Melon Fight Milk Recipe

Prepare and purée melon

Place the 2 cups cubed melon into a blender. Add 2 tablespoons simple syrup and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds. If the puree seems very thick, add 1 tablespoon cold water and blend another 10 seconds.

Taste the melon purée and adjust sweetness with up to 1 tablespoon more simple syrup if needed. Chill briefly while you prepare the milk mixture if not using immediately.

Combine dairy and flavor

In a medium bowl or pitcher, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup half-and-half, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth and slightly frothy. Keep cold.

If you prefer a lighter texture, you may froth the milk mixture with a hand frother for 10–15 seconds to incorporate air.

Mix cocktail

Fill two short glasses (or coupe glasses) with equal amounts of ice (about 1/2 cup ice per glass). Divide the melon purée between the two glasses (about 1/4 cup each), pouring over the ice.

If using alcohol, add 1.5 tablespoons vodka or light rum to each glass (3 tablespoons total split between two).

Gently pour the milk mixture over the back of a spoon into each glass to create a layered look, dividing the milk evenly (about 3/4 cup milk mixture split between two).

Optional: stir once or twice gently with a bar spoon to combine slightly, or leave layered for presentation.

Garnish each glass with a small melon slice or two melon balls on a pick and a fresh mint sprig. Serve immediately with a short straw or stirrer.

To make this non-dairy, substitute unsweetened oat or almond milk and use a neutral-flavored non-dairy cream instead of half-and-half; whisk well to combine.