Watermelon soaked in vodka has long been a favorite of resourceful frat brothers and sorority sisters (a party staple alongside some jungle juice). This adult version, with a touch of Chambord and vanilla, maintains the fun factor while being refined enough to serve to more discriminating revelers.

Game plan: You’ll have some liquid left over from soaking the melon—we’ve heard it makes for a good addition to cocktails.

This recipe was featured as part of our Wii gaming menu, as well as our Cooking with Summer Ingredients story.

  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 35 mins, plus freezing time
  • Active: 5 mins

Ingredients (4)

  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1/4 cup Chambord or other raspberry-flavored liqueur
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped, seeds reserved
  • 1 (7-pound) seedless watermelon, peeled and cut into large dice (about 12 cups)

Instructions

  1. Combine vodka, Chambord, and vanilla seeds in a large bowl. Add watermelon and toss to coat. Set aside and let soak at room temperature, mixing occasionally, until the liquor flavor has saturated the melon, about 30 minutes.
  2. Drain off the vodka mixture (reserve for cocktails as desired) and arrange the watermelon in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer until frozen, about 4 hours. Serve with toothpicks.