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Food & Wine Recipe

Sereno Cocktails

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: MAKES 4 DRINKS

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

Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide

  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
  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.