Bitter Melon Mocktail
Bitter melons grow much like cucumbers, producing lots of fruit on a 6 ft trellis. True to its name, the fruit is very bitter! But that’s OK, because bitters are good for us.
“This mocktail was inspired by my love of a good gin and tonic, combing citrus, bitter, and sweet juniper syrup.”
Recipe Notes:
Juniper simple syrup: Simmer juniper berries in water for approx. 20 minutes. 1 cup of berries to 4 cups of water. As the berries begin to soften, lightly crush with potato masher. Strain liquid through a fine sieve. Add an equal amount of unrefined cane sugar by volume to the strained liquid. Stir to dissolve.
Bitter melon juice: Slice the bitter melon in half length ways. Scoop the white pith and seeds out with a spoon. Run bitter melon through a juicer. Alternatively, blend into a pulp and strain.
Recipe
2 part Lemon juice
1 part Juniper simple syrup
1 part Bitter melon juice
4 part Soda/carbonated water
Serve with ice
