Exploring Watermelon Flavours: How Sweet To Savoury Tastes Are Applied In Mixology

As summer approaches, one of the fruits that is used frequently by mixologists for preparing cocktails and mocktails is watermelon. This versatile ingredient can be incorporated into drinks in various forms, ranging from purees and juices to watermelon syrups and aesthetic watermelon ice.   

The fruit has a juicy and crispy quality, which gives it an interesting texture. It also carries a distinct aroma so that drinks containing the tropical fruit can be easily distinguished as having watermelon-forward profiles. And what makes such blends stand out is of course the flavours of the fruit, which can go well with multiple ingredients in the preparation of diverse mixes.   

While watermelon might appear to be a sweet fruit with a juicy texture, it is actually complete with a wide flavour potential that can be explored when the fruit is paired with different ingredients.  

Read on below to know more about how watermelon flavours are applied in mixology and how they can be incorporated in the making of sweet, savoury and sour drinks: 

Sweet And Sour Watermelon Cocktails  

One of the reasons watermelons are added to drinks is their tropical, fruity flavour. This ingredient is juicy, watery and sweet and can blend with different citrusy ingredients like limes and yuzus which nicely contrast its flavour profile. The blend of sweet and sour components in the drinks leads to the creation of interesting tropical numbers suitable for summer weather.   

A cocktail like the watermelon spritz can be prepared in this manner with the addition of 45 ml watermelon juice, 30 ml Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice and one tablespoon of lime juice for a blend of the fruit’s sweet flavours with the citrus’ sour notes. 

Watermelon And Herbal Flavours 

Watermelons carry lots of juicy notes and their white portions are filled with a slightly savoury and umami touch. A crunchy watermelon containing this hint of a savoury quality then blends well with herbal flavours of thyme or even floral elements like lavender or elderflower. This flavour profile of the fruit makes it an interesting pairing with gin too as the spirit is prepared using different botanical infusions.   

Making a watermelon and thyme collins using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice, brings together this savoury and crispy element of the fruit with the botanical flavour of gin and the herbal notes of thyme in a mix of savoury and fruity flavours. 

Balancing Sweet And Spicy   

Where watermelon’s flavour has a role to play in crafting certain inventive mixes is in bringing about a balance in the blend. Watermelon has a sweet flavour that undercuts some of the spicier notes in drinks containing ingredients like chillies, jalapeños and ginger. The fruit’s juicy texture cuts through some of the spicier notes in cocktails like a spicy watermelon margarita cocktail, diluting some of the more pronounced flavours of the chillies present in the blend without making it too watery.  

Tracing Umami Flavours  

So too, the watermelon’s umami flavours can be brought out when it is paired with ingredients like salt and vinegar. This is particularly useful in crafting drinks featuring earthy, umami and tangy notes such as the watermelon bloody mary.   

Made using 30 ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila or any other premium tequila of choice, 30 ml tomato juice and 15 ml watermelon juice, the cocktail’s flavours would acquire a full-bodied touch as the umami potential of the fruit becomes highlighted in the mix.