It’s important to make sure your watermelon sits still without rolling over. If it’s not stable, you’ll end up with a sloshy, pink mess in your refrigerator! Cut a thin slice from the rind at the base of the watermelon, if necessary, so that it doesn’t rock back and forth or spin around. But just don’t cut deep into the edible flesh or else the watermelon might leak. [1] X Research source It may take between 12 and 24 hours to fully infuse the watermelon, so be sure to plan ahead. [2] X Research source

Keep the cut-out piece of watermelon to use as a plug if you intend to transport the watermelon, or feel free to discard it. [3] X Research source

Avoid pushing the skewer through the other side of the rind as the vodka might seep out. This step is essential in creating a successful vodka watermelon. If you skip it, the alcohol won’t really seep into the fruit at all.

Try adding about 0. 5 to 1  c (120 to 240 mL) of vodka during each pour. [6] X Research source Press the base of the funnel gently into the pink flesh to help stabilize it. If you have a 10 lb (4. 5 kg) watermelon, it’ll absorb around 3  c (710 mL) of vodka total. This could take between 3 to 6 pours, depending on the size of your funnel. [7] X Research source

If the vodka from your first pour doesn’t seep in after 3 or 4 hours, try poking more holes into the flesh using a skewer, or use a spoon to break up and scoop out some of the flesh to create more space. You’ll know the watermelon is full when it stops absorbing more vodka and your funnel doesn’t drain out. Once the watermelon has been totally infused with vodka, you’ll see a sloshy pink liquid inside instead of the firm melon flesh.

If you’d like, pop the overturned vodka bottle into the hole for a fun display. Just keep the cap on so you don’t overfill the watermelon and make a mess. [9] X Research source You won’t be able to slice and serve watermelon chunks; the result of this process will be a boozy fruit juice. Avoid putting a tap into the hole; fruit chunks will clog it up. [10] X Research source

The less you cut off of the top of the watermelon, the deeper your punch bowl will be. Try shaving off a piece that’s about 0. 5 to 1 in (1. 3 to 2. 5 cm) thick from the bottom of the watermelon, and another about 2 to 3 in (5. 1 to 7. 6 cm) thick from the top.

If you don’t have a melon baller, try an ice cream scoop, a spoon, or a cookie dough scoop instead. Focus on making neat, circular watermelon balls if you plan to serve them whole. But if you’re going to blend up the fruit, feel free to remove the flesh in chunks.

With this method, you’ll be able to fill your guests’ glasses with pink watermelon-infused vodka and floating fruit bits. Place the rind in the freezer while the alcohol and fruit chill in the fridge. This way, your watermelon punch bowl will keep the drink cool during the party.

Try serving the whole watermelon balls whole if you’d prefer a refreshing, boozy, bite-sized snack to a beverage. After draining the watermelon balls, save and refrigerate the remaining watermelon-infused vodka for future cocktails. If you soak the balled fruit for any longer, it will become mushy and would be better served in a drink.

Add about 3  c (710 mL) of vodka and chill your drink in a large bowl for about 3 hours before serving it in the watermelon punch bowl. Keep the watermelon rind in the freezer while the drink chills down. This way, it’ll keep your drink cool when you’re ready to serve it.

For a communal cocktail experience set the watermelon punch bowl in the center of the table and grab a bunch of straws. This way, your friends can slurp down your boozy concoction together. [17] X Research source