Melon Melody
This weekend, welcome the unofficial start of the summer season with a cool melon cocktail. The colorful garnishes, made of fresh melon balls -- use other varieties when watermelon is unavailable -- add an impressive finishing touch. But the melon soaks up the punch, so be careful when snacking!
Credit: Punch by Colleen Mullaney
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
* Punch bowl and glasses
* 4 cups pineapple juice
* 2 cups vodka
* 3/4 cup Midori (melon liqueur)
* 1/2 cup cream of coconut
* 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
* 1/2 small cantaloupe, chilled
* 1/4 small honeydew melon, chilled
* 1-inch-thick slice of small seedless watermelon, chilled
* 4 cups crushed ice
Directions:
Mix all of the liquid ingredients in the punch bowl.
Cut the melons into 1/2-inch balls using the smaller end of a melon baller. Thread the melon balls in combinations onto 8 large cocktail picks or small skewers. If you have more melon than you need, cut additional balls and float them in the punch for added color.
Add the crushed ice to the punch. Garnish individual glasses with the melon ball swizzles and serve immediately.
Note: Cream of coconut, not to be confused with the unsweetened coconut milk and cream used for cooking, is a thick, sweetened coconut product found in liquor stores and well-stocked supermarkets.
