Watermelon liqueur is a sweet, fruity liquor that is made by infusing vodka or neutral spirits with the flavor of watermelons. It’s a popular liqueur for mixing into cocktails and summer drinks. But how much alcohol does watermelon liqueur actually contain? Here is a comprehensive look at the alcohol content of watermelon liqueur.
What is Watermelon Liqueur?
Watermelon liqueur is a flavored spirit that is made by infusing vodka or a neutral spirit base with real watermelon flavor. The base spirit provides the alcohol, while the watermelon (usually watermelon juice, rind, or puree) gives it the sweet, juicy watermelon taste.
Besides real watermelon, watermelon liqueurs may also contain added sugar, citric acid, and artificial color and flavors. The result is a vibrantly pink or red liqueur that tastes like juicy, ripe watermelon.
Popular brands of watermelon liqueur include:
- DeKuyper Watermelon Pucker
- Hiram Walker Watermelon Liqueur
- Speakeasy Watermelon Liqueur
- Arrow Watermelon Liqueur
- Marie Brizard Watermelon
Watermelon liqueur has a sweet, candylike flavor. It’s thicker and more syrupy than plain vodka or spirits. The sugar smoothes out the alcohol bite.
This versatile liqueur can be enjoyed on its own over ice or mixed into a variety of summery cocktails and shots.
Watermelon Liqueur Alcohol Content
Most watermelon liqueurs have an alcohol content between 15% to 30% ABV (alcohol by volume). This is pretty standard for flavored liqueurs.
For comparison, regular vodkas are around 40% ABV. Lighter liqueurs like triple sec or amaretto are around 20-25% ABV. While higher proof after-dinner liqueurs can be 30-40% ABV.
So at 15 to 30% ABV, watermelon liqueur falls right in the middle range for liqueurs. The lower alcohol content helps bring out the sweet fruit flavors.
Popular Watermelon Liqueur ABV
Here’s a look at the alcohol percentage of some popular watermelon liqueur brands:
| Watermelon Liqueur | Alcohol Content |
|---|---|
| DeKuyper Watermelon Pucker | 30% ABV |
| Arrow Watermelon | 30% ABV |
| Hiram Walker Watermelon | 30% ABV |
| Speakeasy Watermelon | 25% ABV |
| Marie Brizard Watermelon | 25% ABV |
As you can see, most major watermelon liqueurs have an alcohol content of 25-30% ABV. This is enough alcohol to provide that sought-after feeling of relaxation and fun, while still highlighting the fruit flavor.
Factors That Influence Alcohol Content
There are a few factors that influence the alcohol percentage that ends up in the final watermelon liqueur product:
Base Spirit
The base spirit provides the alcohol for watermelon liqueur. Most are made with a base of vodka or neutral grain spirit. The higher the ABV of the base spirit, the higher the final ABV will be.
Vodka typically ranges from 35-40% alcohol. So if made with a 40% vodka, the watermelon liqueur will have a higher alcohol content than if made with 35% vodka.
Infusing Ingredients
During infusion, some alcohol can get absorbed by the watermelon, lowering the total ABV slightly. Using more watermelon puree or juice in the infusion process may lower the ABV more than just infusing with watermelon rinds.
Added Sugar
Sugar smooths out the flavor and makes it taste sweeter, but it also dilutes the alcohol percentage slightly. Products with more added sugar may have a lower ABV than less sweet versions.
Dilution
Some liqueurs are diluted with water to reach the desired ABV after infusion. Diluting to 25% vs. 30% ABV gives a different style of liqueur.
Other Flavorings
Ingredients like juices, purees, sweeteners, citric acid also add volume, which dilutes the alcohol down from the base spirit percentage.
Highest Alcohol Watermelon Liqueurs
Watermelon liqueurs with the highest alcohol content include:
- DeKuyper Watermelon Pucker (30% ABV)
- Arrow Watermelon (30% ABV)
- Hiram Walker Watermelon (30% ABV)
These all use a base vodka or spirit that is likely 40% alcohol. Minimal dilution gives them the highest 30% ABV.
Lowest Alcohol Watermelon Liqueurs
On the other side, watermelon liqueurs with the lowest alcohol content are:
- Speakeasy Watermelon (25% ABV)
- Marie Brizard Watermelon (25% ABV)
The lower 25% alcohol content provides a lighter, more approachable liqueur. These may use a lower proof base spirit or a higher level of dilution.
Using Watermelon Liqueur in Cocktails
Watermelon liqueur’s fruity taste and medium alcohol content make it perfect for mixing up summer cocktails. Here are some tips for using it:
Balance Sweetness
Watermelon liqueur is very sweet. Balance it by adding some tart citrus juice like lemon, lime, or grapefruit.
Neutral Spirit Mixers
Vodka, gin, rum, tequila help let the watermelon flavor shine through without competing flavors.
Sparkling Wine
Add a splash to a flute of sparkling wine for a fun watermelon mimosa.
Layering Shots
Layer watermelon liqueur with contrasting liquors like coconut rum or vanilla vodka for a colorful shot.
Creamy Drinks
Blend with ice cream for a creamy watermelon smoothie-like cocktail.
Summer Fruits
Complement the watermelon flavor by muddling in fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and mint.
Frozen Drinks
Pour over blended ice to make watermelon margaritas, daiquiris, or piña coladas.
5 Refreshing Watermelon Cocktails
Here are 5 delicious cocktail recipes that showcase watermelon liqueur:
Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white tequila
- 1 oz watermelon liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1⁄2 oz agave syrup
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour tequila, watermelon liqueur, lime juice and agave syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass and dip in salt to coat rim (optional).
- Strain margarita into prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Vodka Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz watermelon liqueur
- 3⁄4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- Lemon slice for garnish
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Add vodka, watermelon liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry on a toothpick.
Watermelon Fizz
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 oz gin
- 1⁄2 oz watermelon liqueur
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz soda water
- Watermelon wedge for garnish
Instructions:
- Add gin, watermelon liqueur and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake briefly to chill.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently.
- Garnish with a watermelon wedge.
Watermelon Mojito
Ingredients:
- 8-10 mint leaves
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- 1 1⁄2 oz white rum
- 3⁄4 oz watermelon liqueur
- 1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz club soda
- Watermelon slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Gently muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Add rum, watermelon liqueur, lime juice and a handful of ice. Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a watermelon slice.
Sparkling Watermelon Sangria
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work well)
- 1⁄4 cup watermelon liqueur
- 1 cup chopped watermelon
- 1 orange, sliced into wheels
- 1⁄4 cup brandy (optional)
- 1 bottle sparkling wine or club soda
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, watermelon liqueur, chopped watermelon, orange wheels and brandy (if using). Let sit for 1-2 hours.
- When ready to serve, add in sparkling wine and stir gently.
- Pour sangria into ice-filled wine glasses or tumblers. Garnish with orange wheels or watermelon slices.
Safely Enjoy Watermelon Liqueur
Watermelon liqueur is a fun, fruit-flavored liquor that can spice up any cocktail hour. Here are some tips for enjoying it safely:
- Pace yourself – watermelon liqueur goes down easily. But at 25-30% ABV, it’s just as strong as any other spirit.
- Read the label for ABV% – know how much alcohol you’re consuming.
- Measure pours – free pouring makes it easy to have more than intended.
- Drink water – stay hydrated to avoid negative side effects of alcohol.
- Eat food – lining your stomach helps your body metabolize the alcohol slower.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if drinking excessively.
- Calculate your blood alcohol level if needed.
Flavored liqueurs make it tempting to overindulge. But knowing your limits and drinking responsibly lets you enjoy watermelon liqueur as the delicious, refreshing treat that it is.
Conclusion
Watermelon liqueur contains between 15-30% alcohol by volume, giving it a medium-strength alcohol content. This fruity liqueur gets its sweet, juicy watermelon taste from real infused watermelon. Its versatile flavor profile makes watermelon liqueur popular for mixing in summer cocktails. While delicious, it should still be enjoyed responsibly. Understanding its typical alcohol percentage allows you to drink mindfully and avoid unwanted effects. Watermelon liqueur is a sweet spirit that’s ideal for spicing up drinks and soaking up summer – as long as you imbibe wisely.
