Looking for a refreshing drink to brighten your spring and summer gatherings? The Cantaloupe Spritz Cocktail brings sweet melon flavors together with bubbly prosecco for a perfect seasonal treat.
This simple yet elegant cocktail combines fresh cantaloupe puree with sparkling wine and a splash of aperitif for a balanced, not-too-sweet drink that takes just minutes to prepare. The beautiful orange hue makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Perfect for brunch, afternoon gatherings, or evening parties, this cocktail works well for any occasion when you want something light and fruity.
The recipe can easily be adjusted to make a single serving or a pitcher for guests.
Cantaloupe Spritz Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Melon baller (optional)
- Highball glasses or wine glasses
- Measuring jigger (1-2 oz)
- Bar spoon: for stirring.
Ingredients
For 2 servings:
- 1 cup fresh cantaloupe chunks about ¼ of a medium cantaloupe
- 4 oz vodka or white rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Prosecco or sparkling wine about 4-6 oz
- Ice cubes
- Mint sprigs and cantaloupe balls for garnish
- Choose a ripe sweet cantaloupe for the best flavor. The fruit should smell fragrant and have a slight give when pressed.
- Fresh lime juice works much better than bottled versions.
Instructions
- Prepare the cantaloupe: Cut the melon in half, remove seeds, and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Muddle the fruit: Place cantaloupe chunks in the cocktail shaker and muddle thoroughly until the fruit is broken down and juicy.
- Add the mixers: Pour in vodka (or rum), lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice to the shaker.
- Shake well: Close the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture: Pour through a fine mesh strainer into ice-filled glasses, filling them halfway.
- Top with bubbles: Add prosecco or sparkling wine to fill each glass.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish: Add a sprig of mint and a small cantaloupe ball on a cocktail pick.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The Cantaloupe Spritz delivers a refreshing blend of sweet melon and bright, effervescent notes.
This cocktail balances fruity sweetness with a crisp, dry finish.
The first sip reveals the natural sweetness of ripe cantaloupe. This forms the backbone of the drink’s flavor profile, offering a gentle sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
Flavor Components:
- Dominant: Fresh cantaloupe, slightly honeyed
- Secondary: Citrus brightness, herbal hints
- Finish: Clean, bubbly, slightly dry
The bubbles from sparkling wine or soda water add a pleasant texture and help carry the cantaloupe aroma.
The acidity from lemon or lime juice cuts through the sweetness for perfect balance.
Temperature plays an important role in this cocktail. Served cold, the melon flavors become more pronounced yet remain subtle.
When properly made, the Cantaloupe Spritz has a light orange-pink hue that hints at its melon foundation.
The color can vary based on the ripeness of the fruit used.
This cocktail pairs well with light appetizers, seafood, and summer salads.
The bright, fruit-forward profile makes it an excellent choice for warm-weather gatherings.
Substitute
If you can’t find cantaloupe for your spritz cocktail, don’t worry. There are actually quite a few things you could try instead.
Honeydew melon works well as a replacement. It’s got a similar texture and that mellow sweetness, so it blends in with the other ingredients without much fuss.
Other melons—like watermelon or Crenshaw—can work too. Each one will give your drink a different, maybe even surprising, flavor profile.
No melons around? Try peaches or nectarines. These stone fruits bring a sweet, aromatic vibe that goes really well with sparkling wine, if you ask me.
If you’re after a more tropical twist, mango or papaya could be fun. They bring another kind of sweetness, but still keep the cocktail feeling fresh and lively.
Non-Fruit Alternatives:
- Cucumber (for a less sweet, more refreshing option)
- Carrot juice (adds sweetness with earthy notes)
- Pumpkin puree (for a fall version)
If you’re using less sweet fruit or veggies, you might want to adjust the sweetness with a bit of simple syrup. It’s all about balance, right?
Garnish is fair game, too. Why not try mint, basil, or even edible flowers instead of the usual orange slice?
