Refreshing Watermelon Basil Cocktail

This watermelon basil cocktail is so refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. With fresh watermelon juice and basil from the garden, you'll love making this easy vodka cocktail.

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You’ll love this watermelon basil cocktail.

It's refreshing. I make this watermelon cocktail using fresh watermelon juice, and it is so delicious. Watermelon juice couldn't be easier to make for yourself, and you'll love having it in your fridge all summer for cocktails and mocktails. 

It's perfect for parties.  This is such an easy-batched cocktail recipe that is a perfect addition to any summer backyard party.

It's customizable. Don't like vodka? Don't worry! This watermelon basil cocktail can be paired with so many different liquors.

Ingredients

Watermelon Juice. Fresh watermelon juice is so easy to make. Simply add watermelon cubes to your blender, blend until smooth, and then pour it into a bowl through a fine-mesh strainer. 

Basil.  Fresh basil leaves not only look pretty muddled in your cocktail, but it adds such a delicious herb spice to balance the sweetness of the watermelon and the zest of the fresh lime juice. 

Lime Juice. ​You can use lime or lemon juice in this cocktail, they add a crisp and zesty level of flavor that is so delicious. 

Vodka. Use whatever plain vodka you prefer!

How to make this watermelon basil cocktail.

1. In a cocktail shaker, add your lime juice and basil. Muddle.
2. Add in vodka, watermelon juice, and ice.
3. Shake until the cocktail shaker is frosted then pour into a glass with fresh ice. 

What kind of watermelon juice to use

I like using homemade watermelon juice for this watermelon basil vodka cocktail. It's so easy to make and makes such a difference in the taste. 

1. Chop up your watermelon and add it to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth (this should only be maybe 10 seconds)
3. Put a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl, and pour the watermelon juice into the fine mesh strainer.
4. Pour the strained watermelon juice into a pitcher and enjoy!

Variations

Watermelon Basil Gin Cocktail.​ The floral yet subtly sweet taste of gin makes it such a delicious swap for vodka in this recipe.

Watermelon Basil Margarita.​ You can absolutely swap the vodka for tequila or mezcal to make this into a margarita. If you want a bit of spice, muddle the basil and lime juice with a few jalapeno slices. 

Watermelon Basil Mojito.​ A super fun and tropical twist on this cocktail is made by swapping out the vodka for white rum. 

Ginger Beer.​ You can easily make this into a version of a Moscow Mule by topping it off with some ginger beer. 

Club Soda.​ If you like a little bubble to your cocktail, adding 1-2 oz of club soda to the top of this cocktail is the perfect way to do that. 

Simple Syrup.​ If you need a bit more sweetness, you can add some simple syrup which is just equal parts sugar and hot water. 

Garnish ideas for this watermelon basil cocktail

It's always fun to add some fun garnishes to your homemade cocktails, here are some ideas for this drink.

1. Slice of watermelon
2. Sprig of basil
3. Lime wedge
4. Watermelon wedges

FAQ

Which alcohol goes with watermelon?

Lots! Vodka, gin, and tequila are delicious.

How do I store fresh basil?

Cut the stems of your basil, place into a jar filled with water, cover with a plastic bag (think Ziplock), and then place in the fridge.

Amazon home bar finds

You'll want to make sure you have the standard tools for cocktail making and this set from Amazon has it all.

I like to serve these in rocks glasses, but if you want to add ginger beer, club soda, or any other fizzy topping, you might want to opt for highball glasses.

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Want more summer cocktail recipes?

• Passion Fruit Margarita
• Blueberry Moscow Mule
• Lemon Vodka Spritzer
• Tropical Rum Punch