I am always on the lookout for cool, refreshing, cocktails that capture the essence of summer. This recipe has become my signature drink of the season and as soon as you try it, you will see why.
For this cocktail, everything is made from scratch. No uber sweet pre-made mixers or sugar added juices here. Each ingredient is fresh and made just for this drink.
Cantaloupe screams the word “summer”to my taste buds and it is one of my favorite fruits of the season. Until this recipe, I had never made cantaloupe juice but it is very refreshing and simple. Just add coarsely chopped cantaloupe to a blender, blend until smooth, push the puréed melon through a mesh strainer and voila!
The most unique aspect of this cocktail is making the peppercorn infused simple syrup. A few tablespoons of aromatic peppercorns added to this sugar and water mixture completely transforms its aroma, taste, and color.
The delectable concoction of sweet fragrant cantaloupe, tart lemon juice, and the spicy peppercorn syrup, create a flavor that is astounding. Once the juice mixture is chilled and ready to serve, add sparkling water and vodka. The effervescent bubbles and smooth vodka lighten the tart juice in color and taste. The result is AMAZING!
Try this unique bubbly cocktail this weekend……you will love it.
Sparkling Cantaloupe Vodka Lemonade Recipe
(8 servings)
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons mixed peppercorns
- 4 cups cantaloupe, chopped
- 1 cup lemon juice, fresh or bottled
- 6 cups sparkling water
- 1 1/2 cups vodka
- lemon wedges, for garnish
Directions
- Mix the sugar, water, and peppercorns in a small saucepan over low heat. As soon as the liquid comes to a boil, turn off the heat and stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- Working in small batches, purée the cantaloupe in a blender til smooth. Then pour the puréed melon, through a mesh strainer, into a medium sized bowl. Keep pureeing and pouring until you have about 1 1/2 cups juice. Discard the cantaloupe solids and pour the juice into a large pitcher.
- Once the peppercorn syrup has completely cooled, pour it through a mesh strainer to eliminate any peppercorn debris. Add the strained syrup to the pitcher of cantaloupe juice.
- Add lemon juice and vodka to the pitcher and stir. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator at least 2 hours or until you are ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water and mix well.
- Pour into individual glasses. Garnish with lemon wedges and ice cubes and ENJOY!
I hope you enjoy this recipe and all the fun and delight that comes while drinking it, CHEERS!
note:
- this recipe was inspired by Real Simple
