Yes, there are several liqueurs made from watermelon available on the market today. Watermelon is a popular fruit that lends itself well to being made into a sweet, refreshing liqueur. The high water content and sweet flavor of watermelons make them an ideal base for infused spirits. While watermelon liqueurs are not as common as fruit liqueurs like strawberry or peach, the popularity of artisanal liqueurs and experimentation with new flavors has led to more watermelon liqueurs being produced by distillers and home brewers alike. In this article, we’ll take a look at what a watermelon liqueur is, some popular commercial brands, how to make your own watermelon liqueur at home, and some serving ideas and cocktail recipes using watermelon liqueur.
What is Watermelon Liqueur?
A watermelon liqueur is an alcoholic spirit that has been infused with the flavor and essence of watermelons. It is made by steeping watermelon flesh, rinds, juice or puree in a base spirit for a period of time to allow the flavors to infuse. Vodka, rum, brandy and even tequila can be used as a base for watermelon liqueurs. The resultant spirit captures the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh watermelon in liquid form.
Watermelon liqueurs typically have an alcohol content ranging from 20-50% ABV. They may be bright pink or pale green in color depending on the watermelon varieties used and whether rind is included in the infusion process. Some liqueurs are strongly watermelon flavored while others are more subtle. Sweeteners like simple syrup or sugar are often added to balance out the natural tartness of watermelon. The base spirit, infusion time, watermelon variety and additions like citrus, herbs or other fruits will all affect the final flavor profile.
Popular Commercial Watermelon Liqueurs
While homemade watermelon liqueurs are rising in popularity, there are some excellent commercially made options available:
Real Watermelon Liqueur
Made by Luxco in Missouri, Real Watermelon liqueur contains real watermelon juice and seeds for intense watermelon character. It has a bright pink color and moderately sweet flavor with 30% ABV.
Watermelon Patch
From Hawaii, Watermelon Patch liqueur is made using Hawaiian watermelons for a tropical twist. It has notes of cucumber and lime alongside juicy watermelon in a vodka base at 30% ABV.
Maui Watermelon Liqueur
Another Hawaiian watermelon liqueur, Maui is made with fresh watermelon juice at a lower 24% ABV. It’s lighter bodied and sweet with a crisp watermelon flavor.
Meloncello
An Italian spin on the popular lemon liqueur limoncello, Meloncello is made by infusing grappa with watermelon. It’s much drier than other watermelon liqueurs at 46% ABV.
How to Make Watermelon Liqueur at Home
It’s easy to whip up your own homemade watermelon liqueur. You get to control the flavors based on your preferred degree of sweetness, watermelon variety and other add-ins. Here’s a basic recipe and method:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup watermelon chunks and/or juice
– 1 cup vodka or white rum
– 1⁄2 cup sugar
– 1⁄4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, enhances watermelon flavor)
– Watermelon slices and herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut the rind off 1 small seedless watermelon or use seeded watermelon chunks. Reserve 1 cup of chunks and purée the rest of the flesh to yield 1 cup juice.
2. Combine the watermelon chunks, juice, vodka or rum, sugar and citric acid in a clean glass jar. Leave some headspace at the top.
3. Seal the jar and shake vigorously to dissolve the sugar. Store in a cool, dry place for 1 week, shaking daily.
4. After 1 week, strain through a cheesecloth lined sieve into a clean bottle. Press watermelon pieces to extract all liquid.
5. Enjoy chilled! Garnish drinks made with the liqueur with fresh watermelon slices or herbs.
The resulting liqueur will be around 20% ABV. Add more sugar for a sweeter liqueur or reduce to decrease the sweetness. Play around with different infusing periods, watermelon varieties, spices and citrus to create your own signature liqueur!
Serving Watermelon Liqueur
Watermelon liqueur is delicious simply poured over ice and enjoyed as a chilled shot. It also shines when incorporated into fun cocktails. Here are some serving ideas:
Watermelon Lemonade
– 1 oz watermelon liqueur
– 1 oz lemon juice
– 2 oz soda water
– Lemon wedge garnish
Shake liqueur and lemon juice with ice. Strain into an ice filled glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Watermelon Martini
– 2 oz vodka
– 1 oz watermelon liqueur
– 1⁄2 oz lime juice
– Watermelon slice garnish
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a watermelon slice on rim.
Sparkling Watermelon Spritz
– 1 1⁄2 oz watermelon liqueur
– 3 oz sparkling wine or prosecco
– 1 oz soda water
– Watermelon chunk garnish
Pour liqueur and soda into a wine glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with watermelon.
Watermelon Mojito
– 8-10 mint leaves
– 1 oz watermelon liqueur
– 1⁄2 oz lime juice
– 2 oz soda water
– Muddle mint leaves in a glass. Add liqueur, lime and ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with mint and lime wedge.
The sweet, juicy flavors of watermelon liqueur pair well with acidic citrus, fruit flavors like strawberry, coconut, peach or pineapple, and herbs like mint, basil, rosemary or thyme. It brings a refreshing splash of summer to cocktails and drinks.
Watermelon Liqueur Nutrition Facts
As a fruit based liqueur, watermelon liqueur does contain some nutrients from its key ingredient. A 1.5 ounce serving of watermelon liqueur provides:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 196 |
| Carbohydrates | 19.5 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Vitamin A | 170 IU |
| Vitamin C | 6.6 mg |
However, the sugar and alcohol content is higher than an equivalent serving of watermelon juice. Consumed in moderation, watermelon liqueur can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. But be mindful that it is an alcoholic beverage.
Conclusion
Watermelon liqueur brings the essence of everyone’s favorite juicy summer fruit into liquid form. Both commercial and homemade versions provide the sweet, refreshing flavor of watermelon infused into a vodka, rum or brandy base. Watermelon liqueurs lend a fun, fruit twist to cocktails and drinks or can be simply poured over ice and enjoyed chilled. With the popularity of artisanal liqueurs made from fresh, natural ingredients, watermelon liqueurs offer a unique way to capture and blend wonderful fruit flavors into spirits. So next time you come across a new watermelon liqueur at the spirits shop or find yourself with an abundance of garden watermelons, give infusing your own batch of this tasty liqueur a try!