Lemon Fizz and Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Welcome to Happy Hour with Noriko! This is my little corner to unwind and share a favorite cocktail—or sometimes another fun drink—paired with a simple bite, often from Japanese cuisine or beyond, that goes perfectly with it. Think of it as a mini treat to kick off your evening. Today’s menu features Lemon Fizz and Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon.

Lemon Fizz is one of those cocktails that couldn’t be easier: vodka, lemon juice, and soda water poured over lots of ice. That’s it! On a warm summer evening, when you need a quick break from the heat, nothing feels better than kicking back at home with an ice-cold drink in hand. It’s refreshing, uncomplicated, and comes together in seconds—exactly what you want when you’re thirsty and don’t feel like fussing around.

To snack on, I’m making Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon—and yes, the name really gives it away. It’s just salty prosciutto wrapped around sweet, ripe cantaloupe. Simple, right? This pairing is a classic in Italy and Spain, where prosciutto is a beloved staple. It’s also a popular appetizer in Japan, though there it feels a bit more elegant, since the melons often used—the green-fleshed muskmelons with a netted rind—are considered a luxury fruit.

The best part? You can make this dish exactly the way you like it. I personally go heavy on the melon. Just chill the cantaloupe well, wrap it with thin slices of prosciutto, and add a drizzle of olive oil. A pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice if you’re feeling fancy.

With a fizzy drink in one hand and this cool, sweet-salty appetizer in the other, you might just feel recharged enough to start making dinner… or maybe you’ll just call it a night. No judgment here.