Ingredients
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup lightly packed basil sprigs, plus more for serving
6 cups peeled, chopped cantaloupe melon
1/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice
Vodka (optional)
Preparation
In a small heatproof bowl, pour 1/2 cup boiling water over sugar and basil; stir until sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes. Strain syrup into a blender; discard basil.
Add cantaloupe, grapefruit juice, and 1 3/4 cups cold water; blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
Serve over ice, garnished with a basil sprig, or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. If using vodka, stir a shot (1-ounce) into each glass before serving.
