What’s On Tap At Your Home’s Bar?
Beer is definitely the first choice on most people’s list, but it doesn’t need to be the only beverage on tap. Put your other summer drinks on a spigot too by turning your watermelon into a cocktail punch keg.
How To Make A Watermelon Keg
Start with a watermelon that’s a little more round than oblong and cut a small section of rind from the larger base end to form a flat area which will keep your future fruit keg container from tipping over. Be careful not to poke all the way through since the melon shell will actually hold the punch liquid. Just take thin slices off the bottom section until stable.
Then use your knife to cut a lid from the top. Angle down slightly towards the center like you would do when carving a pumpkin so the lidded cap will fit back on top of the keg without falling through. Scoop all the fruit from inside the melon and set aside for making the drink recipe you’ll be pouring back inside later.
The final step in crafting the DIY watermelon keg is installing a faucet spigot and shank kit
Store empty in your refrigerator until the party starts. It will be fresh and ready to go when needed, and also act like a chilled container to keep the punch cool longer once filled.
Add Some Punch To The Pepo
Watermelon Sour Cocktail Punch Recipe:*
- 4 cups watermelon fruit chunks
- 4 oz red passion or other fruit flavored liqueur
- 8 oz gin
- 2 cups sour mix
Muddle or puree the melon pieces and strain. Stir in the remaining liquor / mixer ingredients and chill thoroughly. Add to the watermelon keg along with chilled sparkling rosé wine or champagne just before serving. Garnish with lime. Makes 10 to 12 cocktails.
Throw A Kegger For National Watermelon Day And Shark Week
August 3rd is National Watermelon Day annually and in some years it also falls during the middle of Shark Week on the Discovery Channel.
If you’d like to go all out with your party theme this watermelon shark fruit platter ties everything together and provides extra watermelon sections if you need to mix up a second or third batch of punch to refill your keg with.
Tips For Carving A Watermelon Shark Platter
Its similar to carving a pumpkin, but less slimy and a little juicier. The shark’s jaw shape is a fairly easy design compared to some of the Halloween decorations we’ve all seen.
There’s really no need for a pattern either. You can poke a series of holes with a toothpick to outline the cuts or just freehand. Remember, its supposed to be scary and a practice (shark) makes perfect (punch).
There are a lot of teeth though, so some patience will be required. Those miniature pumpkin carving tool kits may work best for both of these projects and are probably safer than using sharp knifes.
A little creativity adds some fun to entertaining but needs extra planning in advance. For large groups or when short on time, hosting the party at home may be more enjoyable when you hire a professional to tend your bar and cater all or parts of the rest.
This layered cocktail that looks like a slice of watermelon would be another cool Citrullus lanatus libation to add to your pepo party.
