Watermelon Limoncello Collins

Name: Watermelon-Limoncello Collins
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 4 to 6 small chunks fresh watermelon; 1-1/2 ounces vodka; 3/4 ounce limoncello; 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 ounce simple syrup; Splash of soda; Lemon wheel for garnish

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by Lynne Webb on July 17, 2015 (updated June 30, 2021) // 2 comments »

This easy riff on a classic Collins cocktail is made with vodka, limoncello, freshly squeezed lemon juice, muddled watermelon, and simple syrup.

Collins glass filled with muddled fresh watermelon, vodka limoncello, lemon juice, and soda garnished with a lemon wheel.

Best made when watermelon is in season and at its sweetest and most flavorful, this cocktail is refreshing and a terrific choice for summer entertaining.

Muddling releases the juices from fruit and the flavorful oils from fresh herbs, and it’s an easy way to add fresh flavor and natural sweetness to your cocktails. Here are a few tips on how to do it right.

How to Muddle Fruit and Herbs for Cocktails

Purchase a muddler that will stand the test of time. Wooden muddlers are popular, but they do deteriorate over time. We like the type with a stainless handle and nylon tip like the Oxo Steel Muddler.
Muddle in a stainless cocktail shaker or sturdy mixing glass that won’t crack or chip when you apply pressure.
For best results when muddling fresh herbs, apply light pressure, and use a gentle twisting motion with the muddler. Take care not to over-muddle as this can release bitterness from the herb’s stems and veins. Generally, as soon as you detect a fragrant whiff of the herb, you’ve muddled enough.
When muddling fruit, you can be more forceful. The idea here is to release all the juices, so apply firm pressure and muddle away!

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