A 1940s beach party might conjure images of chaste bathing suits and innocent fun, but even the party people of yesteryear had a few tricks up their sleeves. One of the best: spiked watermelon. It may seem like an invention of the Girls Gone Wild era, but beachgoers have been pouring vodka into their watermelons since Joe Francis’parents were in diapers.
Times have changed since LIFE photographed this spiked watermelon party in 1948, but the recipe is still as simple as ever: about 3 cups of vodka funneled into a 10 lb. watermelon to spike the fruit itself; or into a hollowed-out rind along with the juices of the melon, to create a punch served inside the fruit. Bonus points for huddling around the melon Kumbaya-style and sipping through straws side by side.
Liz Ronk, who edited this gallery, is the Photo Editor for LIFE.com. Follow her on Twitter @lizabethronk.
Spiked watermelon beach party in San Diego, 1948.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesThe ingredients: liquor, a watermelon. The tools: a knife, a spoon, a bowl.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesRemoving the top of the watermelon.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesScooping out the contents of the watermelon.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesStraining the watermelon juices and snacking along the way.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesStraining watermelon juice back into the watermelon.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesPouring the liquids back into the watermelon.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesSpiking the watermelon. Guitar optional.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesFeasting on the leftover fruit.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesSipping the final product through straws.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesCaption from LIFE. Dusk on the beach, finds Californians still playing "horsie" or stretched out sipping watermelon punch.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesHuddled round the watermelons for warmth and sustenance.Allan Grant—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
