Melon Drink

Filipino melon drink is the sweet, icy hug that you need on a hot day. A sip of this brings me back to summer’s as a kid growing up in San Jose, CA. I remember helping my lola shred the cantaloupe with a fork. This would often be my midafternoon snack or merienda. I would eat this with a spoon because I would sip the juice then fish out a strand of cantaloupe to eat immediately afterwards.

I don’t like my drink as sweet or milky, so I serve it like this. My lola, however, would add milk to hers. With a drink like this feel free to tweak it to suit your taste.

Ingredients
1 medium ripe cantaloupe (melon), seeds removed

2 cups hot water

3 cups cold water

1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

1 cup evaporated milk, or probiotic drink (optional for a creamy version)

Lots of ice cubes

1. Shred the watermelon using a fork or melon scraper into long, juicy strands. Transfer to a large pitcher.

2. In a seperate bowl, combine sugar with hot water until sugar is fully dissolved.

3. Pour the hot sugar water over the grated melon in the pitcher. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. This helps intensify the melon flavor.

4. Add the cold water and mix well. Taste and adjust as needed.

5. Add evaporated milk or yakult for a creamy twist. (optional)

6. Chill in the fridge or serve immediately over ice.

Cantaloupe drink is tropi-cool