If you are keen to taste all the most iconic flavours of summer in one sensational sip, you must try this Bourbon Watermelon Cocktail! There are quite a few variations on this cocktail theme, and we’ve tried and tested them all. So, you can rest assured that this is by far the easiest and tastiest one out there. After all, when it’s picnic-perfect weather, there’s no need to linger at the drinks station too long...
Bourbon Watermelon Cocktail
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
In a Collins glass, muddle the mint and sugar until fragrant
02
Add the bourbon, and stir gently
03
Add the watermelon juice, and stir to combine
04
Add ice, and top off with soda water
05
Serve and enjoy immediately
How to make fresh watermelon juice for a Bourbon Watermelon recipe
Yes, yes, we know – there is something a little finicky in the mix. Fear not, newbie cocktail maker, making fresh watermelon juice is actually a lot simpler than you think. Plus, it tastes so good you are going to be making it all summer long. Here’s how:
- Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon
- Cut it open and scoop out the flesh
- Add the watermelon flesh to a food processor and pulse until smooth OR add it to a bowl and mash it with a potato masher
- Run the mashed watermelon through a mesh strainer to get rid of any pulp
- Boom – watermelon juice!
The best news is you can make this watermelon juice in advance as it will keep in the fridge for up to five days. Prep it for your next garden party so you don’t have to stand around cutting up watermelons while your friends tuck into the canapés.
You might also like: 11 Watermelon Cocktail Recipes to Impress a Crowd
Pro tips to put your Bourbon Watermelon Cocktail over the top
If you feel adventurous and really want to push out the boat, there are a few things you could try to make this recipe your own.
Going the ice lollies route
This Watermelon Bourbon recipe makes the ultimate boozy ice lolly. In the height of summer, when everything feels sweaty and sticky, you can make or break a party with the drinks you serve.
This is when you can make everyone’s day by whipping out some Watermelon Bourbon Cocktail ice lollies! You simply make a big batch of the drink, pour it into the mould and pop it in the freezer. It’s as easy as that. This also works a charm with our Watermelon Daiquiri recipe.
Experimenting with the spirit
Right, so technically when you use a different spirit to make this drink, it won’t actually be a Watermelon Bourbon cocktail anymore. But that’s the magic of mixed drinks – you get to mix it up! We highly recommend trying a flavoured vodka like SKYY INFUSIONS® Watermelon (how perfect?!), or SKYY INFUSIONS® Pineapple (tasty tropical vibes!).
Read next: 9 Bourbon Based Summer Cocktails to Beat the Heat
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, it most certainly does! Watermelon is a great match for bourbon, especially when combined in a tasty mixed drink like the Watermelon Bourbon cocktail, which combines Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, fresh watermelon juice, sugar, mint and club soda over ice. So refreshing!
A smooth, smoky bourbon like Wild Turkey 101 pairs beautifully with fresh watermelon juice - it juxtaposes the sweetness to absolute perfection.
