Description
A refreshing, vibrant pink summer punch made with fresh watermelon, citrus, and optional vanilla vodka. This easy-to-make drink is perfect for parties, pairs well with grilled food, and can be served alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Ingredients
- 3 large cups cubed watermelon (from one 5–6 pound watermelon)
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1.5 cups vanilla vodka (optional)
- 1 bottle (750ml) sparkling water or lemon-lime soda
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup (optional, depending on watermelon sweetness)
- Ice (large cubes or blocks recommended)
Instructions
- Wash the watermelon, cut it in half, slice into wedges, remove the rind, and chop the flesh into cubes. Reserve 2 cups of cubes for garnish and place the remaining cubes in a blender.
- Pulse the watermelon cubes in the blender until smooth. Pour the blended mixture into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Strain if desired for a smoother texture.
- Squeeze the fresh lime and lemon juice into the watermelon mixture, catching seeds with a strainer. Stir well and taste; add simple syrup only if the watermelon is not sweet enough.
- If making the spiked version, stir in the vanilla vodka. For a non-alcoholic version, set the vodka aside to add individually.
- Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Lightly muddle the mint leaves to release oils, then toss them into the punch. Stir gently to combine without losing carbonation.
- Fill the punch bowl or pitcher with ice. Add the reserved watermelon cubes and float lime wheels or mint sprigs for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
[‘For a colder punch without dilution, freeze the watermelon cubes for at least 2 hours before blending.’, ‘Muddle mint leaves lightly to release flavor; do not over-muddle or it may become bitter.’, ‘Add sparkling water and ice right before serving to maintain carbonation and prevent dilution.’, ‘The base (watermelon, citrus, vodka) can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.’, ‘Adjust sweetness by tasting before adding alcohol or soda; add more lime if too sweet, or simple syrup if too tart.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: watermelon punch, summer drink, party punch, vodka cocktail, non-alcoholic mocktail, refreshing drink, backyard party, easy cocktail