Sparkling Mint Melonade from ‘My New Roots’
From Yahoo Food’s Cookbook of the Week: My New Roots
Sparkling Mint Melonade
Serves 2
Would you believe that the inspiration for this recipe actually came from a slip of the tongue? I was trying to say “lemonade,” but “melonade” was what came out. I realized how delicious that sounded and set out to make some! This is a super-refreshing drink to enjoy at the end of summer, when melons are ripe, juicy, and sweet. The flavors pair exceptionally well with lime and mint. With a little sparkling water, you’ll feel as though you’re sipping on a fancy cocktail while you’re getting your daily dose of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and calcium. All you need to complete this treat is a comfy chair and a sunset.
You can use any melon you like for this recipe; cantaloupe (muskmelon), watermelon, honeydew, and Galia melons are all delicious and widely available.
2 1⁄2 cups roughly chopped ripe melon
1 1⁄2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or raw honey
Handful (about 20) fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish if desired
Sparkling mineral water, to top up
Put the chopped melon in a blender, add the lime juice and maple syrup, and blend on high speed until smooth. Add the mint leaves and pulse just to chop.
Fill a glass two-thirds full with ice, and pour in the melon mixture. Top with sparkling water, and stir. Garnish with more mint if desired. Serve.
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