Spicy Melon Cocktail Recipe

• 1 cup London Dry gin, such as Ford's
• 1 cup chopped skinned and seeded cantaloupe (about 1/2 melon)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup finely minced cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 2 ounces Melon-Infused Gin
• 3/4 ounce Cilantro Simple Syrup
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice from 1 lime
• 1/2 ounce Dolin Blanc vermouth
• Pinch cayenne pepper, plus more for garnish
• Melon slice, for garnish

1. : Combine gin and cantaloupe in an airtight container; cantaloupe should be completely covered with gin. Let stand at room temperature for 3 days. Strain into a clean bottle. Refrigerate up to 6 months.
2. Combine water with sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Add cilantro and let stand for 1 hour. Strain out cilantro. Cool before using. Simple syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. : Combine melon-infused gin, cilantro simple syrup, lime, vermouth, and pinch cayenne pepper in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
4. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a melon slice sprinkled with additional cayenne and serve immediately.

gin, cantaloupe, water, sugar, cilantro, gin, cilantro, cayenne pepper

Taken from www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/08/spicy-melon-cocktail-gin-cilantro-cayenne-drink-for-summer-parties.html (may not work)