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Watermelon Crawl Drink recipe

Highball glass

Shake up your summer with our Watermelon Crawl drink recipe! This refreshing cocktail features a sweet and tangy blend of watermelon liqueur, vodka, orange juice, and grenadine, topped off with a fizzy burst of lemon soda. Perfect for sipping poolside or at your next backyard barbecue. Mix it up in a highball glass and enjoy the taste of summer in every sip!


Watermelon Crawl Ingredients

Watermelon Crawl Equipment

  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Watermelon Crawl Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Orange juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. stir the ingredients together with ice
  3. fill Highball glass full with ice cubes

Recommend: serve in Highball glass

The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.

The Watermelon Crawl: A Refreshing Summer Classic

As a professional bartender, I have seen many cocktails come and go, but one that has stood the test of time is the Watermelon Crawl. This cocktail is famous for its refreshing taste and vibrant appearance, making it the perfect drink for a hot summer day. In this blog post, I will be discussing the popularity of the Watermelon Crawl, its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations and common mistakes when making it.

Popularity

The Watermelon Crawl has its origins in the United States, specifically in the southern states, where watermelon is a popular fruit. It is said that the cocktail was first created in Nashville, Tennessee, in the early 2000s, and quickly became a hit in the country music scene. The cocktail is named after the popular country music song, "Watermelon Crawl," by Tracy Byrd, which was released in 1994.

The Watermelon Crawl is famous for its vibrant pink color, which comes from the combination of watermelon liqueur and grenadine. It is also known for its sweet and tangy taste, which comes from the fresh watermelon juice and orange juice. The cocktail is typically served in a highball glass with ice and a slice of watermelon as a garnish.

Ingredient Roles

The Watermelon Crawl has a unique combination of ingredients that work together to create its signature taste. Here is a breakdown of the roles that each ingredient plays in the cocktail:

  • Watermelon Liqueur: This is the main ingredient in the cocktail and provides the distinct watermelon flavor.
  • Vodka: The vodka adds a slight kick to the cocktail and helps to balance out the sweetness.
  • Orange Juice: The orange juice provides a citrusy flavor that complements the watermelon.
  • Grenadine: This adds a deep red color to the cocktail and provides a sweet, fruity flavor.
  • Lemon Soda: The soda adds a bit of fizz and helps to lighten up the cocktail.

How to Garnish

Garnishing the Watermelon Crawl is a simple yet effective way to enhance the presentation of the cocktail. Here are some tips on how to garnish the cocktail:

  • Watermelon Slice: A slice of watermelon is the perfect garnish for the Watermelon Crawl. It adds to the overall aesthetic of the cocktail and provides a refreshing snack for the drinker.
  • Mint Leaves: Adding a few mint leaves to the cocktail not only enhances the presentation but also provides a subtle minty flavor that complements the watermelon.
  • Sugar Rim: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can rim the glass with sugar. Simply dip the rim of the glass in sugar before adding the cocktail.

Variations

The Watermelon Crawl is a versatile cocktail that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some variations of the cocktail:

  • Virgin/Mocktail Version: To make a non-alcoholic version of the cocktail, simply omit the vodka and replace it with more orange juice or lemon soda.
  • Gluten-Free Version: The Watermelon Crawl is already gluten-free, but if you are using a watermelon liqueur, make sure to check the label for any gluten-containing ingredients.
  • Vegan Version: The cocktail is already vegan-friendly, but if you are using a watermelon liqueur, make sure to check the label for any animal-derived ingredients.
  • Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of the cocktail, replace the grenadine with sugar-free grenadine and use a low-carb sweetener instead of sugar.
  • Low-Calorie Version: To make a low-calorie version of the cocktail, use a sugar-free watermelon syrup instead of the watermelon liqueur and replace the sugar with a low-calorie sweetener.
  • More Variations: You can also experiment with different types of fruit juices, such as pineapple or cranberry, or add a splash of coconut rum for a tropical twist.

Common Mistakes When Making

Even though the Watermelon Crawl is a relatively simple cocktail to make, there are still some common mistakes that can be made. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:

  • Overfilling the Glass: Make sure to leave some room in the glass for the ice and soda. Overfilling the glass can dilute the cocktail and make it less flavorful.
  • Using Too Much Grenadine: Grenadine is a sweet syrup, and using too much of it can make the cocktail overly sweet. Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe.
  • Using Pre-Made Juice: Fresh watermelon juice is the key to making a delicious Watermelon Crawl. Using pre-made juice can result in a less flavorful cocktail.
  • Skipping the Garnish: The garnish is an essential part of the cocktail, and skipping it can make the presentation less appealing. Don't forget to add a slice of watermelon or a sprig of mint to finish off the cocktail.

In conclusion, the Watermelon Crawl is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its refreshing taste and vibrant appearance make it the perfect drink for a hot summer day. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can make the perfect Watermelon Crawl every time. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to crawl your way through the summer!

If you are going to order Watermelon Crawl in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Watermelon Crawl can be served with different ingredients in different places.