National Bitter Melon Council

Mascerated Bitter Melon
3 Bitter Melons: Cored and cubed
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup sugar

1 bottle Sake
1 bottle Plum wine

Lemon twists (for garnish)

Core and cube Bitter Melon. Put cubes in a bowl and cover with lemon juice and sugar. Toss and set aside overnight. In the morning, mascerated mixture should be part liquid and part Bitter Melon cubes. Mix everything in a blender and strain through a cheese cloth. Use liquid for the drink.

Heat Sake and Plum wine on low until warm. Do not bring to a boil. Fill the bottom of small tea-ceremony cups with mascerated Bitter Melon liquid. Pour sake and plum wine on top and garnish with a lemon twist. Serve warm.