This refreshing summer cocktail contains Pineau des Charentes, an aperitif from Western France, which is a blend of the region’s grape juice and cognac brandy, aged for 12 months in oak. It is slightly sweeter than wine and brandy but in a more juicey and fragrant way, making it a perfect cocktail to sip before dinner whether as suggested in this recipe, or over ice, over ice with soda or served with sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz Pineau des Charentes
¼ cup sweet, ripe cantaloupe
Splash of pomegranate juice
3 sprigs of lavender, 1 for garnish (optional)
Muddle the melon, vodka, Pineau des Charentes and lavender if using, in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain using a fine mesh strainer over an ice filled glass. Add a healthy splash of pomegranate juice and stir. Garnish with a sprig of lavender.
Cheers!