Sweet Melons!

Summer in New England is here so don't blink or else you stand the risk of missing all 10 days of it. The rag tops are off the Jeeps, motorcycles are everywhere, women have broken out the sundresses and even shaved their legs for the first time since the winter. Flowers are blooming and gardens are starting to show signs of a healthy crop. Although we haven't reached the official calendar date for summer just yet it is in practice here till about August 15th and then here comes Fall.

On of my favorite things about summer aside from women in bikinis on the beach is summer food. Corn on the cob, grilling on the porch, ripe juicy peaches, fresh tomatoes from the garden and sweet melons. Honeydew, watermelons and cantaloupes all come along with this glorious sunshine. As we all know when life hands us melons it is time to make cocktails! So break out the air conditioners, box fans and blenders! Here are a few sweet melon cocktails for you all to enjoy while the sun is still shining.

Cantaloupe Basil Cocktail

2 large chunks of Cantaloupe

2 Basil Leaves

Splash of Simple Syrup

Muddle the above ingredients

Fill glass with ice

2 oz. Vodka
Splash of Sprite
Shake and serve in a Rocks glass

*** Side Note: Wraping chunks of cantaloupe and honeydew melon in Prosciutto ham makes for a great salty and sweet appetizer. ***

The Muddled Melon Martini

Muddle 5-6 chunks of fresh watermelon with a splash of lime juice.

After muddling fill the glass with ice.

2 oz. - Watermelon infused Vodka

.5 oz. - Watermelon Schnapps

Splash of Sour mix

Splash of Cranberry juice

Shake and strain into a martini glass

Rim the glass with Watermelon sugar (Watermelon Jello and sugar.)

Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

Honeydew Melon Martini

Puree in a blender 3 large chunks of Honeydew Melon, a pinch of sugar and a sprig of mint.

1 oz. Triple Sec

1 oz. Melon Liqueur
2 oz. Vodka

Shake over ice and strain.

Garnish with a chunk of Honeydew

Cheers!

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