Drunken Watermelon Pops
TIME/SERVINGS
Total: 35 mins, plus freezing time
Active: 5 mins
Makes: 6 to 8 servings
By Amy Wisniewski
Watermelon soaked in vodka has long been a favorite of resourceful frat bothers and sorority sisters. This adult version, with a touch of Chambord and vanilla, maintains the fun factor while being refined enough to serve to more discriminating revelers.
Game plan: You’ll have some liquid left over from soaking the melon—we’ve heard it makes for a good addition to cocktails.
This recipe was featured as part of our Wii gaming menu, as well as our Cooking with Summer Ingredients story.
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup Chambord or other raspberry-flavored liqueur
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped, seeds reserved
- 1 (7-pound) seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into large dice (about 12 cups)
- Combine vodka, Chambord, and vanilla seeds in a large bowl. Add watermelon and toss to coat. Set aside and let soak at room temperature, mixing occasionally, until the liquor flavor has saturated the melon, about 30 minutes.
- Drain off the vodka mixture (reserve for cocktails as desired) and arrange the watermelon in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer until frozen, about 4 hours. Serve with toothpicks.
COMMENTS | ADD YOUR OWN
We are going to try this at our summer house in Provincetown!!
How about just using vanilla vodka?
crowsonguy: we're not a fan of any of the vanilla vodkas out there, but you def could if you find something good!
Anyone have thoughts on other fruits that would work with this recipe?
AndreaB- what about pineapple?
kc725, I don't know for sure but personally I've found that Pineapple's aren't the best for soaking in juices unless they've been softened through heat.
Again, this is a personal observation, maybe you'll find it works.
As for the Vanilla ideas, I guess Vanilla Vodka would depend on your tastes, also I'm sure Vanilla Extract will work similar to the bean, it won't be as strong but its good if your in a bind or if pricing is more convenient for you.
Melons are really good for soaking up the liquor. My aunt actually does this. You can use your favorite alcohol too. We usually use rum.
MMM what about a coconut rum like malibu...sounds tropical and yummy!
I have some leftover watermelon and vodka/tequila after making something similar.
Can I puree the watermelon, strain that and the alcohol and store it?
How long will it last?
Oh, this sounds great! Reminds me of days of old when we'd take a giant watermelon cut slice off the top fill it with vodka and after a couple hours make holes for straws. Then we'd dance around the watermelon in the heat of the day and drink away from said straws. Of course this was about 35 years ago but I'll
never forget that. This sounds easier! I'm going to try it this coming holiday weekend!
I know the texture of watermelon is good for 'soaking' up flavors. but how about cantalope? I was trying to figure out what flavor of Liquer would go good with that one?
Watermelon is good with strawberries, kiwi is similar, and blueberry...so all the Chambords and the blackberry liquers would be nice, eh?
fuggettaboudit.
:-}
This reminds me of sangria! I would try a version with cantalope as well!
This sounds luscious, refreshing and sinful, all at the same time. Thanks for the inspiration! I just entered an online recipe contest via www.greenwala.com (a green social network) because they're offering a $250 gift card to Whole Foods, but now after seeing this tantalizing idea, I realize that my entry paled in comparison. I wish that I could get a do-over and...ahem...borrow your recipe! Maybe you should enter -- I really think you'd have a great chance of winning!! :)