“Morehead City is a little fishing town on the North Carolina coast. The Arendell Room is a shotgun-style bar, kind of like what you’d see in San Francisco or New York, but we’ve incorporated backlit Ball jars behind all our bottles to give an underwater look. We use only fresh-squeezed juices, and of course, fresh fruit and herbs. The inspiration for this drink came from Bogue Sound watermelon. Being on the coast, we have sandy soil, which I think is responsible for making it so good and sweet. It’s the best watermelon you’ll ever have. The Tourmaline is a summertime favorite it’s become a classic at the bar.” Denny Shrock The Arendell Room, Morehead CityThe Tourmaline3 one-inch pieces fresh watermelon1½ ounces Cruzan gold rum¾ ounce fresh lime juice½ ounce simple syrupTonic waterIn a mixing glass, muddle watermelon, rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add ice, shake, then strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Top with tonic water, and garnish with a thinly sliced watermelon rind.
