Theo Nash
Watermelon cocktails are a refreshing summer drink. While vodka is a popular choice to pair with watermelon, other alcoholic beverages like rum, tequila, and gin also go well with the fruit. Some cocktails that use watermelon include margaritas, mojitos, Moscow mules, and sangria. Watermelon cocktails can be made in a variety of ways, from infusing the fruit with alcohol to blending it into a puree and combining it with other ingredients.
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What You'll Learn
Vodka-spiked watermelon
There are several ways to make vodka-spiked watermelon, a refreshing treat that can be served at backyard BBQs, birthday parties, summer holidays, and other gatherings. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it using two popular methods:
Using a Meat Injector
This method is simple and effective, and only requires vodka, a watermelon, and a meat injector. First, gather your ingredients and tools. Stabilize the watermelon on a large rimmed sheet pan or a work surface using a dishcloth or something similar to keep it from rolling.
Slowly inject the vodka into the watermelon in several places, allowing the watermelon to rest for a few minutes between injections to absorb the liquid. Injecting the vodka slowly and resting between injections is crucial. If injected quickly and in rapid succession, the vodka will trickle and may even spurt out of the holes.
Continue injecting and resting until the vodka repeatedly trickles out of the holes. At this point, the watermelon has absorbed all it can. You may not use all of the vodka, depending on the size and juiciness of the melon.
Finally, allow the vodka and watermelon to rest refrigerated for 12 to 24 hours. The vodka will slowly filter into the watermelon's flesh during this time. When ready to serve, simply cut the watermelon into slices as usual. Be sure to label the slices as "adults only" and let your guests know that they contain vodka.
Pouring Vodka into a Hole in the Watermelon
This method requires a little more preparation but is still quite straightforward. First, rinse the watermelon thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities from the skin. Then, stabilize the watermelon on a work surface, using a dishcloth to prevent it from rolling.
Remove the cap from the vodka bottle and trace a circle around it on the top of the watermelon using a marker. Make sure the hole is slightly wider than the neck of the bottle. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the circle, making sure to cut through the tough rind. Remove the "plug" of the rind and set it aside.
Rotate the watermelon so that the hole is tilted to the side, and quickly insert the neck of the bottle into the watermelon. Then, rotate the watermelon so that the bottle is vertical, allowing the vodka to infuse into the fruit. Let it infuse for at least 12 hours.
After infusing, carefully remove the bottle, being cautious of spills, and replace the "plug" that was cut out of the rind. Finally, place the watermelon in the refrigerator for a few hours to chill before slicing and serving. As always, be sure to label the slices as "adults only" and inform your guests about the vodka content.
Serving Suggestions
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Watermelon cocktails
There are many ways to make watermelon cocktails, from infusing the watermelon with alcohol to blending cocktails with watermelon ingredients. Here are some ideas for watermelon cocktails:
Vodka-Spiked Watermelon
Also known as a drunken watermelon, this cocktail involves injecting vodka into a whole watermelon and letting it slowly seep into the fruit. A marinade injector can be used to infuse the watermelon with vodka, which is more effective than pouring the vodka into a hole in the watermelon. When the watermelon is ready, it can be cut into pieces and served.
Fresh Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
This cocktail is made with fresh watermelon, vodka, lime juice, and optional club soda, sparkling water, or Sprite for a fizzy and sweet taste. To make this cocktail, add one cup of watermelon juice to a cocktail shaker with the vodka, lime juice, and sweetener if using. Shake with ice, pour over more ice, and enjoy. This cocktail can be made ahead of time, but it is best to hold off on the ice so it doesn't dilute, and give it a good shake before serving.
Watermelon Infused with Alcohol
In addition to vodka, watermelon slices can be infused with other types of alcohol, such as rum, tequila, or wine. One option is to soak the watermelon slices in the alcohol of choice for about an hour for mojito watermelon or margarita watermelon. The leftover liquid can be used to make additional cocktails, such as watermelon mojitos or margaritas.
Watermelon Margaritas
Watermelon margaritas can also be made by blending watermelon with tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and optional sweetener. The blended mixture can be served right out of the watermelon for a unique presentation.
Watermelon Daiquiri
This cocktail features aged rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, muddled watermelon, and a bit of ground cayenne pepper. The ingredients are shaken and served up, creating a balanced and spicy cocktail.
Watermelon Mojito
This cocktail is made by blending watermelon chunks with jalapeño peppers and agave syrup, then shaking them with tequila, lime juice, and ice. The result is a fresh and complex-flavored cocktail.
Watermelon Gin Sour
A unique twist on a classic gin sour, this cocktail uses a base of London dry gin paired with lemon and watermelon juices, and a black pepper-and-honey syrup. The result is a crushable cocktail with a unique kick.
Watermelon Rosé
This cocktail is a carefully crafted mix of tequila, lemon and watermelon juices, simple syrup, and sparkling rosé. It's quick and easy to make and can be easily scaled up to make a pitcher for a crowd.
Watermelon Sangria
A refreshing spin on a classic, this cocktail combines white wine with watermelon and bubbly soda water. It's perfect for brunch or a summer evening.
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Rum-infused watermelon
One simple way to infuse rum into a watermelon is to use a marinade injector. With the watermelon resting on a large rimmed sheet pan, slowly inject the rum into several places on the top of the watermelon, allowing the fruit to rest for a few minutes between injections to absorb the liquid. This method ensures that the rum is evenly distributed throughout the watermelon and prevents it from leaking out.
Another popular method is to use the "plug method" or "gravity method". Cut a hole in the side of the watermelon, large enough for the opening of the rum bottle. Place the watermelon on top of the bottle and flip it upside down, allowing gravity to pull the rum into the watermelon. This method takes longer, typically 24-48 hours in the fridge, but it is an effective way to infuse the rum without making a mess.
For a quicker option, try making rum-infused watermelon wedges. Arrange watermelon wedges in a single layer in a large baking pan. Combine coconut rum with lime juice and pour the mixture over the wedges. Refrigerate for 45-60 minutes, then remove the wedges from the liquid, sprinkle with salt, and serve. This method is simple, tasty, and perfect for a tropical-themed party.
Alternatively, you can infuse rum into watermelon by using a funnel. Rinse the outer rind of the watermelon and pat it dry. Press the tip of a funnel through the rind and slowly pour the rum into the funnel, allowing it to seep into the melon. This method may take a few hours, and you can slice the watermelon before serving.
Remember, consuming alcohol-infused watermelon is like drinking a cocktail, so it should be done in moderation. Always label it as "adults only" and let your guests know that the watermelon contains alcohol. Enjoy this fun and unique way to enjoy your favourite summer fruit!
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Tequila-infused watermelon
Infusing a Whole Watermelon
To infuse a whole watermelon with tequila, you will need a bottle of tequila of your choice, a whole watermelon, and a meat injector or a funnel. If you are using a meat injector, inject the tequila slowly into the watermelon in several places, allowing the watermelon to rest for a few minutes between injections to absorb the liquid. Injecting slowly and resting between injections is key to avoid the tequila trickling or spurting out of the holes. If you are using a funnel, make a hole in the watermelon and press the funnel through the rind. Pour the tequila into the funnel a little at a time, refilling as it seeps into the melon.
Soaking Watermelon Slices
To soak watermelon slices in tequila, carefully slice the watermelon into rounds 2-3 cm thick and then into quarters. Arrange the wedges into shallow bowls and pour over the tequila. Pop in the fridge for a couple of hours, allowing the tequila to soak in. You can also add some lime juice and sweetener to the tequila before pouring it over the watermelon slices.
Serving Suggestions
When serving tequila-infused watermelon, it is important to label it as "adults only" to keep it away from children. You can serve it as it is or with some lime juice, fresh mint, and chili lime salt (Tajin). For a frozen treat, pop the watermelon in the freezer for at least 4 hours before serving. You can also use the leftover juices as a shot or as the base for a cocktail.
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Wine-infused watermelon
While vodka-infused watermelon is a popular choice, wine-infused watermelon is also an option. Here is a guide on how to make wine-infused watermelon.
Firstly, you will need a large, ripe watermelon, granulated sugar, and a packet of Red Star "Champagne" Wine Yeast. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes and discard the rind. Put the watermelon cubes into a large pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until the watermelon has broken down. Add the sugar and continue to stir until it has dissolved. Remove the mixture from the heat and pour it through a mesh strainer into a jar. You can use a wooden spoon to squeeze more juice out of the watermelon.
Once the juice has cooled to room temperature, add the yeast. Cover the jar with a sanitized airlock and leave it untouched for about a month. The result is a fruity wine with a beautiful colour that can vary from a pale straw colour to a pale pink, depending on the variety of watermelon used. The wine is best served chilled, and it is important to remember that the sweetness of the wine can hide its potency.
Alternatively, you can try a faster, less conventional method. For this, you will need about half a large watermelon, a whole lemon, 1.5-2 cups of sugar, and yeast. Chop the watermelon into pieces of any size and put them into a pot. Zest the lemon into the watermelon and add the lemon as well. Heat the mixture on medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. When the mixture reaches 30°C, put it into glass jars and add the yeast. Leave the watermelon wine to ferment for about 13 days, after which it should have an alcohol content of about 12%.
If you don't want to go through the process of making wine-infused watermelon, you can buy a watermelon-infused wine such as Adirondack Winery's Mellow Blush. This semi-sweet rosé wine has flavours of ripe watermelon and understated red berry tones, finishing with a crisp, juicy sweetness. It is best served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with light salads, sandwiches, fruity desserts, or mild cheeses.
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Frequently asked questions
Any alcohol can be used, but vodka is a popular choice.
You can inject the alcohol into the watermelon using a meat injector or marinade injector. Alternatively, you can pour alcohol into a hole in the watermelon or use a funnel to pour alcohol through the rind.
It can take a few minutes to a few days for the watermelon to absorb the alcohol. If you inject the alcohol, it will take longer for the liquid to trickle out of the holes than if you pour it into a hole or through the rind.
Some popular cocktails that use watermelon include the Watermelon Mojito, the Watermelon Moscow Mule, the Watermelon Margarita, and the Watermelon Daiquiri.
You can use any kind of watermelon, but seedless watermelons are recommended for cocktails.
