With its roots deeply seated in the Studio 54 scene of the late 70s, the melon ball has established its place among our cocktail culture. This powerful drink boasts the fruity fragrance of melon and pineapple but packs a punch.
The ingredients are readily accessible and the drink is simple to make. While often built to order, this concoction could certainly be adapted for a pitcher cocktail scenario. Just imagine sipping the last days of summer away on the patio.
As with any drink, there are many variations to consider. For example, some recipes use orange juice instead of pineapple juice, but I find the pineapple juice pairs better and offers a flavor that is slightly more unexpected. You will also see many variations in the ratio of ingredients. The recipe here is a good starting place, but if you prefer more vodka to liqueur make adjustments to taste.
Lastly, some recipes call for ice in the glass. Instead, I like to freeze melon balls (on the picks, if you are using them) and place them in the glass to keep the drink cool. The melon balls freeze nicely and won’t water down your drink as they thaw.
Enjoy the end of the season with this fresh and colorful drink. Gather on the patio, turn up the Donna Summer, and sip the days away.
MELON BALL
The ingredients:
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces melon liqueur
- 1 ounce vodka
- frozen melon balls for garnish
The method:
- Add pineapple juice, liqueur, and vodka to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until it is jet cold.
- Strain mixture into a glass.
- Garnish with frozen melon balls.
