Watermelon Rum Punch
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Watermelon Rum Punch is a refreshing cocktail recipe made with ripe watermelon, white rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur that is perfect for your next BBQ. Serve out of a watermelon punch bowl or a large pitcher to your very happy guests all summer long!
Check out this Tropical Rum Drinks page for even more fun, fruity rum drinks!
This 5-ingredient watermelon rum punch can be made and chilled ahead of time, and it is always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients needed
- You will need a ripe, “seedless” watermelon – although I will warn you right now that they still contain seeds. No worries, we will strain them out to create watermelon juice.
- Pineapple juice can be canned or fresh and adds a touch of sweetness and subtle background flavor.
- White rum, such as Bacardi, and orange liqueur like Cointreau and Gran Marnier on the high-end, or triple sec in the lower price range.
- Lime juice adds a citrus burst to this drink and cuts down the sweetness of the watermelon and orange liqueur.
- Ice is used to chill this yummy cocktail and can be served over ice or blender for a frothier drink.
Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below
How to make watermelon rum punch
To serve in a watermelon punch bowl:
Place the watermelon on a flat surface and slice off a piece of the rind on the bottom to create a flat surface for the punch bowl to stand. Be careful not to cut into the flesh or your bowl will leak. If using mini watermelons, slice in half to create two serving bowls.
For a large punch bowl, lay the watermelon flat on its side and cut a large oval opening in the top (like a pumpkin). Scoop out the watermelon flesh leaving a bit of pink around the sides and bottom.
Place the watermelon flesh into a blender or food processor and puree for one minute.
Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer, over a large measuring cup, to remove the seeds and pulp. Lightly press with a silicone spatula to push all of the juice through. Don’t forget to scrape the underside of the strainer as well.
Pour the watermelon juice, rum, orange liqueur, pineapple and lime juice into a large, ice-filled glass pitcher and stir to combine.
Pour cocktail into ice-filled glasses from the pitcher or ladle from the watermelon bowl. Serve garnished with a pineapple wedge and pineapple leaves, or watermelon wedges.
I decided to go a bit rogue and poured all of the ingredients back into the blender to create an icier, frothy cocktail. It is delicious either way!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- This cocktail makes approximately 6.5-cups before added to the ice. It can be more or less depending on how juicy your watermelon is.
- Change things up and try a flavored white rum like Malibu coconut or passion fruit.
To make ahead of time
To make ahead of time, combine all of the ingredients except for the ice in a large pitcher or container. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Leftovers?
If you have leftover watermelon punch, place back in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage or between parties, pour into a large zipper topped freezer bag, squeeze out the excess air, and place in the freezer until needed.
Tools used to create this recipe
You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!
- Cutting Board & Chefs Knife
- Ninja Blender
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Cocktail Measuring Shot Glass
- Mesh Strainer
- Citrus Juicer
- Silicone Spatula
- Glass Pitcher
- Bar Spoon
- Cocktail Straws
- Tall Glasses
More watermelon drinks
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Enjoy!!
Watermelon Rum Punch
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh, chopped watermelon
- 8 ounces white rum
- 6 ounces pineapple juice
- 4 ounces orange liqueur
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 4 cups ice approximately
- pineapple or watermelon wedges to garnish
Instructions
To serve in a watermelon punch bowl
- Place the watermelon on a flat surface and slice off a piece of the rind on the bottom to create a flat surface for the punch bowl to stand. Be careful not to cut into the flesh or your bowl will leak. If using mini watermelons, slice in half to create two serving bowls.
- For a large punch bowl, lay the watermelon flat on its side and cut a large oval opening in the top (like a pumpkin). Scoop out the watermelon flesh leaving a bit of pink around the sides and bottom.
- Place the watermelon flesh into a blender or food processor and puree for one minute. Pour the puree through a fine-mesh strainer, over a large measuring cup, to remove the seeds and pulp. Lightly press with a silicone spatula to push all of the juice through. Don't forget to scrape the underside of the strainer as well.
- Pour the watermelon juice, rum, orange liqueur, pineapple and lime juice into a large, ice-filled glass pitcher and stir to combine.
- Pour cocktail into ice-filled glasses from the pitcher or ladle from the watermelon bowl. Serve garnished with a pineapple wedge and pineapple leaves, or watermelon wedges.
Notes
- This cocktail makes approximately 6.5-cups before added to the ice. It can be more or less depending on how juicy your watermelon is.
- Change things up and try a flavored white rum like Malibu coconut, peach, lime, or passion fruit.
- I decided to go a bit rogue and poured all of the ingredients back into the blender to create an icier, frothy cocktail. It is delicious either way!
- To make ahead of time, combine all of the ingredients except for the ice in a large pitcher or container. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- If you have leftover watermelon punch, place back in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage or between parties, pour into a large zipper topped freezer bag, squeeze out the excess air, and place in the freezer until needed.
