This Boozy Watermelon Drink Is Perfection

This is the time of year when everyone goes watermelon-crazy, which is great if you're a fan of this seasonal fruit. Personally, I love the taste of watermelon, but have a serious aversion to the sometimes-mealy texture it can have. (And if you ever try to trick me into eating a watermelon "cake" or watermelon "pizza," I will immediately terminate our friendship.) The solution? Watermelon punch. Sparkling watermelon punch with gin and sake, to be precise.

Punch is the perfect summer drink, because unlike time-consuming individual cocktails that have to be shaken or stirred, punch is designed to be made in large batches, which means minimal time and effort, and maximum time spent drinking your creation. Plus, everyone loves serving drinks from a fancy bowl. It makes you feel classy, even if you're sweating buckets.

Sparkling sake can be a tough thing to find, so if it's not available to you, a crisp, dry sparkling wine makes a good substitute. Chandon Brut, which has light apple and pear notes that will complement the other bright flavors, is a good choice. Plus, it comes in the prettiest summer bottles. I also used Nolet's gin, which is flavored with Turkish rose, adding a subtle floral taste to the drink. In short, this punch is just lovely in every way.

One last pro tip: Don't water your punch down by adding ice to it. Instead, freeze cubes of watermelon ahead of time, and add them just prior to serving. They'll help keep the drinks cold, and won't dilute your punch as they "melt."

What You'll Need:

• 750 ml Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin
• (2.5) 750 ml bottles sparkling sake
• 24 oz. watermelon juice
• 375 ml lemon juice
• 375 ml agave nectar
• Watermelon cubes

Directions:

1. If you want to use the watermelon as ice cubes, cut it up, and put it in the freezer several hours before you plan to serve the punch.

2. Combine everything but the sake and watermelon cubes in a punch bowl, and stir well to ensure that the agave dissolves. Put the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

3. Immediately prior to serving, top with the sparkling sake and watermelon cubes.

Looking for more cool ideas? Check out Bustle on YouTube.

Images: Leigh Kunkel