Test kitchen director Farideh Sadeghin got the recipe for this refreshing melon drink from her Iranian-born father, who makes it by grating fresh cantaloupe and combining it with water, sugar, and fresh mint. You can add a little gin for a cooling summer cocktail.
Featured in: Chasing the Perfect Persian Rice
Persian Cantaloupe Drink
Refreshing and simple, grated cantaloupe with fresh water and sugar is perfect on a hot summer's day. Add minced fresh mint or a touch of gin for a little kick.
Yield: makes 6 cups
Time:
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cantaloupe (about 3 lbs.)
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
- Fresh mint, for serving
Instructions
- Peel cantaloupe, then halve and scoop out and discard seeds. Cut each half into 2 pieces and coarsely grate into a bowl. Mix with sugar and 3 1⁄2 cups water, the refrigerate at least 45 minutes. Serve with fresh mint over ice.