ginger & cantaloupe kaftan cocktail

One of the best lessons I learned about hosting was to take care to make each guest feel tended to. And, as so many of us greet guests and offer them a drink in the same breath, a breadth of beverage options — tailored to their preferences — is a wonderful way to show the care and thought that makes guests feel welcome and at ease. Stock your dinner guest’s favorite beer, have their preferred cocktail pre-batched (or at least have all the ingredients), offer a non-alcoholic option for guests who choose not to imbibe.

On that note, I’ve been told a special non-alcoholic option (i.e. something beyond water) is particularly meaningful for guests who don’t or aren’t currently drinking. Here’s one of my summer favorites…

Ingredients

• Cantaloupe

• Fresh Ginger

• Agave

• Lime

• Topo Chico

Instructions

• Combine 1 cup cubed cantaloup, a thumb of ginger, 1 jigger of agave, and 1/3 cup lime and blend.

• Strain mixture well

• Top with Topo Chico and ice

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