Sweet Honeydew Mint Smoothie - The Other Green Drink

Imagine it is the perfect summer day. It's warm, but not hot. The sky is flecked with little tufts of cloud, drifting lazily. The air is sweet with the smell of grass, and everywhere you look the world is bright, and blooming, and green. Somewhere in the distance you hear children running through sprinklers, which reminds you of when you were that age, and life was so much simpler. You feel the sun wash the pale from your skin, and sitting down, you let yourself sink gently into its blanketing warmth. It's like the whole world has slowed down just a little, and nothing could please you more than a cool drink, a good book, and a little time to enjoy them. It doesn't get much better than this.

Well, that's exactly what I've been imagining. Because it isn't one of those days, here. Not today. Apparently when I put in my request for Mother Nature to turn the thermostat down, just a touch, she took it pretty seriously. Now, instead of warmth and sunshine, it is grey and damp and downright cold. I guess that's normal, though, right? I mean, it's not like it's the beginning of July or anything.

Oh... right. It is the beginning of July!

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one to complain about cooler weather (au contraire!), but with a record-breaking heat wave happening on the other side of the country, it just doesn't seem right to be sitting over here in a sweater. What happened to the middle ground? That happy medium between oppressive swelter and unseasonable chill? That summer sweet spot, where escaping the heat is just a sip of smoothie away?

Well, if it were one of those days, this would be the smoothie I would want to have. If you're feeling the heat, wherever you are, this sweet and icy concoction of honeydew and mint is here to rescue you.



This is the first time I have even considered putting melon into my blender, and all I can say is, why have I never done this before?! Most of us are familiar "green smoothies" made with spinach, or avocado, or other greens, but somehow honeydew has managed to get overlooked. For as much of a smoothie lover as I am, I'm frankly disappointed in myself for not having thought of it sooner. The combination of mint and melon might just be the most refreshing thing I've ever experienced. In fact, I think I may have just discovered the antidote to that record breaking heat wave.

I know this strange cool spell is just a small interlude before returning to what the rest of the country is experiencing, but at least now I am prepared. So bring it on, Mother Nature! I'm ready for you.


Recipe notes: this smoothie is best made with cold ingredients. I suggest chilling your melon and coconut milk in the fridge before blending.
You could also turn this smoothie into a cocktail, if you were so inclined. A few options include adding a splash of tequila, rum, or vodka, to taste.

Sweet Honeydew and Mint Smoothie
Makes 4 servings, easily made vegan

1/2 honeydew melon, cut into chunks (about 4 cups, or 1 1/2 lbs)
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1-2 leaves fresh mint (plus more for garnish)
1/2-1 tsp. fresh lime juice (or to taste)
1 cup ice
Drizzle of honey or coconut nectar, to taste (optional, depending on how sweet your melon is)

Method
Cut your melon in half, remove the seeds, and slice away the outer rind. Cut the melon into chunks, and add to your blender along with the coconut milk, mint, lime, and ice. Blend until smooth. Taste, and adjust sweetness with honey or coconut nectar. Serve with a garnish of mint, or fresh melon slices.

Enjoy!

Update: when I made this smoothie I had some leftovers, which I poured into an ice-cube tray to save for later. Well, it's hot now, and those ice cube are the first thing I reach for to keep cool. I only wish I had thought to put some popsicle sticks in them!