limes, quartered
3. 2 navel oranges, quartered
4. 2 cups fresh orange juice
5. 3/4 cup sugar
6. 1/4 teaspoon minced Thai chile, with some seeds
7. 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
8. 1 1/2 cups dark rum
9. 4 cups crushed ice

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 of the basil leaves with the limes, oranges, orange juice, sugar, chile and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Using a potato masher or a large wooden pestle, pound the limes and oranges until the sugar is dissolved and a rich syrup forms. Squeeze and discard the lime and orange quarters. Stir in the rum. 
2. Fill 4 large wineglasses or highball glasses with the crushed ice and bury a basil leaf in each. Fill with the rum drink, garnish each drink with grated nutmeg and serve.

Make Ahead

The recipe can be prepared through Step 1 and refrigerated overnight.