We have all made the vodka-infused watermelon in college, where you cut off the top, pour a bottle of vodka right in the hole, and slice up the chunks to eat like shots. This summer, I have been making a modified version of this concoction—for those of us no longer living in the dorms. It is just as delicious and a lot more refined. The natural sweetness of the watermelon is a great accompaniment to vodka, and garnished with mint, is a very pretty and festive drink. It can be served on the rocks in a tumbler (as below) or straight up in a chilled martini glass.
A Vodka Watered Melon
One large watermelon, preferably seedless
One bottle of vodka, preferably not out of a plastic bottle
Lime wedges
Sprigs of mint for garnish
Directions
1. Slice watermelon in half. Using a metal citrus juicer, squeeze out watermelon juice into a large pitcher. This can be time consuming, but is well worth it. Alternatively, you could scoop out the pulp and put it into a blender, and strain the juice from the pulp. Either way, you want to minimize the pulp and maximize the juice. Chill juice for about an hour.
2. Pour 2–3 ounces of vodka into a tumbler filled with ice. Top off with watermelon juice and a squeeze of lime. Stir. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Photo courtesy of Nicole Shackelford
