Libations: Watermelon Pride Punch

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Let the Pride partying begin with this deliciously sweet watermelon punch recipe.

1 cup (250 mL) small diced watermelon
7 cups (1.75 L) coarsely chopped watermelon
6 cups (1.5 L) watermelon juice
5 tbsp (75 mL) Ribena juice
6 oz (170 mL) rum or vodka
3 tbsp (45 mL) fresh grated ginger
Garnish: Mint leaves

Add all ingredients into a large serving pitcher and mix until combined. Garnish each glass with watermelon wedges and mint leaves.

Serves 7.

TIP: To make watermelon juice, blend cubed watermelon and strain it through a sieve.

PER SERVING: 153 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 4 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrates, 1 g fibre, 2 g protein. % RDI: 2% calcium, 5% iron, 8% vitamin A, 41% vitamin C.

Watermelon Keg Carving

Impress party guests by serving your Pride Punch in a Watermelon Keg. Here’s how to turn your melon in a functioning cocktail keg.

1 Medium to large oval or oblong watermelon (seeded or seedless)
1 Kitchen knife
1 Cutting board
1 Green dry erase marker
1 Channel knife (alternative: use the top of a vegetable peeler)
1 Large bowl and spoon or ice cream scoop
1 Apple corer
1 Spigot
Twine and straight pins

Instructions:

1. Wash the watermelon under cool running water and pat dry.

2. Place the watermelon on its side on a cutting board. Cut 1/4″ to 1/2″ off both ends of the watermelon, being careful not to cut too deep into the white part of the rind. One side will provide a sturdy base.

3. Use dry erase marker to make a thick band on the upper third and lower third of the watermelon to represent the metal bands around a keg. Use the channel knife to trim away a thin line to further represent those metal bands.

4. Hollow out the watermelon with a spoon or ice cream scoop, reserving the watermelon pieces to make the punch. Be sure to leave about 2″ of watermelon flesh towards the bottom of the watermelon so the spigot can be placed.

5. Use an apple corer to cut a circle for your spigot to fit through the rind, placing it about 2″ to 3″ above the bottom of the watermelon. Screw your spigot into place.

6. For added detail, carefully pin twine in your lines you’ve made to represent the metal bands around the keg. Be careful that the pins do not poke through the watermelon into the keg.

7. Place the keg on a saucer or plate and fill with the punch.

Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board. For more recipes and carving ideas, visit www.watermelon.org.

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