This watermelon basil limeade pitcher is what to make when the weather is hot and the table is outside. It is cold, bright, and simple enough to scale without turning the kitchen into a bar.

Watermelon gives volume and color. Lime gives structure. Basil makes the drink smell like the garden. If you want the same cooling idea in a smaller glass, try the watermelon cucumber mojito spritz.

At a Glance

DetailInfo
Prep time15 minutes
Total time15 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
Key ingredientWatermelon
Best forBBQs, brunch, Fourth of July, pool days
Flavor profileJuicy, tart, herbal

Why You Will Love This

It is a pitcher drink that still tastes fresh. The basil is used for aroma, not as a leafy green floating around for hours.

It is also easy to make into cocktails glass by glass. Add tequila, white rum, vodka, or gin to individual servings and keep the pitcher alcohol-free for everyone. For more big-batch serving logic, see the batch mocktails for summer BBQs guide.

Cubed watermelon, fresh basil, and limes on an outdoor table for a watermelon basil limeade pitcher
Use cold watermelon if you can. Starting cold means you need less ice later.

What You Will Need

  • 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup simple syrup
  • 8 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cups chilled sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Lime wheels and watermelon wedges for serving

Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and hot water stirred until clear.

How to Make It

  1. Blend the watermelon until smooth.
  2. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher.
  3. Stir in lime juice and simple syrup.
  4. Clap basil leaves once between your palms.
  5. Add basil to the pitcher for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove basil and chill the pitcher.
  7. Pour over ice.
  8. Top each glass with sparkling water.
Fresh watermelon juice being strained for basil limeade on a picnic table
Straining keeps the limeade clean and drinkable instead of thick.

Herbalist Notes

Basil and watermelon work because basil has a peppery sweetness that keeps watermelon from tasting flat. It adds fragrance more than flavor.

Do not leave basil in the pitcher for hours. The drink will start to taste bruised and grassy.

Make It Your Own

For a cocktail, add 1 1/2 ounces tequila, white rum, vodka, or gin per glass. Tequila makes it feel like a watermelon margarita. Gin makes the basil more obvious.

For a sharper mocktail, replace half the simple syrup with a strawberry shrub or a splash of apple cider vinegar.

A pitcher of watermelon basil limeade with glasses, lime wheels, and basil on a summer patio table
Top with sparkling water in the glass so the pitcher stays bright longer.

Before You Start

Taste the watermelon before blending. If it is very sweet, use less syrup. If it is pale or bland, add more lime and a pinch of salt.

Keep the sparkling water separate until serving.

Common Questions

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Make the watermelon-lime base up to 24 hours ahead. Add sparkling water when serving.

Can I skip straining?

You can, but the texture will be thicker. For parties, straining is better.

What alcohol works best?

Tequila and gin are the best fits. White rum and vodka also work.