Cantaloupe Mint Gin and Tonic
Serves 1
2 ounces gin
3/4 ounce tonic, I used Jack Rudy Small Batch Tonic
4 ounces sparkling water
1 large or 2 small cantaloupe mint ice cubes*
Combine gin, tonic, and sparkling water in your favorite rocks glass. Gently add in the cantaloupe mint ice cube(s) and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
*Cantaloupe Mint Ice Cubes
Makes about 3 cups, or 12 large or 24 small ice cubes
1 1/2 cups fresh mint leaves, divided
1/2 cup sugar
2 limes, juiced
1 ripe cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
Begin by making a fresh mint simple syrup. Bring 1/2 cup of water, 1 cup of the mint leaves, and 1/2 cup of sugar to boil over medium-high heat. Once the boil begins to roll, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for an additional 10 minutes. Strain out the mint leaves.
Add lime juice, cantaloupe pieces, and mint syrup to a food processor.
Blend until smooth. Chop the remaining 1/2 cup mint leaves and add it in with the mixture. Pour into ice cube molds and freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight.