Spirited Virginia Q3 2022 - 20

How to spike a watermelon
A whole watermelon infused with watermelon
spirits adds a spirited touch to a party or picnic.
You'll prepare the melon the day before to ensure
the best infusion, which means all you've got to do
the day of the party is cut and serve.
Just be sure to label it or inform your guests,
especially if children are around.
Drunken Watermelon
This simple treat takes just a touch of finesse to
ensure that the liquor goes into the melon and not
on the counter. You'll need a paring knife, marker,
large towel (to keep the watermelon stable and
absorb any liquor that might escape), a longhandled
spoon - and your guest list.
▷ 1 WHOLE WATERMELON
▷ 1 750 ML BOTTLE VODKA
Thoroughly clean the watermelon and place
it on a scrunched-up towel. Draw a circle on
the watermelon slightly larger than the vodka
bottle neck, using the bottle top as a template.
Cut through the rind into the flesh; pull out the
plug and save it. Use a spoon to dig out a bit of
additional watermelon flesh.
With the melon at the edge of a table or
countertop, turn it so the hole is down, just above
the edge. Insert the bottle securely, then rotate the
melon up so the bottle is upside down. The liquor
will slowly seep into the watermelon. Let it rest at
room temperature for 12-24 hours.
A few hours before serving, remove the
bottle. If some liquor remains, remove
the bottle the way you inserted it. Put the
melon in the fridge to chill for a few hours.
Serve as you normally would, in cubes or
wedges.
Tips:
Substitute other liquors, such as
flavored vodka (like basil, citrus, berry or
cucumber), moonshine, gin, tequila, rum
or flavored rum (like coconut or berry).
Get creative with liquor by infusing an
experimental " cocktail " of liquors, such
as gin and triple sec, tequila and Ancho
Reyes, or rum and Cointreau.
DeKuyper Pucker
From DeKuyperUSA.com
Watermelon White Sangria
▷ 1 BOTTLE OF WHITE WINE (DRY
OR SEMI-SWEET, AS
PREFERRED)
▷ 6½ OZ. DEKUYPER
WATERMELON PUCKER
SCHNAPPS
▷ 4¼ OZ. WHITE CRANBERRY
JUICE
▷ FRESH WATERMELON CHUNKS
(PREFERABLY SEEDLESS)
▷ FRESH HONEYDEW OR
CANTALOUPE CHUNKS
▷ 2 LIMES, CUT INTO WHEELS
Combine the wine, liqueur and cranberry
juice in a large pitcher and stir
well. Add fruit. Chill for a couple of
hours. Serve.
20 SPIRITED VIRGINIA
Batches for a Bunch
Watermelon is a welcome guest at a summertime picnic or
party, whether as a fruit or in drinks. Since batch drinks can
be made ahead, the host can enjoy the festivities, too.
The first two recipes use the watermelon as the punchbowl,
for a festive look and easy cleanup. Thoroughly clean the
watermelon and set it on a cutting board. If the melon isn't
stable, slice a thin layer of rind off the bottom, just enough to
flatten it. Cut a large oval opening in the top of the watermelon.
Scoop out the flesh to create the bowl, setting the fruit aside
in a large bowl. Complete the recipe, chill and enjoy the party!
Cîroc Watermelon Refresh
in a Pitcher
From Cîroc.com
▷ 8 OZ. CÎROC SUMMER WATERMELON
▷ 16 OZ. LEMONADE
▷ 8 OZ. CLUB SODA
▷ LEMON WHEEL, MINT SPRIG OR WATERMELON SLICE FOR
GARNISH
Combine Cîroc Summer Watermelon, lemonade and ice in a pitcher.
Stir until contents are well mixed. Top with club soda. Garnish.
Also presents well in a hollowed-out watermelon.
BILLY FELLIN
http://ciroc.com http://www.DeKuyperUSA.com
Spirited Virginia Q3 2022

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