Aelred Melonade Aperitif

Cavaillon is the melon capital of France, specialising in small cantaloupes that positively explode with sweetness and floral fragrance. These flavour bombs have been combined with a neutral spirit, sugar cane and a little lemon juice for zing, to create a liqueur that can only be described as liquid sunshine. Drink it neat over crushed ice or mix with sparkling water, lemonade, tonic or Champagne and garnish with mint leaves or melon balls. Alternatively, if you want to create a sensational starter, serve up little shooters of this with charcuterie boards for a modern twist on the classic combo. Or try drizzling a shot over fresh cantaloupe melon and vanilla ice cream, then scatter with fresh mint leaves. Get twistin your melon man.

Since 1949 Eyguebelle, and their sister company Ælred, have been merrily crafting the finest syrups, liqueurs and spirits in Drome Provencale in the South of France. Here in the northern gateway to Provence, surrounded by orchards, olive groves, lavender fields and the sepia pastel shades, they make everything from ancient herbal liqueurs inspired by the monks of Aiguebelle Abbey to cutting-edge spirits used by the worlds top bartenders

Juicy and sweet, with notes of cantaloupe, orange, red grape and peach all the way through.

Nolan - Text from the Spotlight on the Lower-Strength Spirits of France blog

Ok, ok, I know this looks and sounds questionable, but trust me, it’s really good! Melonade is a delicious aperitif produced in Cavaillon, the melon capital of France. The production for Melonade is refreshingly simple, orange Charentais melons have been combined with a neutral spirit, sugar cane and a little lemon juice for zing.

Flavour wise, this is juicy and sweet, with notes of cantaloupe, orange, red grape and peach all the way through. You can happily use this instead of Aperol for a spritz, keep it French and use Crémant instead of prosecco though. Oo la la!