Watermelon Beverage Dispenser aka Cocktail Keg aka Jungle Juice Jug

Sometimes you see an idea that is so fun you just have to recreate it. And it's a bonus if this idea boarders on reliving your college jungle juice days.....ok it doesn't boarder on it, it dives right into a frat party head first.

The Watermelon Juice Dispenser is case in point. I didn't come up with this idea (you can do a search and see other variation on this) but with the help of eager friends we carved this one up and it became the hit of the party.

It's actually fairly simple. Cleaning out the watermelon and turning it into juice might be the most difficult, not to mention messy, part.

A quick hole at the bottom of the belly, screw in a faucet or whatever dispenser you are using, pour in your juice and voila. Cocktail Keg. Drink Dispenser.

Below you'll find the basics to create this nifty beverage dispenser and then I list three watermelon punch recipes you can play with. For extra fun, I carved a little face in my watermelon. Put some fun in your next party with a handmade Fat and Happy Cocktail Dispenser.

Prepare your watermelon by cutting a lid from the top and scooping out the fruit (use 4 cups of the fruit later for your watermelon puree). Drill a small hole near the bottom of the melon, then use a knife to widen the hole until it’s just slightly smaller than the keg shank. Attach the shank and faucet and you’re ready to add your cocktail.
After pureeing 4 cups of watermelon chunks, strain. Stir in your fruit-flavored liqueur, gin and sour mix. Chill. Add sparkling rosé before serving. Garnish with lime slice and enjoy!
- See more at: http://www.kegworks.com/blog/2009/07/07/watermelon-cocktail-keg-as-seen-in-food-network-magazine/#sthash.G3GmKUd1.dpu

Fat and Happy Tips and Techniques:  It's important to clean the inside of the watermelon well. And it's important to strain the juice well too to avoid clogging the spout.

Watermelon Beverage Dispenser


Cocktail Keg


Jungle Juice Jug

Creating the Watermelon Beverage Dispenser:

1. Prepare the Watermelon: cut a lid on the top of the watermelon and scoop out the insides, leaving a clean wall.






2. Drill a small hole near the bottom of the watermelon belly. Make the hole just smaller than faucet or shank dispenser.







3. Screw in the faucet. Carve a face if desired.








4. Pour in the juice and let the party start.

Watermelon Jungle Punch

These are all variations that I created with the juice from my watermelon. I didn't measure my ingredients, I just poured, tasted and adjusted. Use the below as your guide.

Spicy Watermelon Pisco Sour

This is a play on the classic pisco sour. Do let the jalapeno and mint steep; the longer this one sits, the better it is going to get.

Watermelon

Lime juice

Fresh mint

1 jalapeno, cut in half lengthwise

Pisco 

Club soda or ginger ale

Mix 3 to 1 watermelon and lime juice. Add in the pisco. Steep the mint and jalapeno for at least one hour. Top with the club soda before serving.

Watermelon Strawberry Rhubarb Punch

 Strawberry Rhubarb meets watermelon; if you don't have rhubarb vodka, juice a handful of fresh rhubarb.

Watermelon

Strawberry, juice a double pint

Rhubarb vodka

Lemon

Club soda or ginger ale

Mix 2-1 watermelon juice to strawberry juice, add in rhubarb vodka and a lemon to taste. Top with club soda just before serving.

Watermelon Sangria

This is a lighter punch, perfect for the warm summer evenings.

Watermelon

Pineapple

Dandelion wine (or white wine)

Club soda or ginger ale

Mix equal amounts of watermelon, pineapple and wine. Top with the club soda just before serving.