How To Make A Watermelon Drink Bowl To Enjoy Pretty Summer Cocktails

Nothing says summer like fresh, sweet, and juicy watermelon, or sipping on a refreshing cocktail by a sunny poolside. So, why not combine the two, blending the best of summer produce and vibrant beverages into a delightful, seasonal cocktail? Better yet, you can serve this stunner of a drink in a watermelon bowl, quite like an edible punch bowl that lends a tropical touch to the presentation. Be it a summer potluck, backyard barbecue, or a casual pool party, it wouldn't be surprising if this watermelon drink bowl became your go-to drink to cool you down throughout the season. It is surprisingly simple to make, requiring just two foundational ingredients (watermelon and soju) and a handy blender to transform a whole watermelon into a stunning cocktail centerpiece. The most important step is to pick out a perfectly ripe watermelon for optimal taste and satisfaction. To make sure that you're choosing the juiciest watermelon, put it to the two-finger test. 

To make your watermelon punch bowl, cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the flesh into a blender, leaving the rind and skin intact for your watermelon bowl. (If you'd like, you can set aside some melon balls to plop back in the fruit bowl for a more eye-catching presentation complete with boozy bites of watermelon.) Blend the melon pieces until smooth and strain the mixture if you prefer to leave the pulp out of the drink. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to liven up the watermelon's flavors with an acidic zing that cuts through the fruit's sweetness. Pour in the desired amount of soju into the strained watermelon juice and stir until well incorporated. Serve in your scooped-out watermelon bowl, ladling the cocktail into chilled glasses filled with ice for the ultimate summer sipper.

Not only is this two-ingredient summer cocktail refreshingly delicious on its own, but it also offers a fantastic foundation to build on. Furthermore, because of the subtly sweet profile and lower-ABV content of Korea's national drink, soju is an excellent addition to a variety of cooling cocktails. When combined with fresh watermelon juice, the clean and neutral taste of soju makes for light, smooth, easy sipping in hot weather. Using your simple watermelon and soju cocktail as a canvas, you can also evoke your inner mixologist by adding variety to your creations. A fundamental, foolproof hack is to reach for fresh herbs. Whether muddled or added as a garnish, herbs like mint and basil can breathe life into your refreshing drink.

Summer cocktails would also be incomplete without a tropical twist that will transport you to a sunny island with every sip. Blending in tropical fruit juices like mango, passionfruit, or pineapple works wonders to complement the sweetness of the watermelon with a delicate tang. For extra hydration, because it is summer after all, coconut water is also a great addition to this drink recipe. Meanwhile, muddled, fresh jalapeños are perfect if you savor a kick of heat in your cocktails. 

Another fun option is to play around with different flavors of soju — peach, green grape, apple, and melon are just a few options. It's an easy yet tasty way to infuse new flavors while keeping the ingredients list to a minimum. Fancy some bubbly sophistication? Splash in sparkling water or Prosecco for an effervescent finish that feels extra fun and festive. With tips and tricks like these, your watermelon cocktail bowl will be anything but boring.