Description
A refreshing and vibrant Watermelon Gin Punch, perfect for summer gatherings. This punch combines fresh watermelon juice, muddled mint, lemon juice, and gin, topped with club soda for a light, fizzy finish. Ready in just 20 minutes and served chilled, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail that highlights fresh flavors and botanicals.
Ingredients
Scale
Watermelon Juice
- 8 cups cubed watermelon
- 4 cups fresh watermelon juice (from the puree)
Mint Syrup Mix
- 12 fresh mint leaves
- ½-¾ cup simple syrup
Other Liquids
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups gin
- Club soda, to top
Instructions
- Make the Watermelon Juice: Place the watermelon cubes into a blender and process until smooth. Then strain the watermelon puree through a fine mesh sieve, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to press out as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp and refrigerate the juice if not using immediately. This yields about 4 cups of fresh watermelon juice.
- Muddle the Mint: Add the fresh mint leaves to a tall pitcher and muddle gently to release their essential oils and aroma.
- Mix the Punch: Pour the freshly made watermelon juice, simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin into the pitcher with the muddled mint. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the prepared watermelon gin punch, then top it off with club soda for a refreshing fizz. Stir gently to combine the soda with the punch.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing each glass with a fresh mint leaf for a fragrant and attractive presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor and maximum juice extraction.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your preferred sweetness.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the gin and replace it with extra club soda or tonic water.
- Prepare the watermelon juice ahead and keep refrigerated to save time before serving.
- Gently muddle the mint to avoid bitterness but release aromatic oils.
- Serve immediately after adding club soda to preserve fizz.
