Joan of Arc cocktail, with Charantais Melon

The lusty French Melon, in season, is a lifetime delight that shouldn't be missed. These magical sweet melons are in season now in Oakland, and I am hard pressed to pass them by in the market. Try this cocktail for happy hour tonight, and you'll find yourself raising a glass to the local farmers who bring us these gems of the fields.

1.5 oz of Laird's Straight Apple Brandy
1 (approx 1 oz) of Egg White
0.75 oz of French Melon Shrubb
0.5 oz of Simple Syrup
sprig of Fresh Tarragon

Dry shake all ingredients, then shake again with cubed ice. Double strain into a coupe or sour glass. Garnish with a fresh tarragon sprig and bitters design, if desired.

To make the shrubb, peel and seed four Charentais melons, puree with 3 oz rice wine vinegar and 3 oz inverted simple syrup. Fine strain through a chinoise and keep refrigerated.

Enjoy your weekend! I'll see YOU there!

-- Suzanne