Paul Kushner
The Cantaloupe Gin Spritz is light, herbal, and full of fresh summer flavor. Sweet cantaloupe purée and dry gin make up the base, while seltzer adds a bubbly lift. Mint gives it a cool finish, and melon balls and cucumber slices bring a refreshing, colorful touch. It’s easy to shake, pour, and enjoy perfect for sunny days, garden parties, or when you want something crisp and not too strong.
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Tasting Notes
This Cantaloupe Gin Spritz is crisp, mellow, and refreshing with a nice balance of botanicals and fruit. The gin adds dry, herbal notes that play well with the fresh cantaloupe flavor. The purée gives it a gentle sweetness without overpowering the drink. The mint brightens everything up and the seltzer keeps it light and easy to sip. You’ll get cool melon at the start, followed by the gin’s subtle bite and a clean, sparkling finish. It’s a relaxed drink that doesn’t try too hard but still feels special.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a shaker, jigger, fine strainer, and a chilled highball glass. Use a melon baller if you want picture-perfect garnishes. A muddler helps if you prefer to gently press the mint. Shaking is important here it mixes and chills everything quickly while waking up the flavors. The fine strainer catches pulp or broken ice, giving you a clean pour. A highball works best for holding ice and soda, letting the garnish float naturally while keeping the look clean and fresh.
Ingredients
- 2 oz cantaloupe purée
- 1.5 oz dry gin
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- Seltzer, to top
- Cantaloupe balls, for garnish
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Add mint leaves, cantaloupe purée, and gin to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled, about 10–12 seconds.
- Add crushed ice to the chilled glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top with seltzer water.
- Garnish with cantaloupe balls and a mint sprig.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe cantaloupe for the best flavor
- Blend and strain purée to keep it smooth
- Muddle mint gently don’t shred it
- Line the glass with cucumber before adding ice
- Shake hard to get the drink icy cold
- Use neutral seltzer, not flavored
- Try freezing melon balls for extra chill
When to Serve
Serve this one when it’s hot out. It’s perfect for pool days, afternoon parties, or a slow brunch. The drink is light enough to have more than one, and the melon flavor feels just right for summer. It’s a good call when you want something simple but refreshing that still looks polished.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Gin:
- Bombay Sapphire
- Tanqueray
- Roku Gin
Seltzer:
- Topo Chico
- San Pellegrino (unflavored)
- Schweppes Club Soda
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz cantaloupe purée
- 1.5 oz dry gin
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- Seltzer to top
- Cantaloupe balls for garnish
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Add mint leaves, cantaloupe purée, and gin to a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled, about 10–12 seconds.
- Add crushed ice to the chilled glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Top with seltzer water.
- Garnish with cantaloupe balls and a mint sprig.
Notes
Pro Tips
- For a smoother texture, blend fresh cantaloupe and strain to remove pulp before using.
- Clap the mint sprig before garnishing to release its aroma.
- Use a light, dry gin so the cantaloupe and mint shine through.
Blended the cantaloupe with a little seltzer water, added to 2oz. Gin, poured in a cocktail, chilled glass with ice, and topper with 1/2 oz. simple syrup to add to the cantaloupe flavor, Then topped off with more seltzer water. Pretty smooth and too easy to drink!! Delicious!!