With spring firmly underway here in the Northwest (despite a few cooler days this past week) my thoughts inevitably turn to fresher foods and lighter drinks. The other night S and I were out for sushi at our newest local favorite sushi place, Masu Sushi, and S decided to try their seasonal drink — a cantaloupe martini. I had a sip and it was so tasty that when I saw ripe cantaloupes (from Mexico, I have to admit) at Whole Foods on Saturday I had to buy one and try to make my own version of the drink at home.
After a few juicy minutes spent peeling and chopping, I tossed some chunks of cantaloupe into the food processor, whirled them around until I had a smooth, salmon colored puree that shook (over ice) with lime juice, vodka and a dash of simple syrup. Voilà! a new spring favorite was born.
Cantaloupe martini
Makes 2 generous drinks (or 3 smaller ones)
½ medium (approx 7”) cantaloupe, cubed
4 ounces vodka
1 – 2 teaspoons simple syrup
juice of 1 lime, and additional lime wedges for garnish
ice
Puree cantaloupe in a blender until smooth.
Pour cantaloupe puree, vodka, simple syrup (use more if you like a sweeter drink, or if the cantaloupe is not sweet enough for you on its own) and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously. Pour into pretty glasses and serve garnished with lime wedges.
I am already dreaming of sitting on the deck, sipping one of these and watching the sun slowly set behind the pine trees.
knitting a life 