Watermelon Punch and Bowl

Our watermelon punch recipe is served in the hollowed-out fruit for an ultra-refreshing and fun summer treat. Besides being party-ready, presenting it this way ensures none of the watermelon goes to waste and saves you from having to track down a punch bowl large enough for serving. The punch itself calls for only two ingredients—chilled watermelon juice and seltzer—making it healthy and kid-friendly. If you’re looking to turn this into a cocktail, add vodka or tequila for a boozy twist. Easy and creative, our watermelon punch bowl makes an excellent addition to a summer pool party, cookout, or potluck.

Equipment for Watermelon Punch

You'll need a few basic pieces of kitchen equipment to whip up this fruity drink recipe, including:

Sharp knife: A long, serrated knife or a sharp chef's knife is needed to both trim the top third off the watermelon and create a flat bottom to keep the bowl steady.

Ice cream scoop: To scoop out the watermelon flesh from the fruit, your best bet is a large ice cream scoop. It'll allow you to remove big scoops at a time, which will make the process go faster. If you don't have one handy, you can use a half-cup dry measuring cup or a large serving spoon instead.

Blender: Reach for a blender to puree the watermelon. You can also use a food processor for the task, but you may want to work in a few batches to keep the liquid from spilling out of the top. Since you'll be straining the solids out of the mixture, don't worry about making it completely smooth.

Fine-mesh sieve: You'll need a fine-mesh sieve or a double layer of cheesecloth to strain out the solids. Pressing on the pureed fruit with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon will help release as much liquid as possible.

Ladle: You don't need a punch bowl or pitcher for serving this simple punch, but you will need a ladle. One that can hold four to six ounces is an ideal size, but a smaller one can certainly be used. If you don't have one suitable for the task, look for a plastic option at party supply stores or a serving spoon with a deep bowl instead.

How to Choose a Ripe Watermelon

For a punch with the best watermelon flavor, you'll want to seek out a ripe fruit for this recipe. When at the store or the market, use these tips to seek out a good one:

Check out the color and striping: The skin on a ripe watermelon should be dull and free of blemishes or dents. Thick, visible stripes—about as wide as two fingers pressed together—can be a good indicator of ripeness as well.

Pick it up: As with most fruit, a sweet and juicy watermelon should feel heavy for its size, so don't be afraid to pick a few up to compare their weight. If any feel surprisingly light for how large they look, move on.

Look for the ground spot: While you've got a watermelon in your hands that seems a good pick, turn it around to locate the yellow patch known as the ground spot. It shows you where the watermelon rested as it matured on the ground—it should be buttery yellow in color, not white.

Give it a tap: Tapping on a watermelon is an effective way to gauge its ripeness. Put your ear near the fruit and give it a firm tap as if it's a drum; it should make a deep, hollow sound. This is an indication that the flesh inside is nice and juicy. If it sounds dull, flat, or higher pitched, there's a good chance you're looking at an underripe or overripe fruit.