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My little secret for surviving blazing summer days is this Watermelon Basil Cooler. It’s bright and cheery, mixes sweet watermelon with mint and basil, and is fancy enough for guests but easy enough for any day.
I once threw this together for a picnic, and the pitcher emptied in no time. Now anytime it's roasting outside, and someone drops by, this is what I make.
Vibrant Ingredients
- Lime juice: Fresh-squeezed makes everything zingy and balances all the fruity sweetness. For top-notch juice, pick limes that feel soft when you squeeze them.
- Fresh mint leaves: Perky, aromatic mint amps up the coolness. Grab the brightest leaves you can find.
- Fresh basil leaves: Skip any leaves with spots—green and happy is what you're looking for. Basil gives that fun herbal kick.
- Watermelon: Go seedless to avoid picking bits out. Choose one that's heavy for its size and sports a bold yellow patch on the outside.
Simple How-To Steps
- Store if Needed:
- If you can't finish it right away, move what's left into a glass jar with a tight lid and pop it in the fridge. It's tastiest if you drink it within a couple of days.
- Serve Cold:
- Fill glasses with ice and pour your cooler over the top. Drink it asap for the best, brightest flavors.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Take a sip first. Craving more herbs? Toss in extra mint or basil and blend again so it's just how you like it.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- Put your watermelon, plus basil and mint, into a blender. Let it go until everything's completely smooth—no leafy bits left behind.
- Chop the Watermelon:
- Slice the melon into easy-to-blend chunks. Fish out any seeds before you move on, so things stay smooth later.
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Every time I see watermelon, I think of endless picnics, sticky hands, and juice running down my chin as a kid. Adding basil takes everyone by surprise—it turns plain fruit juice into something special every time.
Keeping It Fresh
This cooler is way better when it's fresh, since watermelon can lose its punch pretty quickly. Stash leftovers in a glass pitcher with a lid and pop it in the fridge—good for two days tops. Give it a good shake or stir before pouring, as it tends to separate a bit.
Try These Swaps
No basil or mint? No big deal. Sub in cilantro or lemon balm to switch things up. Lemon juice also works if you don’t have limes handy.
Fun Ways to Serve
Tall glass. Lots of ice. Pop a sprig of mint or basil on top to make it feel special. It’s awesome next to grilled stuff, salads, or a pile of fresh fruit. Add a little sparkling water if you want to make it extra bubbly for brunch or parties.
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Roots and Background
Folks in the Mediterranean and Middle East have been mixing herbs into drinks forever—they know how to cool off when it's blazing outside. Watermelon and mint combos pop up a lot in their kitchens. Basil puts a new spin on this old favorite, making it both classic and new.
Common Questions
- → How can I serve this for a party?
Fill up some pitchers with the drink and pour over ice into glasses. Top with fresh mint or basil leaves for a nice look.
- → Can this drink be made ahead?
It tastes best right away but you can chill it in a sealed container for a day or two if you need to prep early.
- → Should I strain the blended mixture?
If you want a silky drink, run the blend through a fine strainer. Otherwise, keep it as-is for extra body.
- → Can I substitute basil or mint?
Switch in cilantro or just toss in more mint if you're out of basil. Go with whatever fresh herb you like.
- → What is the best way to pick a watermelon for this drink?
Go for a watermelon that's nice and heavy with a big yellow patch on the bottom. That's how you know it's sweet and juicy inside.