This fruity cantaloupe cocktail recipe makes for a refreshing, light margarita packed with antioxidants and perfect for your next spring or summer party!
The Unsung Cantaloupe
When I was a kid, there was a point in time where I truly worried about turning orange....all because I ate a lot of cantaloupes, carrots, and oranges. All healthy snacks and totally good for you, right? But my innocent child mind had this weird little fear that these delicious fruits and veggies in large amounts would make my skin glow orange, and there was a brief moment in time when I was eating a LOT of these three particular foods.
Clearly, my skin did not, in fact, turn into a blinding orange color, because I kept eating these foods and still do to this day. I especially have a soft spot in my heart for cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe is one of those fruits that I feel like gets a bad rap as one of the "boring" fruits, just because it gets chopped up along with its pale honeydew melon cousin too frequently into bland excuses for fruit salads served as sides at diners everywhere.
And while summer berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries get a lot of glory and recipe play time come spring and summer, I urge you to give the mild-mannered cantaloupe equal table time this year.
Sure, throw some cantaloupe into your fruit salads and wrap them with prosciutto, but also consider using them to help you whip up some mouthwatering, refreshing, creative cocktails!
Cantaloupe Cocktail: Margaritas
These cantaloupe margaritas are unexpected, luscious treats that bring bursts of bright sunshine to your table.
Because they contain a cup and a quarter of cantaloupe per drink, you're getting a decent amount fruit compared to most cocktails... fruit that's packed with Vitamins A and C (hello, antioxidants!), and also contains potassium, folate, magnesium, and more!
So really, these are healthy margaritas, right? I say, let's go with that!
I use Hornitos Añejo Tequila with this, because I feel like it adds more depth and flavor to this margarita. It also happens to be my current fave tequila in my cocktail cabinet at the time. You can use whatever tequila you happen to have on hand, however.
To add a little sweetness, I use a light agave nectar, which is really great to have on hand for many different types of cocktails, but you can also use honey or make your own simple syrup.
Serve up these blended cantaloupe margaritas for Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day brunch, and any al fresco fiesta you have planned this spring or summer. The garnish of mint leaves (or lime slices - your choice!) add some freshness to the drink, as well as a beautiful contrasting visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 2-½ cups chopped cantaloupe
- 2 oz añejo tequila
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon light agave nectar
- mint leaves or lime slices for garnish
Instructions
- Add cantaloupe, lime juice, tequila, and agave nectar in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into two margarita glasses.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lime slice
Have you ever had a cantaloupe margarita? Would you try one? Do you agree that these should count as healthy liquid snacks? (we're all nodding in agreement to that last one, right? RIGHT?! ;)
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
LOL, I had the same fear. I could eat a bag of carrots in a sitting! This drink has my name all over it. I had one in a restaurant and just haven't gotten around to figuring out the recipe, now I don't need to.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
No too silly! Drinking a glass of fresh carrot juice and then going out in the sun WILL turn you a slight orange!
Marye says
This makes me think of warm summer afternoons! Looks amazing!
Brettni Brumfield says
I've never met a margarita I didn't like. These look tasty!
Pech says
I have to admit my favorite way to have cantaloupe is in drink form... the one I'm thinking of included melon ball scoops of cantaloupe in the drink itself too to enjoy as a "garnish"!
Catherine says
I am totally annoyed with deli fruit salads, but the cantaloupe from the farmer's market is SO MUCH BETTER than the creepy stuff you get at the supermarket. And I'd bet it's even more delicious with a splash of tequila. ;)
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
These look so refreshing and delicious Marlynn! Such a summery cocktail!
Mary @ Vindulge says
I used to date a guy in college who was obsessed with carrots. OBSESSED. He ate them all day long, and also drank carrot juice. Literally overdosing on carrots. And I swear to god his skin did turn a faint shade of orange as a result!!!
Also, these margaritas look so darn refreshing!!! I have to try them. I'll also be generous and make a non-alcoholic batch for my kiddos. I can imagine they would love the booze-free version.
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
Cantaloupe is most definitely not boring! These look awesome, I think cantaloupe is one of the few (haha) flavored margaritas I've never had. Must correct that!!
jenni says
ha! Very glad that cantaloupe doesn't turn me orange because I LOVE it. I am a weirdo and eat it with salt and pepper. SO GOOD. This looks fabulous. I'm a huge fan of tequila with that fruit!
Melissa says
You really come up with the best drink ideas!