Hendrick's & Honeydew

Contributed by Jim Burke and Kristina Burke

SERVINGS: makes 1 drink

James • Philadelphia

Honeydew melon was in season when Kristina Burke and her husband, chef Jim Burke, opened their restaurant, so they decided to use it in a drink. The cucumber and rose flavors in Hendrick's gin balance the melon's almost unctuous sweetness.

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7 medium honeydew melon balls
1 1/2 ounces gin, preferably Hendrick's
Ice
1 ounce chilled tonic water
1 thyme sprig

In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 of the honeydew balls with the gin. Add ice and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and stir in the chilled tonic water. Garnish with the remaining 3 honeydew balls and the thyme sprig.