Cantaloupe Collins Cocktail Recipe | Refreshing Melon Gin Drink

Cantaloupe Collins  – When summer is in full swing, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as cocktails made with fresh, juicy fruits. One of the most delightful and creative ways to enjoy melon is in a Cantaloupe Collins, a vibrant twist on the classic Tom Collins. Traditionally, a Tom Collins is made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water—light, fizzy, and refreshing. But when you add ripe cantaloupe into the mix, you get a naturally sweet, fruity cocktail with a beautiful golden-orange hue that feels like sunshine in a glass.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 5 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Cuisines: Classic Cocktail with a Modern Twist

• Course: Drinks / Cocktails

• Servings: 1 glass

• Calories: ~170 kcal per serving

• Total Time: 10–12 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor (for making cantaloupe purée)

• Cocktail shaker

• Jigger (for measuring)

• Strainer (fine mesh for smooth texture)

• Highball or Collins glass

• Bar spoon

• Knife and cutting board (for garnishes)

Ingredients

For 1 serving:

• 2 oz gin (London Dry or floral gin works well)

• 1 oz fresh lemon juice

• 0.75 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)

• 2 oz cantaloupe purée (from fresh cantaloupe)

• Club soda or sparkling water (to top)

• Ice cubes

• Optional garnish: Cantaloupe wedge, lemon slice, or fresh mint sprig

Instructions

1. Make cantaloupe purée:
   Peel and cube fresh cantaloupe. Add to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a silkier texture.

2. Build the cocktail base:
   In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and 2 oz of cantaloupe purée.

3. Shake with ice:
   Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until chilled.

4. Strain and pour:
   Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.

5. Top with soda:
   Add club soda or sparkling water to fill the glass, giving the drink its fizzy lift.

6. Garnish and serve:
   Garnish with a cantaloupe wedge, lemon slice, or mint sprig. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Flavor Notes and Variations

• Flavor Profile: Fruity, light, crisp, and refreshing. The cantaloupe adds natural sweetness and depth, gin contributes botanicals, and lemon keeps it bright.

• Variations:

  • Use vodka instead of gin for a cleaner flavor.

  • Swap lemon juice for lime juice for extra zest.

  • Try adding ginger syrup instead of simple syrup for a spicy kick.

  • Make a frozen Cantaloupe Collins by blending all ingredients (except soda) with ice for a slushy version.

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Tips for Success

• Choose ripe cantaloupe: The sweeter the fruit, the better the cocktail. A ripe melon should have a sweet aroma and a slight give at the stem end.

• Strain the purée: If you prefer a smoother cocktail without pulp, straining is key.

• Balance sweetness: Adjust the simple syrup depending on how sweet your melon is. Some ripe cantaloupes may need less sugar.

• Serve chilled: Pre-chill the glass for maximum refreshment.

When to Serve

The Cantaloupe Collins is ideal for:

• Brunches with friends or family

• Summer BBQs and poolside gatherings

• Light cocktail hours before dinner

• Outdoor parties and picnics

Its bright, fruity flavors and bubbly nature make it a crowd-pleaser for casual and elegant occasions alike.

Conclusion

The Cantaloupe Collins is a refreshing and modern take on a classic cocktail, ideal for anyone who enjoys fruity yet balanced drinks. Its combination of sweet melon, botanical gin, citrus brightness, and fizzy soda water creates a drink that’s both sophisticated and easygoing.

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