Many vodka drink recipes include melon as a base flavor. It's a great choice for pairing with vodka because most melons have a mellow taste that isn't overwhelmed by the clear, nearly flavorless liquor. In addition, the fruit's flesh is absorbent, so you can soak it with the alcohol for an added kick.
Vodka Melon Ball Cocktail
Also known simply as a Melon Baller, this chilly cocktail is filled with the taste of summer, but you can drink it anytime you like.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces melon liqueur
- 1 ounce melon-flavored vodka
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- Melon balls for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, melon liqueur, and orange juice.
- Add the ice and shake.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with melon balls.
Spiked Melon Balls
Spiked melon balls are easy to make and you can use them in many creative ways.
Ingredients
- 2 cups assorted melon balls
-
½ cup vodka
Instructions
- Combine the melon balls and vodka in a zipper bag.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours or up to three days.
What to Do With the Spiked Melon Balls
Honeydew and cantaloupe are excellent choices for making the spiked balls and watermelon can work well, too. Use all three for appealing color variety. Ideas for using the balls include:
- Serve them in cocktail glasses with fresh watermelon juice and unabsorbed vodka.
- Thread the melon balls on skewers to use them as a cocktail garnish.
- Freeze the fruit to use as edible "ice" cubes or as ingredients for frozen drink recipes.
- Add the frozen fruit to your favorite punch to chill it and to add flavor.
- Serve frozen balls as dessert.
Pearl Harbor Melon Ball Cocktail
This is a popular variation of the melon ball cocktail, but this recipe swaps the orange juice for pineapple juice.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce vodka
- ¾ ounce Midori
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- Ice
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Midori, and pineapple juice.
- Add the ice and shake.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Melon Ball Shooters
The Mellon Ball also makes a popular green vodka shooter.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce vodka
- ½ ounce Midori
- ½ ounce pineapple juice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Midori, and pineapple juice.
- Add ice and shake.
- Strain into a shot glass.
Peach Melon Ball Shot
This is a southern style shooter that's tasty and refreshing.
Ingredients
- ½ ounce melon-flavored vodka
- ½ ounce Midori
- ½ ounce peach schnapps
- Ice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Midori, and peach schnapps.
- Add ice and shake. Strain into a shot glass.
Cantaloupe Melon Ball Vodka Slush
If you're looking for a refreshing frozen drink, then this is the one for you!
Ingredients
-
¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
-
¾ ounce simple syrup
-
2 cups cantaloupe melon balls
-
1½ ounces vodka
-
Ice
-
Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a rocks glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces melon flavored vodka
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- Ice
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
- Add the ice and shake.
- Strain into the chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Watermelon Ball Vodka Martini
This simple martini style cocktail is crisp and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces watermelon-flavored vodka
- ¾ ounce watermelon schnapps
- Ice
- Frozen watermelon balls and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass.
- In a mixing glass, combine the vodka and schnapps.
- Add the ice and stir.
- Strain into the chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with the frozen melon balls and a mint sprig.
Making Melon Ball Cocktails
While supermarket juices and frozen melon are convenient to use, your melon ball cocktails will taste best when you use the freshest ingredients. Select ripe melons from your local produce store and scoop it into balls yourself. The result is a fresh and flavorful melon and vodka cocktail.
