Famously among the world's most luxurious fruits, the Japanese cantaloupe melon arrives at The Aubrey in an iteration of three masterful cocktails. Created by Hotel Beverage Manager Devender Sehgal and his bar team, the Yubari, Merone and Greenhouse are back to highlight this prized fruit for the short season at their finest.
The Shizuoka Yubari King Melon was first cultivated in Japan after melon farmers in the Taisho period (1912–1926) crossbred "Earl's Favourite" melons imported from Europe with native melon varieties. Generations of careful refinement of cultivation techniques have resulted in the crowning of Japanese musk melons as the "King of Fruits". Their delicious flavour is owed to the incredible care and attention that is invested into growing each melon.
A margarita-style drink with a Japanese twist, the Merone features a robust blend of awamori and mezcal with ancho chilli, whilst the Yubari mixes the earthy flavours of barley shochu with the bright freshness of the melon. Rounding out the trio, the Greenhouse displays more delicate sensibilities bringing out the fruitier notes of the Japanese cantaloupe melon, blended with white rum, lavender and imo shochu.
Sehgal has distilled the purest essence of this distinguished fruit into three iconic drinks, available from now until the end of July at The Aubrey.