Melon, vodka and mint drink

Set aside several mint leaves to use as a garnish and pound the remaining leaves and sugar together using a pestle and mortar, taking care to extract as much juice from the mint as possible. Add the lemon juice and a little of the orange juice to help the process along.

Meanwhile, place the chunks of melon into a blender and liquidize, then strain through a sieve to make it really smooth. Pour the melon juice into a large glass jug and stir in the mint puree. Add vodka to taste, depending on how alcoholic you want the cocktail to be!

Stir in a good handful of ice, together with the reserved mint leaves, and serve immediately.