Hosting a summer grill-out or backyard bash takes a lot of careful planning. And if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to take your gathering to the next level. Whether I show off my creative serving ideas, unbeatable recipes or a killer playlist, I want my parties to be epic. Which is why, when I found out about the watermelon keg, I knew I had to try it. Here’s what happened.
Here are more fun ways to eat watermelon this summer.
What is a watermelon keg?
This clever idea has been making the rounds on social media for a while (just like these genius TikTok products). But essentially it’s a hollow watermelon “tapped” with a faucet and filled with your beverage of choice. The keg makes a fun centerpiece, and is a practical serving idea for anyone who doesn’t own party-size beverage dispensers. You can also make kegs with pumpkins, other melons and even pineapples!
Also, check here whether or not can you eat watermelon seeds!
How to Make a Watermelon Keg
Tools and Supplies:
- Keg tapping kit. First and foremost, you’re going to need the Final Touch watermelon keg tapping kit. This crucial tool includes the keg tap and a coring tool for easy dispensing.
- Sharp knife. To effortlessly slice off the top of your watermelon, you’re going to need the right tool. We recommend this Kuhn Rikon watermelon knife. Not only does it look cute, but it has ultra-sharp blades for cutting through even the toughest melon rind. Speaking of, learn how to cut a watermelon.
- Large bowl. You need an empty watermelon to make a keg. However, you should still enjoy all of the fruit! Scoop it into this extra-large American Metalcraft stainless steel mixing bowl for easy snacking.
- Serving spoon. A sturdy utensil, like this OXO Good Grips stainless steel spoon, makes removing all of that watermelon flesh a breeze.
- Summer drinkware. When it’s time to serve, pull out these Estilo mason jar mugs for sweet, summertime sippin’.
- Ingredients. Before the party, pick up a large watermelon and your beverage of choice. We suggest canned alcoholic beverages, watermelon punch or your favorite rosé wine.
Directions
Step 1: Get level
Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home
First, give your watermelon a flat side to keep it level. Some watermelons stand naturally straight, but others require you to cut a little bit off of the bottom. To level your melon, use a large knife to horizontally slice away 1/3 of an inch of rind at the fruit’s base. Try to avoid cutting too far into the watermelon’s flesh, though, otherwise your keg could leak.
Step 2: Scoop it out
Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home
Next, cut about 1/2 an inch off of the top of the melon to serve as a lid. Stand the watermelon upright and use a serving spoon to hollow out the melon. Place the fruit flesh in a large bowl. Leave about 2 inches of fruit at the bottom of the melon to help prevent leaks.
Editor’s Tip: We suggest using the fruit to whip up watermelon margaritas or a crowd-pleasing punch to serve out of your keg. Or, just save the fruit for snacking! (Fruit lovers need this watermelon slicer tool, too.)
Step 3: Time to tap
Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home
Now that your watermelon is hollow, it’s time to tap! Grab your Final Touch watermelon keg tapping kit and use the coring tool to create a hole in the melon about 2 to 3 inches from the bottom. Then, insert your faucet and secure it to the melon with a locking nut on the inside of the fruit. Make sure that the tap is snug, but don’t twist too hard or you could penetrate the melon’s rind and create a leak.
Step 4: Fill ‘er up!
Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home
Fill your watermelon with a refreshing drink, replace the lid and get ready to party! For best results, place the keg on the edge of a table, in a bowl or on a cake plate so guests can easily fill their glasses. Avoid serving anything too thick or chunky in the keg as the tap will clog.
Our Most Refreshing Watermelon Recipes
Frosty Watermelon IceHere's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
Cool and Creamy Watermelon PieThis simple pie is so refreshing that it never lasts long on warm summer days. Watermelon and a few convenience items make it a delightful dessert that doesn't take much effort. —Velma Beck, Carlinville, Illinois
Spicy Shrimp & Watermelon KabobsMy three sons can polish off a watermelon in one sitting. Before they dig in, I set aside a few slices to make these zesty shrimp kabobs. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Tangy Watermelon SaladThe refreshing blend of watermelon, red onions and a splash of citrus always does me proud at picnics and potlucks. I like to prepare it a day ahead so the flavors have a chance to blend, and I use the rind as a colorful serving bowl. If you're short on time, simply substitute any bottled citrus vinaigrette. —Alisha Duncan, Blanchard, Oklahoma
Juicy Watermelon SaladThis fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. —Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer SalsaThe first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon went with the peppery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season so you can serve this anytime. —Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
Watermelon and Spinach SaladSummer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
Mojito Marinated FruitAll the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. After you eat the fruit, you’ll want to sip the luscious syrup! —Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota
Watermelon Tomato SaladWatermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. —Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
Strawberry Watermelon SlushWe like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
Yellow Squash & Watermelon SaladI always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Watermelon GazpachoMy refreshing gazpacho is a delightfully simple, elegant dish. Serve as a side or with pita and hummus for a meal. —Nicole Deelah, Nashville, Tennessee
Spicy Watermelon SalsaI threw this together after an overzealous trip to the farmers market! My family loved it from the first bite. You can serve it right away but the best flavor is achieved after letting the salsa rest in the refrigerator for a few hours. —Andrea Heyart, Aubrey, Texas
Melon with Serrano-Mint SyrupThis is just one of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Strawberry Watermelon LemonadeThe nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Melon-Berry SaladThe best way to cool down on a warm day is with a chilled fruit salad. Serve this one for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the creamy dressing even more decadent. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad. Otherwise the toasted coconut will get soggy. —Carrie Hirsch, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Watermelon CupsThis lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream TartsThese fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil DressingA slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Watermelon Feta Flag SaladOur family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here’s an all-American centerpiece that’s truly red, white and blue. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
Watermelon Vodka SorbetThis icy granita is a cooling delight on a hot summer day. This is an adults only goody. You can use watermelon vodka for plain vodka if you like. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Watermelon SpritzerIt couldn’t get much easier than this bright spritzer! “Watermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It’s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.” —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico