DIY Watermelon Cocktail Keg

photographed by Anisha Sisodia @anishaspice

Serves 10 to 12 
Total Time: 25 minutes 

Ingredients
1 (20 to 25-pound) watermelon 
1 (750-milliliter) bottle Tequila 
1 cup freshly squeezed citrus juice (combination of orange, lemon and lime juice) 
¾ cup agave nectar
½ cup torn basil leaves, plus more for garnish  
½ cup torn mint leaves, plus more for garnish  
2 jalapeño pierced, plus more for garnish 
Rimming
¼ cup kosher salt 
2 tablespoons sugar 
2 tablespoons chili powder 
Zest of 2 limes, plus lime wedges for serving 

Directions 

1. Special Equipment: Emersion blender (optional), strainer, a power drill with a 3/4-inch drill bit, and a tap. I bought a container and unscrewed the tap for my  
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the bottom of the watermelon exposing the white of the melon, but not deep enough into the flesh. Cut the top of the watermelon off, as you would cut a jack o’lantern. Do not discard top. 
3. Remove the lid and place an emersion blender into the watermelon. Begin blending the flesh inside the watermelon, gently pushing up and down. As the center begins to turn into juice, work your way to the corners, leaving a thin wall of flesh around the wall of the watermelon. Alternatively, scoop out the flesh of the watermelon with a large spoon and squeeze between clean hands to make juice. Once juiced, pour it through a strainer and set aside in a separate container. 
4. With the power drill, make a hole on the lower-bottom side of the watermelon deep enough for the tap to go through. Adjust the size of the hole using a paring knife. Carefully and gently twist tap through and tighten from inside the watermelon. 
5. Pour watermelon juice back into watermelon, and stir in as much of Tequila as you please, citrus juice, agave nectar, basil, mint, and jalapeños. 
6. In a small plate, combine salt, sugar, chili powder, and lime zest. Rim glasses with lime and coat the edges with salt mixture. Serve watermelon cocktails in glasses with ice.