Southern Breeze Cantaloupe Limeade

Welcome back y'all! Sorry for my absence this week.  Is anyone else feeling the pressure as the school year comes to a close?  The month of May is insane between school programs and tying up loose ends that I feel like my head is spinning.  I'm also trying to personally finish up some things before the boys are home 24/7.  Hello, closet cleaning and toy purge!  I can't think of a better way to welcome summer than with this oh-so-yummy cantaloupe limeade.  An old friend from high school passed this recipe along to me earlier this year and I just knew I had to share it with y'all come summertime! The botanical flavors of the gin pair so nicely with the sweet cantaloupe and zesty lime.  I can totally see myself sipping this poolside in a big lofty lounge chair! Who's with me?

***** Southern Breeze Cantaloupe Limeade *****

Serves 4-6

1 whole cantaloupe peeled, seeded and cut into chunks 

1/2 cup water

1/2 tsp grated lime zest

1/8 cup sugar
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cups Tanqueray gin **

Fresh lime and cantaloupe slices to garnish

// Instructions //

1. Place cantaloupe and zest in a blender and process until smooth stopping to scrape the sides. 

2. Pour through wire mesh strainer into pitcher, pressing the pulp with back of wooden spoon.  Discard pulp. (Results about 2 cups of juice.)

3. Bring water to a boil and add sugar.  Stir until sugar is dissolved and let cool for 10 minutes. Then add sugar water to the cantaloupe juice.

4. Next, add the lime juice and gin and stir well.  Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lime and cantaloupe slices.  (This can me made and mixed ahead of time if you're serving a large party!) 

*photos by Your Southern Peach

** I was not compensated for this post.  However, Tanqueray kindly supplied me with an array of gins for the summer. Tanqueray is a brand I already loved prior to this post.  For more Tanqueray gin recipes, click here!