Cantaloupe Basil Late Sun

Cantaloupe has a mellow sweetness that works surprisingly well with basil and a tiny pinch of pepper. Lemon adds a little definition, but the melon should remain the main flavor. Mash some of the ripe flesh and strain before topping up if you prefer a clearer glass. The pepper adds aroma rather than obvious heat. This is a softly fruity soda with a savory edge, especially good for someone who likes melon but doesn't want another tropical juice blend.

Ingredients

• 5 oz Sparkling water
• 1/2 cup Ripe cantaloupe cubes
• 2 leaf Basil leaves
• 1 tiny pinch Ground black pepper
• 1/4 oz Lemon juice

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Mash soft fruit to release juice; lightly press herbs or thin ginger slices without shredding them.
2. Add the still juices and stir. Strain out seeds, skins or herb pieces if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Pour in the chilled sparkling water slowly and stir once. Serve immediately, with ice if you like.

Benefits

Cantaloupe · a little vitamin C

Cantaloupe brings some vitamin C to the mix—a nutrient involved in collagen formation for healthy skin, alongside a savory green fragrance from basil.

Lemon with a little lift

The lemon brings a clean citrus sharpness, alongside cantaloupe, basil, and black pepper; the chilled carbonated mixer adds a crisp texture to that pairing.