Watermelon has been trending for quite some time as a popular summer flavor, but as we finish out the season, some new melon flavors are taking center stage. Cantaloupe and honeydew are having their moment – popping up in cuisine and cocktails across the country, and below are two of our favorite Yacht Life Vodka drink recipes with melon as the star.
Cheers to a flavorful summer!
Honeydew and Mint Mixer
Ingredients for Honeydew Vodka:
- 9oz vodka
- 1/2 honeydew melon, coarsely chopped
- 1oz simple syrup (if needed)
Make the cucumber simple syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the cucumber chunks, granulated sugar, and water over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and the cucumber begins to soften. Break up the cucumber into the mixture for a stronger flavor.
Take off the heat and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before straining into a container. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Ingredients for Cucumber Simple Syrup:
- 1 med. cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/2C granulated sugar
- 1/4C water
Make the honeydew vodka:
In a blender, add the vodka and honeydew pieces. Blend until no large chunks remain.
Give the mixture a taste. If you aren’t getting much honeydew flavor, add the 1oz of simple syrup and blend again until combined.
Strain through a mesh strainer into a sealable container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Ingredients for the Cocktail:
- 6–8 mint leaves
- .5oz lemon juice
- .5 – .75oz cucumber simple syrup
- .5oz elderflower liquor
- 2oz honeydew vodka
Make the cocktail:
Add mint leaves, lemon juice, and cucumber simple syrup to a shaker.
Muddle until the mint leaves are broken up and have released their oils.
Add ice, honeydew vodka, and elderflower liqueur.
Shake until cold and strain into a highball glass full of ice.
Cantaloupe Cooler
Ingredients for the Cocktail:
- 1 big, ripe cantaloupe cut into cubes (remove seeds)
- 1 oz vodka per cocktail
- 2-3 cups of water
- ½ cup simple syrup
- Melon balls for garnish
Make the cocktail:
Cut open the cantaloupe, remove seeds and cut the melon into cubes.
Put the cantaloupe, water and simple syrup into a blender
Pulse a few times, then add ice
Press the smoothie button on the blender
Taste to see if you need to add more simple syrup (a very ripe cantaloupe will require less sugar)
Add vodka.
Pour into glasses and garnish with melon balls.