Water Malone Recipe

Make the cordial

Place 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon and 3 tbs granulated sugar in a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth (about 30–45 seconds).

Strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve or chinois into a bowl, pressing with a spatula to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids.

Measure the strained juice. For every 1 cup of juice, stir in 1 oz fresh lime juice. Add citric acid: if using powdered citric acid start with 1/4 tsp per cup of juice (the recipe lists 1 tsp total); if using a 5% citric acid solution, add 1 tsp. Taste and adjust — the goal is a bright, slightly tart profile that will stabilize and preserve the watermelon flavor when carbonated.

Add up to 1 tbsp cold water only if the cordial feels too viscous for forced carbonation. Mix thoroughly until sugar and acids are fully dissolved. Chill the cordial completely (ideally to 36–40°F / 2–4°C) before carbonating.

Combine spirits with cordial

In a mixing glass or small pitcher, combine 2 oz vodka and 1 oz soju with 1.5–2 oz of the chilled acidified watermelon cordial (adjust to taste). If the final mix tastes overly sweet or strong, add up to 0.5 oz cold filtered water to balance. Stir gently to integrate. Chill the mixture briefly in the refrigerator (10–15 minutes) or over ice until very cold, then strain out ice.

Force carbonate

Pour the cold cocktail blend into a clean, chilled SodaStream bottle or another compatible CO2 soda charger bottle, leaving recommended headspace per your carbonation device. Chill the bottle very cold (preferably 36–40°F / 2–4°C) — cold liquid holds CO2 much better. Carbonate according to your device instructions to achieve a fine, lively effervescence (1–3 short bursts or the device's 'high' setting). Gently invert the bottle once or twice after charging to distribute CO2; avoid vigorous shaking to prevent foaming.

If you use a professional draft or iSi whipper with N2O/CO2, follow manufacturer's guidance: carbonate cold and dispense carefully to preserve bubbles.

Carefully open the carbonated bottle over the sink to release pressure slowly. Pour the carbonated cocktail into a chilled coupe or Collins glass, leaving a small headspace to keep carbonation from rushing out.

Garnish with a thin watermelon wedge or a ribbon placed on the rim. Serve immediately so the cocktail is bright and effervescent.

Optional: For a drier, more effervescent result, use 1 oz cordial and 0.5 oz water with the same spirit proportions; adjust sweetness and acidity in the cordial accordingly.