Creekside Drinks: Melon Drop

After long days of fighting Florida’s heat and humidity, I like to grab a few ripe chunks of my favorite melons, cut straight from the rind, and head out to the front porch. It’s my preferred way of getting hydrated while enjoying the warm glow of the sun’s fading rays.

The only downside to this pastime is the stream of juices that always finds its way down to my hands. What a waste of wonderful flavor!

On particular evening, as I was grabbing a paper towel to clean myself up, I dreamed up a better way to enjoy these wonderful fruits — a melon drop. It's the perfect way to get all the enjoyment without any of the mess. Plus, this refreshing martini is as simple to make as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ oz. Grey Goose Le Melon vodka
• 4 lemon wedges
• A splash of triple sec
• Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew for garnish

Directions:

• Pour the vodka into a shaker.
• Squeeze all four lemon wedges into the vodka and add the triple sec.
• Shake and strain into a martini glass.
• Garnish with fresh balls of watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe.

I like to put my martini glasses in the freezer beforehand, so my drink stays colder as the days get warmer. Now when I sit down on my front porch to watch the sunset, I won’t be fighting drips. Instead, I’ll be drinking every last chilled drop.