melon sangria
Summery, fresh & perfect for a party: melon sangria can be made a day ahead so the fruit soaks up the booze. Then all that’s left to do is top up everyone’s glasses with ice & ginger ale.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped (or balls) watermelon, plus about 4 cups of chopped, extra (for juice)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped (or balls) honeydew melon
- 1 1/2 cups chopped (or balls) cantaloupe (rockmelon)
- 1 bottle (750mwhite wine
- 1/2 cup orange flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau, triple sec or Grand Marnier
- 1/2 cup of white rum
- ice cubes, for serving
- ginger ale, chilled, for serving
- toothpicks or small skewers if you want to make fruit garnishes optional
Instructions
- Place 1 1/2 cups of watermelon, honeydew melon & cantaloupe in a 2 quart/2L (or large jug or screw-top jar (I used a big Mason jar).
- Take the 2 cups of watermelon & push them through a fine metal strainer using a ladle or the back of a large metal spoon, catching the watermelon juice in a bowl or jug. Repeat with remaining chopped watermelon. You will need 2 to 3 cups of juice; discard solids. Add the juice to the jar.
- Add wine, orange liqueur & rum; stir to combine. Seal the jar, or cover the jug, & chill for 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, place ice in glasses, half to two thirds fill glasses with melon sangria, adding some chopped melon or melon balls, & top-up glasses with cold ginger ale. Serve immediately, adding a fruit garnish if desired. Makes 1 1/2 to 2 quarts/2L.