This watermelon basil cocktail is the drink you want on hand all summer. It's made with fresh watermelon juice, muddled basil, lime juice, and vodka, and it comes together in about ten minutes. If you've got watermelon in the fridge and basil growing on your windowsill, this is exactly what to do with them.
How to make a watermelon basil cocktail from scratch, including how to juice your own watermelon, the best way to muddle basil so it doesn't taste bitter, five easy variations (gin, tequila, rum, and two non-alcoholic swaps), and answers to the most common questions about pairing basil with watermelon. It's written for anyone hosting a summer party or just looking for a five-minute happy hour drink that doesn't taste like sugar syrup. What makes this version different is the homemade watermelon juice. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh juice is what makes this cocktail taste like actual watermelon instead of watermelon candy.
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You'll love this watermelon basil cocktail.
It's refreshing. Fresh watermelon juice makes this cocktail taste bright and clean instead of syrupy. Once you make a batch of watermelon juice, you'll want to keep it in your fridge all summer for cocktails, mocktails, or just a glass over ice.
It's perfect for parties. This recipe scales up without any fuss, which makes it one of my go-to drinks for backyard parties. Mix a pitcher, keep it in the fridge, and pour over ice as guests arrive.
It's customizable. Not a vodka person? No problem. Basil and watermelon pair well with gin, tequila, and rum too, so you can swap the base spirit depending on what you're craving.
Ingredients
Watermelon juice. Homemade watermelon juice takes five minutes and tastes nothing like the bottled version. Blend watermelon cubes until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.
Basil. Fresh basil leaves do double duty here. They look pretty muddled into the glass, and they add an herby note that balances the sweetness of the watermelon and the tartness of the lime.
Lime juice. Lime or lemon both work well. Either one adds the acidity this cocktail needs to keep it from tasting one-note sweet.
Vodka. Any plain vodka you like will do the job. This isn't a cocktail where a top-shelf bottle makes a noticeable difference.
How to make this watermelon basil cocktail.
- Add lime juice and basil leaves to a cocktail shaker and muddle until the basil releases its oils.
- Add vodka, watermelon juice, and a handful of ice.
- Shake until the shaker feels frosted, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
How to make watermelon juice for cocktails
I always make my own watermelon juice for this recipe. It takes a few extra minutes, but the flavor difference is worth it.
- Chop watermelon into chunks and add it to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, about ten seconds.
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour the blended watermelon through it to remove the pulp.
- Pour the strained juice into a pitcher. It will keep in the fridge for about three days.
My personal tip: freeze any extra watermelon juice in ice cube trays. Instead of watering down your next cocktail with regular ice, you get watermelon-flavored ice that keeps the drink cold without diluting it.
Variations
Watermelon basil gin cocktail. Gin's floral, slightly bitter edge is a natural swap for vodka here.
Watermelon basil margarita. Swap the vodka for tequila or mezcal. For a spicy version, muddle a few jalapeno slices in with the basil and lime.
Watermelon basil mojito. Use white rum instead of vodka for a tropical twist.
Watermelon basil Moscow mule. Top the drink with ginger beer instead of shaking it with ice.
Watermelon basil spritz. Add a splash of club soda on top if you like a little fizz.
Garnish ideas for this watermelon basil cocktail
A good garnish makes any homemade cocktail feel a little more special. Try one of these:
- A thin slice of watermelon on the rim
- A fresh basil sprig
- A lime wedge
- Small watermelon cubes on a skewer
FAQ
What alcohol pairs best with watermelon?
Vodka, gin, and tequila all pair well with watermelon. Vodka keeps the watermelon flavor front and center, gin adds a floral note, and tequila brings an earthy contrast that works especially well in a margarita.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
No, this cocktail needs fresh basil leaves. Dried basil won't muddle or release the same bright, herby oils, so it will leave your drink tasting flat instead of fresh.
Can I substitute mint for basil?
Yes, mint is a classic swap and pairs just as naturally with watermelon. Use the same amount of mint leaves and muddle them the same way you would basil.
How do I store fresh basil so it stays fresh?
Trim the stems, place the basil in a jar of water like a bouquet, and cover loosely with a plastic bag before refrigerating. This keeps basil fresh for over a week, much longer than leaving it loose in the crisper drawer.
Can I make a watermelon basil mocktail?
Yes, just skip the vodka and top the watermelon juice, lime, and basil with club soda or ginger beer. You'll still get all the flavor without the alcohol.
How long does homemade watermelon juice last?
Fresh watermelon juice keeps in the fridge for about three days in a sealed container. If it separates, just give it a stir before using.
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?
Watermelon Basil Cocktail
This watermelon basil cocktail is the drink you want on hand all summer. It's made with fresh watermelon juice, muddled basil, lime juice, and vodka, and it comes together in about ten minutes. If you've got watermelon in the fridge and basil growing on your windowsill, this is exactly what to do with them.
Ingredients
- ½ oz lime juice
- 2-3 basil leaves
- 1 ½ oz vodka
- 2 oz watermelon juice
Instructions
- Add lime juice and basil leaves to a cocktail shaker and muddle until the basil releases its oils.
- Add vodka, watermelon juice, and a handful of ice.
- Shake until the shaker feels frosted, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
Notes
How to make watermelon juice for cocktails
I always make my own watermelon juice for this recipe. It takes a few extra minutes, but the flavor difference is worth it.
- Chop watermelon into chunks and add it to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, about ten seconds.
- Set a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour the blended watermelon through it to remove the pulp.
- Pour the strained juice into a pitcher. It will keep in the fridge for about three days.
My personal tip: freeze any extra watermelon juice in ice cube trays. Instead of watering down your next cocktail with regular ice, you get watermelon-flavored ice that keeps the drink cold without diluting it.
Variations to try
Watermelon basil gin cocktail. Gin's floral, slightly bitter edge is a natural swap for vodka here.
Watermelon basil margarita. Swap the vodka for tequila or mezcal. For a spicy version, muddle a few jalapeno slices in with the basil and lime.
Watermelon basil mojito. Use white rum instead of vodka for a tropical twist.
Watermelon basil Moscow mule. Top the drink with ginger beer instead of shaking it with ice.
Watermelon basil spritz. Add a splash of club soda on top if you like a little fizz.
Garnish ideas
A good garnish makes any homemade cocktail feel a little more special. Try one of these:
- A thin slice of watermelon on the rim
- A fresh basil sprig
- A lime wedge
- Small watermelon cubes on a skewer
How do I store fresh basil so it stays fresh?
Trim the stems, place the basil in a jar of water like a bouquet, and cover loosely with a plastic bag before refrigerating. This keeps basil fresh for over a week, much longer than leaving it loose in the crisper drawer.
How long does homemade watermelon juice last?
Fresh watermelon juice keeps in the fridge for about three days in a sealed container. If it separates, just give it a stir before using.
Watermelon Basil Cocktail
Ingredients
- .5 oz lime juice
- 2-3 basil leaves
- 2.5 oz vodka
- 3 oz watermelon juice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add your lime juice and basil. Muddle.
- Add in vodka, watermelon juice, and ice.
- Shake until the cocktail shaker is frosted then pour into a glass with fresh ice.
