Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 6

　　1 1/2 cups water

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　1 cup packed fresh mint leaves

　　1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

　　1 small watermelon, cut into wedges

　　1 cantaloupe, seeded and cut into wedges

　　1/2 honeydew melon, cut into wedges

　　1/2 pineapple, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch wedges

　　Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

　　

Step 1

In a saucepan bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. In a heatproof bowl pour syrup over mint and steep 5 minutes. Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a pitcher, discarding mint, and stir in lemon juice. Chill syrup, covered, at least until cold and up to 1 week.

　　

Step 2

Arrange fruit on a large platter and garnish with mint sprigs. Serve syrup on the side.