This melon cooler cocktail is light, fruity, and made for those long, lazy Friday afternoons when the sun refuses to set. Use a melon baller to scoop bright rounds of watermelon, spanspek, and honeydew, then soak them in rum and lime juice before topping with soda or sparkling wine.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1 cup watermelon balls
• 1 cup spanspek balls
• 1 cup honeydew melon balls
• 4 shots (100ml) white rum
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar syrup (optional)
• 300ml sparkling water or prosecco
• Ice cubes
• Lime slices and mint leaves, for garnish

Method

1. Use a melon baller to scoop out melons. Place them in a jug or large bowl.
2. Pour over the rum and lime juice. Add honey or syrup if you like it a bit sweeter. Let the melon soak for 15 minutes in the fridge.
3. Fill four glasses with ice. Spoon in the boozy melon balls until half full.
4. Pour sparkling water or prosecco over the fruit. Stir gently to combine.
5. Add a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.

Tip: Swap rum for coconut rum or Malibu for a creamy flavour.