
Ingredients
- 1 Large Watermelon
- 1 Bottle Vodka
- 1 Bottle Rum
- 1 Bottle Gin
- 1 Bottle Tequila
- 1 Bottle Triple Sec
Instructions
Stabilize the Watermelon:
- Wrap a towel around the base of the watermelon to hold it steady.
Prepare for Infusion:
- Cut holes in the top of the watermelon. Use the lids of the bottles as a guide to make the holes the right size.
Infuse with Alcohol:
- Insert each of the bottles into the corresponding holes in the watermelon. Set aside for 24-48 hours to allow the alcohol to fully infuse.
Serve:
- Once most of the alcohol is infused into the watermelon, slice and serve.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This isn’t a drink with a storied past from a Prohibition speakeasy or a classic tiki bar. The Long Island Iced Tea infused Watermelon is a modern party stunt, likely gaining traction through social media and backyard BBQ culture. It’s born from the simple idea of making a large format, boozy treat for a crowd, rather than a carefully crafted cocktail with a specific inventor or location.
Conceptually, this sits in the ‘boozy fruit’ family, a distant cousin to things like Jell-O shots or alcohol-soaked gummy bears, but on a much larger scale. It’s separate from traditional cocktails because it’s about infusing a solid fruit rather than mixing liquids in a glass. The ‘Long Island Iced Tea’ part refers to the combination of multiple clear spirits, not the actual tea.
You won’t find this on a cocktail menu at any self-respecting bar. This is strictly for the home setting: backyard parties, beach trips, casual barbecues, or any large gathering where the goal is fun and a little bit messy. It’s a centerpiece for a good time, not a sophisticated sipper.
What it tastes like
The initial taste is all sweet, refreshing watermelon, quickly followed by a muddled rush of neutral spirits. You’ll get hints of the different alcohols, with the Triple Sec adding a subtle citrus lift, but the primary alcohol character is a boozy warmth rather than distinct flavor notes. The finish is fruity and surprisingly clean, given the sheer amount of alcohol involved.
This isn’t a measured drink, so precise ABV is tough to pinpoint. However, with multiple full bottles of spirits soaking into one watermelon, you’re looking at a significant alcohol content. Each slice of fruit will pack a much harder punch than a standard beer and likely more than a single cocktail. Pace yourself, as the alcohol can creep up on you disguised by the fruit’s sweetness.
The technique
Building this is straightforward but requires patience. First, you need a stable base for the watermelon to prevent it from rolling around during the infusion. Cutting the holes to match the bottle caps ensures a snug fit, which is crucial for maximizing absorption and minimizing spills. Once the bottles are inverted into the melon, it’s a waiting game. The alcohol slowly seeps into the fruit, displacing the water content, over a period of 24 to 48 hours.
The most critical technique is allowing adequate infusion time. Don’t rush it. If you cut into the watermelon too soon, you’ll have a boozy exterior and a mostly un-infused interior. Giving it the full 24 to 48 hours ensures the alcohol permeates deeply throughout the fruit, delivering that consistent boozy kick in every slice. Skipping this step results in a disappointing, unevenly boozy experience.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Watermelon
- Use
- A large, ripe, and firm watermelon is essential. It needs to be big enough to accommodate several bottles and sturdy enough to hold its structure during the infusion process. A good ripe melon also provides the best natural sweetness to balance the spirits.
- Skip
- Avoid small, underripe, or overly soft watermelons. They won’t hold enough alcohol, might not infuse properly, and could turn mushy or ferment prematurely.
- Why
- The watermelon is both the vessel and a primary flavor component. Its high water content makes it an ideal medium for absorbing the spirits, and its natural sweetness and refreshing texture are key to the drink’s appeal.
Neutral Spirits (Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila)
- Use
- Standard, mid-range bottles of white vodka, white rum, gin, and silver tequila work perfectly. Since they’re all mixed and infused into fruit, there’s no need for top-shelf expressions. Any decent brand will do the job.
- Skip
- Don’t bother with expensive craft spirits, aged spirits, or heavily flavored liqueurs unless you’re specifically trying a variation. Their nuances will be lost in the mix and the fruit. Also, avoid anything with a very strong, distinct flavor that might clash with the watermelon.
- Why
- These spirits provide the bulk of the alcohol without overpowering the watermelon’s natural flavor too much. Their combined effect is what creates the ‘Long Island Iced Tea’ boozy kick, making the fruit a powerful, intoxicating treat.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
The Single Spirit Melon
- One spirit, one fruit, pure focus
- Instead of a full Long Island Iced Tea mix, infuse a watermelon with just one spirit, like vodka or rum. This allows the fruit and the chosen alcohol to shine without a complex blend.
Tropical Fruit Punch
- Pineapple power up
- Try this method with a large pineapple. Hollow out the core and infuse with a mix of rum and coconut liqueur for a tropical twist. It’s a different texture but equally potent.
Sweetened Infusion
- Add a syrupy kick
- Before infusing, mix some simple syrup or a fruit liqueur like Midori or peach schnapps with the spirits. This adds another layer of sweetness and flavor to the boozy fruit.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
You can omit the gin or substitute with an extra bottle of vodka or rum. The botanical notes of gin might be missed by some, but it won’t ruin the overall effect.
Swap it for more vodka or rum. The distinctive agave flavor of tequila isn’t a make-or-break component in this boozy fruit, so another neutral spirit works fine.
A different orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier works. If you have no orange liqueur, a simple syrup infused with orange zest could provide a subtle citrus note, though it won’t add alcohol.
A large, firm cantaloupe or honeydew melon could work, though their flavor profiles will be different. Ensure they are large enough to hold the bottles and firm enough to maintain structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Long Island Iced Tea infused Watermelon?
It typically contains a large watermelon infused with a mixture of vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec.
How long does it take to infuse a watermelon with alcohol?
Allow 24 to 48 hours for the alcohol to fully infuse into the watermelon. Patience ensures the best results.
Can you infuse other fruits?
Yes, large, firm fruits like pineapples, cantaloupes, or honeydew melons can also be infused with alcohol using a similar method.
How do you know when the watermelon is ready?
The bottles will appear mostly empty or significantly drained, indicating the alcohol has been absorbed into the watermelon.
Will the watermelon get mushy?
If left for too long, especially in warm conditions, the watermelon can start to break down and become mushy. Stick to the 24-48 hour window and keep it cool.
Is it safe to leave alcohol in fruit for a long time?
It’s best to consume the infused watermelon within a day or two after the infusion is complete. Beyond that, the fruit can spoil or ferment further.
How do you serve an infused watermelon?
Once infused, slice the watermelon into wedges or cubes and serve directly. It’s often eaten with a fork or by hand.
Is this drink strong?
Yes, this is a very potent party treat. With multiple bottles of spirits infused into one fruit, each serving will contain a significant amount of alcohol. Consume responsibly.
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