How to Spike a Watermelon

Traditionalists insert a bottle, the fastidious a funnel, and I know one guy who marks out a grid with a surgical hammer to determine the proper places to plunge a turkey needle. Vodka is standard; hard-core types use Everclear. I’ve never spiked a melon with gin, but it might be wonderful. I recommend cutting a fist-sized crater about a quarter way into the flesh, pouring the booze in a cup at a time, and refilling it as the liquor is absorbed. A Charleston Gray takes all day, a Moon-and-Stars four hours.

Melon Cocktail

For each quart cubed melon, add one cup sliced strawberries or pineapple, the juice of one lime, a cup of light rum, a tablespoon sugar, and a light sprinkling of salt. Chill thoroughly before serving.

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