Melon is one of the great summer flavors and almost nobody bottles it well, which is what makes this so much fun. Melonade is an aperitif built around Cavaillon melon, the intensely perfumed, honeyed variety from southern France that people plan whole meals around in July. It’s low in alcohol and unapologetically fruity, but there’s enough freshness and bite to keep it from turning into candy. Think of it as the melon answer to an Aperol Spritz: a low-proof, high-charm way to start an evening. Serve it well chilled over ice with soda water, or top it with a dry sparkling wine and a squeeze of lemon. A wedge of prosciutto-wrapped melon on the side is not required, but it’s not a bad idea either.