Melon (Filipino Cantaloupe Juice)

Ripe cantaloupe is almost 90% water and naturally rich in electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, making this drink a handy way to re-hydrate after heavy heat or exercise. One 177 g cup of melon balls delivers about 160 g of water along with those minerals.

The orange colour comes from β-carotene, a vitamin A precursor that supports vision and immune function, while each cup also provides vitamin C for antioxidant defence.

Potassium does double duty here: it helps regulate fluid balance and is linked to healthier blood-pressure levels. A single wedge of cantaloupe supplies roughly 4% of the daily requirement.

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Prep time
15 min
Total time
8 hours
Serving
6 persons
Calories
187 kCal

What you need:
1 small ripe cantaloupe (≈ 1.3 kg)
170 g granulated sugar
1 litre filtered water
Ice cubes, for serving
30–60 ml milk or milk substitute (optional)
How to do it:
Halve and seed. Cut the cantaloupe in half from stem to stem and scoop out the seeds.
Shred the flesh.
Fork-and-spoon method: Drag a fork about 5 mm deep through the flesh to score long strands, then scoop them out with a spoon into a 2-litre jug.
Coconut-grater method (quicker): Hold the melon half over the jug and scrape straight down with a handheld Filipino coconut grater—the small, serrated disc traditionally used to “kayod” fresh coconut. Fine ribbons will drop directly into the jug; keep rotating the fruit until only the rind remains. No kayuran? A julienne peeler, large-toothed fork or sturdy spoon will create similar shreds.

Note: Continue until only the green rind remains (discard the bitter green layer). You should have about 2 cups (300 g) of shredded cantaloupe and juice.
Sweeten and dilute. Stir in the sugar, then pour over the filtered water. Mix until the sugar has dissolved.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours so the flavours meld and the drink turns icy cold.
Serve. Fill tall glasses with ice, ladle in the juice and plenty of cantaloupe strands, and if you like, finish each glass with a splash of milk. Add a straw and spoon for sipping and scooping.

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