Watermelon Basil Cooler Cocktail Recipe
This refreshing drink mixes sweet watermelon with fresh basil and vodka for a perfect summer sipper. The recipe takes 10 minutes to make and serves 4 people.
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Muddler
- Collins glasses
- Ice cube tray
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 8 fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish
- 6 oz vodka
- 2 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Watermelon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Add watermelon to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Strain the watermelon puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. This step removes pulp and seeds.
- Put 2 basil leaves in each cocktail shaker and muddle gently to release the oils.
- Add 1.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup to each shaker.
- Fill shakers with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain into ice-filled Collins glasses.
- Top each glass with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and watermelon wedges.
Notes
The drink tastes best with ripe, sweet watermelon. Pick a watermelon that feels heavy for its size.
Store extra watermelon puree in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make it non-alcoholic by skipping the vodka and adding more club soda.
For a stronger basil flavor, let the muddled leaves sit in the vodka for 30 minutes before mixing.