A delicious Negroni inspired cocktail made with fresh watermelon juice and mango ice.

The Gin: New Amsterdam
The Vermouth: Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
The Amaro: Aperol
More: Fresh watermelon juice, Triple Sec, Reagan’s Orange Bitters, Frozen Mango Chunks, Mint Leaves

 Cut the watermelon into chunks and purée in a blender to make the juice. In a large 32 oz shaker, stir these ingredients over ice to make six cocktails:

• 6 oz watermelon juice
• 6 oz Carpano Antica
• 6 oz Aperol
• 2 oz Luxardo Triple Sec

Place two frozen mango chunks in each rocks glass, pour the drink, and garnish with a mint sprig.

Aperol was chosen because its sweet flavor complements the watermelon juice.

I prefer to make this in the summer months here in the Hudson Valley when the watermelon is in season.

In the Hudson Valley, watermelon season hits its peak in the late summer, primarily during August and September.

You’ll find the best and freshest watermelons at local farm stands and farmers’ markets during this time. Because they require a long, hot season to ripen, they are one of the last fruits of the summer to become widely available. The season typically winds down as the weather cools and the first frost approaches, usually in late September or early October.