Boozy Melon Three Ways

Step 1

Tequila-Soaked Watermelon: Place sugar, tequila, orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly. Arrange watermelon in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over fruit. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours and up to 1 day. Serve with mint and a drizzle of syrup; sprinkle with flaky salt and squeeze with lime juice.

Step 2

Gin-Soaked Honeydew: Place sugar, gin, orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly. Arrange honeydew in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over fruit. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours and up to 1 day. Serve with tarragon and a drizzle of syrup; sprinkle with flaky salt and squeeze with lime juice.

Step 3

Vodka-Soaked Cantaloupe: Place sugar, vodka, orange liqueur, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Let cool slightly. Arrange cantaloupe in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over fruit. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours and up to 1 day. Serve with basil and a drizzle of syrup; sprinkle with flaky salt and squeeze with lime juice.