A recipe for Melon sa Malamig (Filipino Cantaloupe Drink)! This light and refreshing drink comes together with simply cantaloupe, water, and sugar.
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Melon sa Malamig is a cantaloupe-based drink from the Philippines. Sa Malamig translates to “cold” in Tagalog and this is definitely a great drink for a hot summer day. The recipe also comes together with only three base ingredients!
Thin shreds of cantaloupe are combined with water and sweetened to taste. For an added boost, stir in some vanilla extract and sweetened condensed or evaporated milk.
Some recipes even include a little lemon, lime, or calamansi juice for a bit of citrus flavor.
A Few Tips
The thin shreds of cantaloupe are created with the help of a melon scraper. I used a coconut slicer and it worked perfectly. If you have neither, a grater can be substituted to help get a similar texture.
The addition of sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk will add some creaminess to the Melon sa Malamig. If using, drink immediately after combining. Lalaine of Kawaling Pinoy mentions through experience that the proteolytic enzyme in the cantaloupe breaks down the milk proteins. This produces a bitter flavor if left to sit for a bit.
I added about 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar to the water. Adjust the amount more or less based on personal taste. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved and allow to cool completely to room temperature before combining with the cantaloupe.
Looking for more refreshing summertime drinks?
Try my:
Melon sa Malamig (Filipino Cantaloupe Drink) Recipe
Adapted from Maryann and The Kitchen Table
Melon sa Malamig (Filipino Cantaloupe Drink)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water plus more for pitcher
- 1 medium cantaloupe
Optional:
- Large splash vanilla extract
- Sweetened condensed or evaporated milk
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over high heat. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce heat to low.
- Simmer, stirring often, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Clean the outside of the cantaloupe and cut in half.
- Use a spoon to remove the seeds and a melon scraper to scoop out threads of the cantaloupe into a medium bowl. If a melon scraper is not available, slice the cantaloupe and grate the flesh into the bowl.
- Place the grated cantaloupe flesh into the pitcher and add the cooled syrup.
- Fill with water. If using, add a splash of vanilla extract or some condensed/evaporated milk.
- Serve chilled or with crushed ice.
Angela
What a delicious and refreshing drink for the summer! I’ll be sipping this all summer long.
Sarah James
This is just up my street, I love homemade refreshing drinks and yours looks delicious. Looking forward to trying it, thanks for sharing.
Gina Abernathy
Such a healthy and refreshing summertime drink. I always pick up a fresh melon at the farmers market during the summer.