We Tried to Tap a Watermelon Keg. Here’s What Happened.

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.

Wait…what’s a watermelon keg?

This clever idea has been making the rounds on Pinterest for a while, 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, even pineapples!

How to Make a Watermelon Keg

What You’ll Need:

• Watermelon
• Large knife
• Keg tapping kit
• Large bowl
• Serving spoon
• Beverage of choice

I used this keg tapping kit from Bed Bath & Beyond ($20). Spoiler: It worked like a charm!

Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home

Step 1: Get it level

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. Plus: Learn how to build your own in-house bar with these project plans.

Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home

Step 2: Scoop it out

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!

Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home

Step 3: Time to tap

Now that your watermelon is hollow, it’s time to tap! Use a 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. For best results, follow your kit’s instructions.

Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home

Step 4: Fill ‘er Up!

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.

Editor’s Tip: Avoid serving anything too thick or chunky in the keg as the tap will clog.We Tried to Tap a Watermelon Keg. Here’s What Happened.

Plus, read: 12 Crazy Things you Can Do With a Watermelon.