Watermelon is a refreshing fruit, perfect for sharing and cheering up, especially when alcohol is added. It is worth trying to give watermelon an alcoholic note to spice up a party with friends. You can inject the vodka directly into the whole fruit or you can make a punch and use the rind of the watermelon as a container. Either way, you'll be able to wow everyone at your next barbecue, party or picnic. Make sure all guests are aware that this is an alcoholic watermelon, so that everyone can consume it responsibly.
Ingrediants
Add Vodka to a Whole Watermelon
- 700 ml of vodka
- 1 whole watermelon weighing about 5 kg (preferably without seeds)
Watermelon Punch
- 700 ml of vodka
- 1 whole watermelon weighing about 5 kg (preferably without seeds)
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Whole Vodka Watermelon
Step 1. Draw a circle on the watermelon peel using the vodka bottle cap
A day or two before the party, grab a whole seedless watermelon and a thin-necked bottle of vodka. Place the watermelon in a container, such as a soup tureen, to keep it stable. Open the vodka bottle, place the cap on top of the watermelon and trace the outline with a pen.
- It is important that the watermelon stay still as you draw the circle. If it's not perfectly stable, you'll end up wreaking havoc in the refrigerator.
- You can trim the underside of the watermelon with a sharp knife (without affecting the pulp) to create a flat, stable base. This way you won't risk it moving as you draw the circle with the pen. Be careful not to remove too much peel, otherwise you won't be able to use it as a container.
- The required brewing time is 12-24 hours, so make sure you leave well in advance.
Step 2. Make a hole in the peel
Use a sharp knife or fruit digger to make a hole where you drew the circle. Pierce the peel and peel off the green-white layer to expose the reddish pulp.
Save the piece of peel you removed to use as a stopper in case you need to transport the watermelon. If you don't intend to move it elsewhere, you can throw it away
Step 3. Drill holes in the watermelon pulp using a skewer
Insert the tip of a barbecue skewer into the hole you made in the peel. Stick the skewer into the pulp in several places, as if you want to let the air in. Make a dozen holes to give free access to the vodka.
- Be careful not to push the skewer too far to avoid piercing the peel on the other side of the watermelon.
- This step is essential for the success of the recipe. If you skip it, the vodka will not be able to penetrate the pulp.
Step 4. Use a funnel to pour the vodka into the watermelon
The vodka will be absorbed by the pulp slowly, so it is imperative to add it gradually. Insert a funnel into the round hole you made at the top of the watermelon, then fill it with vodka. At this point, put the watermelon in the refrigerator and let the funnel empty little by little.
- You will need to repeat the process using about 125-250ml of vodka each time.
- Push the bottom of the funnel into the pulp of the watermelon to make it stable.
- A watermelon weighing about 5 kg can absorb a maximum of 750 ml of vodka. You will need to fill the funnel 3-6 times, depending on the size.
Step 5. Wait for the funnel to empty completely before refilling it
When the pulp has absorbed the first dose of vodka, you can refill the funnel. Repeat the process a few times, until the watermelon pulp is completely saturated with vodka.
- If after 3-4 hours the funnel is still not empty, take the skewer back and make other holes in the pulp. Alternatively, you can remove a small portion of the pulp with a spoon to create more space for the vodka.
- When the pulp is saturated with vodka it will no longer be able to absorb any more. You will notice this when you see that, unlike the previous times, the funnel remains full.
- At the end of the operation, the pulp will be immersed in a pink liquid.
Step 6. Leave the watermelon in the refrigerator overnight for the party
Cover the circular hole with cling film and chill the "drunk" watermelon for about 8 hours. Make sure it's perfectly stable inside the refrigerator so you don't waste a single drop of vodka.
Step 7. Serve the "drunk" watermelon immediately after removing it from the refrigerator
This alcoholic specialty is excellent when eaten cold, so bring it to the table immediately. Ask guests to press their glass against the peel where the hole is, then gently tilt the watermelon to fill it with vodka. Move the watermelon carefully, but try to have fun while serving the drinks from this so original dispenser.
- If you want, you can stick the neck of the vodka bottle into the hole to present the watermelon in a spectacular way. Remember to cap the bottle before turning it upside down, as the watermelon pulp will not be able to absorb any more vodka.
- The vodka will have made the pulp soggy, so it won't be possible to cut the watermelon and serve it in slices.
- It is not possible to use a tap inserted into the hole to serve the drink because it would quickly become blocked by the pulp.
Method 2 of 2: Watermelon Punch
Step 1. Trim the base and top of the watermelon
Use a large, sharp knife. Be careful not to reach the pulp on the underside of the watermelon; remove only a very thin layer of peel, just enough to create a flat base that makes it stable when you place it on the tray. On the top side, cut a thicker slice that allows you to expose the pulp.
- The peel of the watermelon will act as a container for the punch.
- In order not to compromise the height of your container, try to remove only a couple of inches of peel from the base and no more than 5-7 centimeters from the top of the watermelon.
Step 2. Remove the pulp from the watermelon using a melon digger
Use the digger as if it were an ice cream dispenser. Score the reddish pulp of the watermelon and try to make a perfectly rounded ball. Set the small sphere aside and repeat the process. Do this until the watermelon is almost completely empty. The white part and the peel must remain perfectly intact.
- If you don't have a melon digger, you can use an ice cream dispenser or a simple spoon.
- Be specific if you intend to serve the small pulp balls whole. If, on the other hand, you intend to blend the pulp, you can remove it in coarse pieces.
Step 3. Leave the pulp balls to steep in vodka for a few hours if you intend to add them to the drink
Pour about 700ml of vodka into the bowl that houses the watermelon balls. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
- By following this method you will get an eat and drink drink that will amaze your guests. The small spheres will float in the pink vodka inside the cocktail glasses creating a pleasant optical effect.
- Place the empty watermelon in the freezer as the pulp absorbs the vodka. The frozen peel will keep the cocktail cold over the course of the party.
Step 4. If you intend to serve the watermelon balls separately as a snack, leave them to infuse for a short time
Pour 250-500ml of vodka into the bowl that houses the watermelon balls. Let them cool in the refrigerator for half an hour, then drain the excess vodka. Transfer the balls to the freezer for 4 hours and then serve them in a serving dish or directly inside the punch.
- If you prefer, you can serve vodka-flavored watermelon balls instead of punch. It's a fun and refreshing way to liven up the party with an alcoholic drink.
- After draining the balls, don't throw away the excess vodka. The watermelon will have made it flavored and you can keep it in the refrigerator and use it for future fruit cocktails.
- Do not leave the balls to infuse for more than 3-4 hours otherwise the pulp will become soggy.
Step 5. Blend and filter the watermelon pulp if you prefer to serve it in the form of alcoholic fruit juice
Use your blender or food processor to liquefy the pieces of pulp. You will probably have to do it several times as the pulp is a lot. After blending it all, filter the liquid using a colander while pouring it into a large bowl to retain any seeds or solids.
- Add about 700ml of vodka and chill the drink in the refrigerator for 3 hours before serving.
- Place the empty watermelon in the freezer as the pulp absorbs the vodka. The frozen peel will keep the cocktail cold as the party unfolds.
Step 6. Use the watermelon peel as a container for the punch
If you added vodka to the pureed pulp or if you made the eat-and-drink version of punch, pour the liquid carefully into the peel that will serve as a container. Use a small ladle to fill the guests' glasses. If you have chosen to serve vodka balls instead of punch, place them inside the peel and provide guests with toothpicks or a spoon to transfer them to plates.
If you want the punch to offer a moment of aggregation, place the watermelon in the center of the table along with a good number of long colored straws. In this way your guests can enjoy the drink in good company
Advice
- It is important that all guests know that this is an alcoholic watermelon. Write it down on a piece of paper and place it in plain sight using a wooden skewer stuck in the skin of the watermelon. This way guests who do not want or cannot drink alcohol will be notified.
- Preparing "drunk" watermelon can take 24 hours or more, so make sure you start early.
- Try using lemon vodka, tequila, or rose wine to vary the taste of the drink.
- For the more sophisticated guests, you can add sparkling wine and lime juice or a combination of Chambord (French liqueur made with raspberries and blackberries) and regular or vanilla vodka.
- Decorate the glasses with a lime wedge for an extra pop of color.
Warnings
- Make sure children and minors do not have access to watermelon. This recipe contains alcohol and is suitable for adults only.
- Don't drive after drinking. Behave responsibly and care for the health of your guests and other drivers by appointing a driver who will not be allowed to drink before the party begins. Alternatively, organize the return home by public transport or taxi.
