How to Make a Vodka-Spiked Watermelon

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 09/29/22
Tested by Joan Velush
Drunken Watermelon Slices With Vodka

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Infusing Time:: 12 hrs
Total: 12 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 8 to 12 servings
Yield: 1 watermelon
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
137 Calories
0g Fat
0g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 12
Amount per serving
Calories 137
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 2mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Watermelon is ubiquitous at summer cookouts and gatherings, and when it's infused with liquor, it takes the fruit to a whole new level of fun. Also known as a drunken watermelon, the recipe calls for simply injecting vodka into a whole watermelon and letting it slowly seep into the fruit. When it's ready, just cut the melon into pieces and enjoy eating this delicious boozy summer treat.

This easy project takes a day to create (which is much faster than making watermelon-infused vodka) and only requires vodka, the melon, and a meat injector. When serving, be sure to label as "adults only" to keep the kids away, and let your guests know that the watermelon slices have vodka in them so no one's surprised.

“Using a marinade injector to infuse a whole watermelon with vodka is a simple and much more effective method than pouring the vodka into a hole in a watermelon, as many recipes suggest. Inject the vodka into several different areas on the top of the watermelon, and you'll end up with a juicy and flavorful watermelon.” —Joan Velush

How to Make a Vodka Spiked Watermelon/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients and tools for making vodka-spiked watermelon
    S&C Design Studios

  2. With the watermelon resting on a large rimmed sheet pan and using a meat injector, inject the vodka slowly into the watermelon in several places, allowing the watermelon to rest for a few minutes between injections to absorb the liquid.

    Injecting the watermelon slowly and resting between injections is key. If injected quickly and in rapid succession, the vodka will trickle and sometimes spurt out of the holes.

    Marking the watermelon with a circle
    S&C Design Studios

  3. Continue to slowly inject the vodka into the watermelon and resting between injections until the vodka repeatedly trickles out of the holes. At this point, the melon has absorbed all that it can.

    Cutting a hole in a watermelon before adding vodka
    S&C Design Studios

  4. Allow the vodka and melon to rest refrigerated for 12 to 24 hours. The vodka will slowly filter into the watermelon's flesh as it rests. You may not use all of the vodka; the amount will depend on how juicy and large the melon is.

    Spiking the watermelon with vodka
    S&C Design Studios

  5. When ready to serve, simply cut the watermelon into slices as normal. Enjoy.

    Vodka watermelon slices
    S&C Design Studios

Tips


  • Be sure to use a large rimmed baking sheet under the melon. It will catch any excess vodka.
  • If you want to make drunken watermelon in winter, find a market that imports mini watermelons (about the size of a cantaloupe). You will need to buy an appropriately sized vodka bottle; a half-pint (200 milliliters) is about perfect.

Recipe Variations

  • Choose a flavored vodka, such as citrus or berry, to add more flavor to your watermelon.
  • You can use rum or tequila instead of the vodka.
  • The same technique can be used with other melons. Just keep in mind that watermelon is larger, so you will need less vodka for a cantaloupe or honeydew melon.

Can You Get Drunk From Spiked Watermelon?

Because the fruit has soaked up alcohol, eating a slice of the spiked watermelon is equivalent to drinking a cocktail and therefore should be consumed in moderation.