Melon and rose is not only a sexy sounding combination, but it’s also a beautifying combination.  Rosewater, an ancient Persian tincture, is celebrated for its toning and moisturizing properties and when combined with the beta-carotene from the cantaloupe, Pretty Lady Lemonade becomes exactly that.

INGREDIENTS

For 5 cups

1/2 cup meyer lemon juice (about 3 meyer lemons), fresh squeezed

or regular lemons if you can’t find meyer lemons, which have a bit more sweetness

1/2 cup lime juice (about 5 limes), fresh squeezed

2 cups hot water

2 cups cold water

4 cups chopped ripe cantaloupe melon

1/4 cup rose syrup (recipe below)

DIRECTIONS (LEMONADE)

Juice the meyer lemons and limes. Put all of the used halves into a bowl and cover with 2 cups of hot water.  Let it sit for about 10 minutes.  The hot water pulls all of the natural oils out of the meyer lemon and lime skins and adds so much flavor. Strain into a blender and add the lemon and lime juice, cold water, melon, and rose syrup. Puree fully and strain. Pour into a pitcher and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

INGREDIENTS (ROSE SYRUP)

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon rosewater

DIRECTIONS

In a small pot, stir together the water and sugar.  Heat the mixture on medium for about 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolves and the liquid is clear.  Take off the heat, stir in the rosewater, and set aside.