All the Ways You Can Spike Fresh Watermelon

Watermelon Mai Tai

Watermelon Mai Tai

Watermelon Mai Tai

With watermelon’s innate sweetness and plentiful water content, you can do a lot more with its pink-hued flesh than just nibble it straight from the rind. On its own, one bite of the fresh, juicy summer fruit is more refreshing than any drink you’d ever sip. Kick back this summer with our favorite watermelon cocktails (and one spiked treat), in all kinds of cooling frozen and iced creations.

Put a summery twist on the classic rum cocktail Ted Allen’s way, by replacing the normal orgeat syrup with cubes of fresh watermelon, for a taste of his Watermelon Mai Tai.

For the most-refreshing party trick in the book, carve your watermelon into a cocktail keg and fill it up with a big batch of Watermelon Sours (pictured above). Featured in Food Network Magazine, this swig is a mix of fruity liqueur, gin, sour mix, lime and sparkling rosé for effervescence.

WATERMELON-­STRAWBERRY SANGRIA, Bobby Flay, Barbecue Addiction: Bobbyâ  s
Basics/Bobbyâ  s Basics: Simply Skewers, Food Network, Watermelon, Strawberries, Rose
Wine, Vodka, Orange Juice, Orange Liqueur, Orange, Lime

WATERMELON-­STRAWBERRY SANGRIA, Bobby Flay, Barbecue Addiction: Bobby’s Basics/Bobby’s Basics: Simply Skewers, Food Network, Watermelon, Strawberries, Rose Wine, Vodka, Orange Juice, Orange Liqueur, Orange, Lime

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

WATERMELON-­STRAWBERRY SANGRIA, Bobby Flay, Barbecue Addiction: Bobby’s Basics/Bobby’s Basics: Simply Skewers, Food Network, Watermelon, Strawberries, Rose Wine, Vodka, Orange Juice, Orange Liqueur, Orange, Lime

Kick back Bobby Flay’s way with a pitcher of his Watermelon-Strawberry Sangria by your side. Combine watermelon and strawberries together in the blender until nice and smooth, then doctor it up with vodka, rosé, orange juice and orange liqueur. Watch the video at the end of the article to see how Bobby mixes it up.

Ina Garten’s 10-minute Watermelon Mojitos have all the minty refreshment of the classic rum-based drink, but pureed watermelon gives them a nuanced sweetness and a delightful pink hue.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Freeze up Giada De Laurentiis’ Spiked Watermelon Pops for a beach or poolside treat that’s reserved for the adults. Each pop is spiked with watermelon-flavored vodka and fresh mint. To make these pops nonalcoholic, simply substitute three quarters of a cup of orange juice for the vodka.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Class up your classic martini Bobby’s way, by bringing five cups of pureed fresh watermelon into the mix for sophisticated-meets-summer Watermelon Martinis. To achieve an extra-cooling frozen consistency, Bobby adds a little simple syrup to the pureed watermelon and freezes it again in ice cube trays.

Before you even think of glugging that highlighter-yellow mixer into your batch of “homemade” margaritas, let watermelon take over. Use it as the base for Food Network Magazine’s Frozen Watermelon Margaritas, which blend together in 10 minutes and are the most-refreshing way to get your tequila fix, hands down.

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen

Full Recipe Name: Watermelon Lemonade Slushie

Talent Recipe: 

FNK Recipe: Food Network Kitchenâ  s Watermelon Lemonade Slushie, as seen on Foodnetwork.com

Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA

Show Name: 

Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

FNK_WatermelonLemonadeSlushie_H

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen Full Recipe Name: Watermelon Lemonade Slushie Talent Recipe: FNK Recipe: Food Network Kitchen’s Watermelon Lemonade Slushie, as seen on Foodnetwork.com Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA Show Name: Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Chef Name: Food Network Kitchen Full Recipe Name: Watermelon Lemonade Slushie Talent Recipe: FNK Recipe: Food Network Kitchen’s Watermelon Lemonade Slushie, as seen on Foodnetwork.com Project: Foodnetwork.com, SUMMER/APPETIZERS/PASTA Show Name: Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

And for the whole crowd — adults and little ones alike — these virgin Watermelon Lemonade Slushies have all the refreshment of frozen cocktails without any of the booze. Steeping fresh basil in the simple syrup (and removing it before blending) gives the slushies a subtle herbaceous note that’s surprising and welcome.

Get more watermelon recipes from our friends of #SummerSoiree:

Creative Culinary: Watermelon Raspberry Cooler

Devour: 6 Sweet Ways to Booze Up Your Watermelon

In Jennie’s Kitchen: Watermelon & Mixed Berry Pizza

Taste with the Eyes: Watermelon Gazpacho – Impossibly Pretty, Mighty Tasty Too

Swing Eats: Watermelon with Feta, Mint, Olive Oil, and Sea Salt

Watermelon-Strawberry Sangria
Loading Video...

Next Up

All the Ways to Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Whether or not you've been carving grinning pumpkins for your home's stoop, munching on pumpkin seeds is something you have to do this season.

All the Ways to Christmas-ify Your Halloween This Year

If you're someone who wishes Christmas came early, these new Halloween traditions are your chance to shine!

All the Ways to Use Your Slow Cooker this Fall

Here's all the best ways to use your slow cooker this season from Food Network.

All the Ways to Use Irish Cream on St. Patrick’s Day

Bailey’s is for more than just spiking your coffee.

All the Ways to Flavor Guac

You'll be surprised how many different ways you can play with the classic flavors of guacamole.

All the Ways to Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life

Think beyond the latte and introduce this beloved flavor into some of your favorite dishes.

All the Ways to Cook a Potato This Thanksgiving

Whether it's smashed, roasted, baked or souffled, there's a potato for every personality this holiday season.