This watermelon basil lime cooler pitcher is for warm weather and tables set outside. It is a watermelon basil limeade at heart: fresh watermelon blended with lime juice and muddled basil, strained, chilled for at least an hour and poured over ice. It makes about six small glasses and works on a mild early-fall afternoon too.
Watermelon gives volume and color, lime gives structure, and basil makes the drink smell like the garden. For the same cooling idea in a different glass, try the watermelon cucumber mojito spritz .
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 15 minutes, plus at least 1 hour chilling |
| Servings | About 6 small glasses |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Key ingredient | Watermelon |
| Best for | BBQs, brunch, game days, pool days |
| Flavor profile | Juicy, tart, herbal |
Why You Will Love This
It is a pitcher drink that still tastes fresh. The basil is muddled in the pitcher for aroma and chills with the juice, and the agave just rounds out the lime.
It also turns into a cocktail glass by glass. Stir 1 1/2 ounces of tequila into a serving and keep the pitcher alcohol-free for everyone else. For more big-batch ideas, see the batch mocktails for summer BBQs guide.
What You Will Need
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons light agave nectar
- 7 cups watermelon chunks
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make It
- Muddle the basil and agave together in a large pitcher to draw out the basil flavor.
- Blend the watermelon and lime juice until smooth, starting on low and working up to high speed.
- Set a fine strainer over the pitcher and push the blended juice through it, pressing with the back of a spoon.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Serve cold over ice, with a lime wedge.
Herbalist Notes
Basil has a peppery sweetness that keeps watermelon from tasting flat. It adds fragrance more than flavor.
Do not leave the basil in the pitcher for days. Lift it out after about a day, or the drink starts to taste bruised and grassy.
Make It Your Own
For a cocktail, stir 1 1/2 ounces of tequila into each serving. It tastes like a watermelon margarita.
For a fizzy glass, top each serving with a splash of sparkling water at the table so the pitcher stays bright. For a sharper mocktail, add a splash of strawberry shrub to a single glass.
Before You Start
Taste the watermelon before blending. If it is pale or bland, add a little more lime and a pinch of salt.
Common Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. The cooler keeps in the refrigerator for a few days, and the basil should come out after about a day.
Can I skip straining?
You can, but the texture will be thicker. For parties, straining is better.
What alcohol works best?
Tequila. It turns the drink into a watermelon margarita.
