How to Make Vodka-Flavored Watermelon

Gather the necessary tools. Essentially, you'll need a medium-sized round watermelon and a 375ml bottle of vodka.

Prepare the watermelon. Using a sharp knife, cut a circular hole (referred to as a "stopper") in the watermelon rind large enough to fit a funnel. Aim to cut deep enough to reach the red flesh, as it must come in contact with the vodka bottle for the infusion to work effectively.

• Do not discard the rind used for the "stopper" as you will need it for the next step when transporting the vodka-infused watermelon to the party.
• Pour a little vodka into various holes around the watermelon to help the liquid distribute more evenly compared to pouring through just one hole.
• Some people also opt to cut a thin slice from the bottom of the watermelon to help it stand firmly without wobbling. Be cautious not to cut into the flesh, as the vodka will leak out.

Open the vodka bottle. Pour the vodka into the watermelon using the funnel. This process may take several pours to get all the vodka inside the watermelon.

• This method works best with seedless watermelon.

Pour the vodka. Slowly pour the vodka into the watermelon, ensuring the entire bottle is absorbed by the flesh. You will likely need to check and top up the vodka after a few hours.

• An alternative method is to attach the vodka bottle to the watermelon (applying the right amount of pressure) and make sure it stays in place. If you prefer this approach, simply leave the bottle and wait until all the vodka is absorbed.

Wait a while after all the vodka has been poured into the watermelon. This ensures the watermelon has thoroughly soaked up the vodka. Depending on the size of the watermelon, this step may take longer, sometimes up to a day (or more).

• Since watermelon spoils faster than vodka, place the watermelon in the refrigerator while it absorbs the vodka.
• Another option is to freeze the entire watermelon for 24 hours after adding the vodka. This way, you'll enjoy a cool and refreshing watermelon.

Seal the hole with the stopper you carved from the watermelon or a cork, or cover the opening with something else. This step ensures that nothing leaks or spills out of the vodka-soaked watermelon when transporting it to the party. Avoid shaking or rotating the watermelon during transit.

Cut the watermelon, serve, and enjoy. This watermelon contains alcohol, so only serve it to those of legal drinking age. Share it with others; while finishing a small watermelon is doable, consuming an entire bottle of vodka would be excessive.

Carefully scoop out the watermelon flesh to make smoothies or other recipes. Leave a thin layer of flesh near the rind to preserve the flavor.

Utilize the rind. Pour vodka or any alcoholic drink into the rind and add a ladle for serving the drink.

Once you've finished the alcohol, simply discard the watermelon rind. There's no need to worry about washing or cleaning glasses after drinking!

Gradually inject the vodka into the watermelon through the initial hole, making sure to push the needle as deep as possible. You can create an additional small hole next to the first one to allow air to escape.

• Try different types of liquor to find the best flavor.
• If you think the process of soaking the watermelon in alcohol takes too long, the reason might be that the vacuum formed makes it difficult for air to escape. A small watermelon might not provide enough space for the alcohol to move. Some solutions you can try include:
  • When using a funnel, allow some vodka to evaporate. It's best to scoop out some of the watermelon before attaching the funnel to create space using a small wooden stick or ice cream scoop.
  • Another option is to carve a larger hole (about the size of a soda can), scoop out some of the watermelon, and pour the vodka into the hole. This method is typically better for medium or large-sized watermelons.
• If you have a large watermelon, you'll need more than one bottle of vodka. However, don't overdo it, as the more alcohol you add, the stronger the flavor of the vodka in the watermelon, and since vodka is a strong liquor, consuming too much can make you drunk.

• Allow enough time for the alcohol to soak into the entire watermelon. If you don't, the area where the alcohol is poured will absorb more, while other parts will retain the usual watermelon taste. A full day is sufficient for the vodka to infuse properly.
• Do not pour too much vodka; excessive consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning.
• Avoid using a bottle larger than 375ml for a small watermelon. A 500ml bottle may be used, but inserting it into the watermelon can be unsafe and might not create the desired flavor profile.
• It's hard to predict how time, gravity, and the watermelon flesh will influence the vodka's absorption. Additionally, vodka doesn't have a very strong flavor, making it difficult to gauge the intensity. Therefore, do not consume an entire alcohol-soaked watermelon or engage in activities such as driving after enjoying this treat.
• Do not allow young children or those below the legal drinking age to consume this dish. Due to the alcohol content, this is only suitable for those of legal drinking age as per local laws (e.g., 18 in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa; 18/19 in Canada; 21 in the United States).

• Knife
• Funnel
• Vodka
• Watermelon