This fun cocktail is served as a “bucket” -- a large batch of a cocktail in a non-traditional container: a hollowed out watermelon!
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I am trying to savor the last of the summer fruit – although thankfully in California as the seasons change the weather pretty much stays the same. This fun cocktail is served as a “bucket” — a large batch of a cocktail in a non-traditional container: a hollowed out watermelon!
It’s especially perfect for any upcoming Labor Day weekend plans. I love serving cocktails this way when I’m hosting friends at my apartment so I don’t need to be constantly playing bartender and missing out on conversations. Just make a batch (or several) then sit down and let everyone refill as they please.
Gin – Gin is made by distilling grains like wheat or barley with botanicals. To be considered gin, juniper must be prominently featured and a notable flavor profile. Other common ingredients used to flavor gin are orange, coriander, cardamom, pepper or licorice. The base of gin is a neutral spirit, often vodka.
Watermelon – Watermelon is a refreshing summer fruit in season from July through August. I prefer seedless watermelon if you can find them. The inside of the watermelon is scooped out and blended to create the juice base of this cocktail.
How to Make a Watermelon Gin Fizz
Spoon out the watermelon. Use a knife to slice a small section off the bottom of the watermelon so that it will stand on its end. Slice ½-inch off the top then use a spoon to hollow out the watermelon.
Blend the juice. Reserve the meat and juices from the watermelon in a large bowl. Set the hollowed watermelon aside. Add the juice and meat to a blender.
Strain the juice. Blend until pureed. Use a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth set in it to strain the pulp from the juice back into a large mixing bowl. The watermelon should yield 3 cups of juice.
Mix the cocktail. Combine the 3 cups of watermelon juice with the gin, lime juice and basil, stirring to combine. Pour the cocktail mixture back into the watermelon with ice.
Serve. To serve, ladle into ice-filled tumblers and garnish with lime wedges.
Tips and Tricks for This Recipe
You won’t need to add any simple syrup to this cocktail – the natural sugars from the watermelon juice sweetens it just enough.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this recipe, I recommend checking out some of these:
Use a knife to slice a small section off the bottom of the watermelon so that it will stand on its end. Slice ½-inch off the top then use a spoon to hollow out the watermelon.
Reserve the meat and juices from the watermelon in a large bowl. Once the watermelon is completely hollowed, set it aside and add the juice and meat to a blender.
Blend until pureed. Use a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth set in it to strain the pulp from the juice back into a large mixing bowl. The watermelon should yield 3 cups of juice.
Combine the 3 cups of watermelon juice with the gin, lime juice and basil, stirring to combine. Pour the cocktail mixture back into the watermelon with ice.
To serve, ladle into ice-filled tumblers and garnish with lime wedges.
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