First annual Melon week 2024

Go grab your melons, it's melon week!

This week of July we are dedicating the whole month to MELONS! Specifically, Watermelon, Cantaloupe & honeydew melons. There are so many fun cocktail recipes happening this week, so here is an inside look at the recipes you’ll need for the week ahead.

I’m also sharing a full look at the cocktail recipes ahead for my Sipper Club members!

What’s your favorite way to drink your melons? Let me know!!

First things first: How to pick your melons.

Watermelon: Tap, tap, tap! It’s true, the tapping trick works - you’ll want it to sound like a drum, and have a good bounce back. If it thuds that’s usually the one to avoid. The yellow spot or "ground spot" indicates where the watermelon sat on the ground while ripening on the vine. The more yellow the spot is, the riper the watermelon is likely to be. A large yellow spot may also mean the watermelon spent more time ripening and could be sweeter

Cantaloupe, smell the butt. I’m serious. If it smells ripe and sweet that’s the one you want! Also, avoid any soft spots, a cantaloupe should feel slightly firm.

Honeydew: it’s all in the skin, look for the color to be more creamy rather than bright green & it should feel smooth! A ripe honeydew should feel heavy for its size.

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Now, on to our recipes for the week ahead!

Cantaloupe & Basil syrup

• 1 cup cantaloupe, chopped

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 6-7 sprigs of basil

Add cantaloupe, sugar, and water to a pot.

Place on medium heat until the sugar dissolves and bring down to a simmer.

Add in basil leaves to simmer for 10 minutes.

Let cool completely, pulse for about 10-20 seconds in the blender & strain!

Prosciutto infused gin

Optional, heat 3-4 slices of prosciutto with olive oil & let cool

To a mason jar add: 2 cups gin to 3-4 prosciutto slices. 

Gently shake & let infuse for 12-24 hrs.

Strain out the prosciutto and place in the freezer to allow the fat solids to solidify on top, about 10 minutes.

Double strain and store normally.

If you’re weary of the savory flavor try by only infusing 1 cup of gin and adding the second cup of gin after straining!

Honeydew Syrup

2 cups chopped honeydew

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

To a sauce pot on medium heat until sugar dissolves, let simmer for 8-10 minutes. Let cool, blend & strain!

Homemade Midori 

• approx. 2 cups ripe honeydew melon, chopped

• approx. 2 cups vodka

Add to a mason jar or container and add the ingredients, gently shake, and let infuse for 5 days.

After 5 days, strain out the honeydew and add 1 cup honeydew syrup & 1/2 cup brandy.

Let sit for 6 hours after combining before using!

Use more syrup based on your preferred flavor profile.

Salted watermelon agua fresca:

• 1 tbsp flaky sea salt

• 2 cups chopped watermelon

• 1 lime, juiced

• Blend until smooth!

Also make sure to freeze some honeydew chunks & grab mini watermelons for some drinks using fresh watermelon juice!