Watermelon Cocktail

1. Cube about 2 cups of seedless watermelon and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup to yield roughly 3 oz of juice per serving.
2. Fill a wine glass or champagne flute with ice (omit ice if using a flute and you prefer it neat).
3. Pour in the chilled watermelon juice.
4. If desired, add the lime juice (and simple syrup for a spritz-style drink) and stir gently.
5. Top with chilled prosecco.
6. Give one light stir to combine without losing carbonation. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge and a sprig of mint.

To Batch (Pitcher)

1. Blend and strain enough watermelon to yield 3 cups of juice.
2. Combine the watermelon juice with one 750 ml bottle of prosecco in a chilled pitcher.
3. Add the juice of 1 lime for brightness, or lime juice plus 1–2 oz simple syrup for a sweeter spritz.
4. Stir gently and serve immediately over ice.

• Thin watermelon wedge on the rim
• Fresh mint sprig
• Lime wheel
• A few small watermelon balls dropped into the glass

• Watermelon Spritz: Add 0.25 oz lime juice and 0.25 oz simple syrup before topping with prosecco for a sweet-and-sour spritz profile.
• Frozen: Blend the watermelon with ice instead of juicing for a slushy frozen version, then top with prosecco.
• Spiked: Add 1 oz vodka or gin for a boozier pour.
• Herbal: Muddle a few basil or mint leaves in the glass before pouring.
• Non-alcoholic: Swap the prosecco for sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

• Use a ripe, in-season watermelon for the best flavor. The riper the fruit, the less (if any) simple syrup you'll need.
• Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to keep the drink light and clean.
• Watermelon juice oxidizes quickly. Make it the same day and keep it cold.
• Use a dry prosecco (Brut or Extra Dry) so the cocktail doesn't get cloying.

How Much Watermelon to Buy

Cubed watermelon yields roughly half its volume in strained juice.

• Single drink (3 oz juice): ~1 to 1.5 cups cubed flesh (~6–8 oz by weight).
• Batch with 1 bottle of prosecco (3 cups juice): ~6 cups cubed flesh (~3 lb of flesh).
• Whole-fruit guidance:
  • Personal/mini watermelon (3–5 lb whole) → about 2–3.5 lb of flesh → one batch.
  • Small whole watermelon (8–10 lb) → about 5–7 lb of flesh → two batches with leftovers.
  • Standard watermelon (15–20 lb) → far more than you need; plan to use the leftovers for snacking or freeze for future cocktails.