Watermelon Basil Lemonade
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Quench your thirst and beat the heat with the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in every glass of this delicious Watermelon Basil Lemonade with vodka.
The refreshing blend of juicy watermelon mixed with the aromatic essence of fresh basil flavor, and the zesty tang of lemons, tastes like summer in a glass!
Whether you’re hosting poolside summer parties, lounging on the beach, or simply looking for a tasty way to relax on a hot summer day, this four-ingredient pink vodka cocktail is sure to become your go-to summer beverage.
For more delicious watermelon cocktails, make sure you try these recipes too! Watermelon Mojito, Watermelon Moscow Mule, Frozen Watermelon Pina Colada, and Watermelon Rum Punch.
What you’ll need
- Fresh watermelon that is blended and strained to create watermelon juice.
- Lemonade – you can use homemade lemonade or store-bought, both are delicious.
- Basil simple syrup – it’s super easy to make and is the perfect addition to this watermelon vodka cocktail.
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka is used by Carrabba’s to create the original drink, but any plain vodka will work. I like Tito’s because it is made without added sugar.
Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below
Not only is this watermelon basil lemonade cocktail incredibly refreshing, but it’s also a breeze to prepare!
How to make watermelon basil lemonade
To make basil syrup –
Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add fresh basil leaves, remove from heat to allow basil to steep and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Strain out the basil leaves through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or container, and your syrup is ready to use.
For fresh watermelon juice –
Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and puree until smooth and frothy. Pour the pureed watermelon through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or pitcher, pressing with a spoon to release all of the juice. Discard solids and set aside.
Pour the lemonade, vodka, watermelon juice, and one-half cup of basil simple syrup into a large serving pitcher. Stir to combine.
Taste lemonade and add more basil syrup if needed.
When ready to serve, add ice to the pitcher or serve over ice in individual glasses.
Garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh basil leaf and serve immediately.
The sweetness of the watermelon mixes perfectly with the tart lemonade and the peppery flavor of the basil to create the most refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot sunny day!
Recipe Tips
- For best results, make the basil simple syrup, lemonade, and watermelon juice ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator so they have time to chill.
- Basil syrup adds a herbaceous, peppery flavor to this drink but it is also very sweet. Use up to one-cup of syrup total, starting with half a cup and working your way up to achieve the perfect flavor combination.
- It is best to consume watermelon lemonade within 2 to 3 days for optimal taste and freshness. The watermelon will settle to the bottom so make sure you stir before serving.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute water, club soda, or soda water for the vodka.
Tools used
- Ninja Blender – or any other high-powered blender
- Fine-Mesh Strainer
- Large Measuring Cup
- Large Glass Pitcher
- Glass Tumblers
More refreshing summer cocktails
- Blue Dream Sangria
- Dragon Fruit Margarita
- Caribbean Rum Punch
- Blue Lemonade Cocktail
- Passion Tea Lemonade Cocktail
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Enjoy!!
Watermelon Basil Lemonade
Equipment
Ingredients
Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves plus more to garnish
Watermelon Juice
- 6 cups cubed, seedless watermelon makes 2 cups of juice
- 1 cup lemonade
- 1 cup vodka Tito's or Grey Goose
- ice
- lemon wedges to garnish
Instructions
Basil Syrup
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add fresh basil leaves, remove from heat to allow basil to steep and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Strain out the basil leaves through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or container, and your syrup is ready to use.
Watermelon Juice
- Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and puree until smooth and frothy. Pour the pureed watermelon through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or pitcher, pressing with a spoon to release all of the juice. Discard solids and set aside.
- Pour the lemonade, vodka, watermelon juice, and one-half cup of basil simple syrup into a large serving pitcher. Stir to combine. Taste lemonade and add more basil syrup if needed.
- When ready to serve, add ice to the pitcher or serve over ice in individual glasses. Garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh basil leaf and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, make the basil simple syrup, lemonade, and watermelon juice ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator so they have time to chill.
- Basil syrup adds a herbaceous, peppery flavor to this drink but it is also very sweet. Use up to one-cup of syrup total, starting with half a cup and working your way up to achieve the perfect flavor combination.
- It is best to consume watermelon lemonade within 2 to 3 days for optimal taste and freshness. The watermelon will settle to the bottom so make sure you stir before serving.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute water, club soda, or soda water for the vodka.
- For more intense basil flavor, muddle fresh basil leaves in glass before adding the watermelon lemonade.
