Canta-Not-Loopy “Margarita”

MAKES 2 SERVINGS

Inspired by the “Cantaloopy” cocktail at Epcot’s China Pavilion, cantaloupe isn’t often thought of for a cocktail. I love the fresh and refreshing flavors mixed with a hint of heat from the jalapeño. The second I tasted this, I couldn’t help but think of a spicy margarita, even though it contains no tequila. Dried lime leaves can be somewhat tricky to find but are usually located with other packaged herbs in the fresh vegetable area. They are often used in Thai cooking but give a refreshing lime flavor to this drink. I love to add them in sparkling water or use the rest of the package in Thai-style curries.

1 cup chopped cantaloupe

Ice cubes

1 small jalapeño chile, thinly sliced (seeds and membrane discarded if you prefer less spicy)

4 dried lime leaves

Unflavored sparkling water

Put the cantaloupe in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the cantaloupe puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a container, pressing on the puree with a rubber spatula to extract all the juice. Add ice to 2 cocktail glasses; divide the cantaloupe juice among the glasses, about 3 to 4 tablespoons per glass. Add a few jalapeño slices along with 2 lime leaves per drink. Top with sparkling water and serve.

Use any extra cantaloupe juice for a smoothie or store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.