This Watermelon Basil Cooler is the ultimate summer drink — juicy watermelon, fragrant basil, and a splash of lime come together in a perfectly chilled, naturally sweetened beverage. Serve it as a mocktail or spike it for a cocktail twist!
Yields: Approximately 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ No added sugar – sweetened with fruit alone
✔ Ready in 5 minutes – just blend and pour
✔ Hydration hero – packed with electrolytes
✔ Beautiful layered look (optional)
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves and then cooled)
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- Sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- Watermelon wedges and basil sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Blender
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Pitcher
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon
- I will generate an image showing chunks of bright red watermelon flesh in a clear glass bowl.
Step 2: Blend the Watermelon and Basil
- I will generate an image showing a cubed watermelon and vibrant green basil leaves being blended in a glass blender.
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
- I will generate an image showing the blended watermelon and basil mixture being poured through a fine-mesh sieve into a clear glass bowl, with some pulp remaining in the sieve.
Step 4: Add Lime Juice and Simple Syrup
- I will generate an image showing a hand squeezing fresh lime juice from a halved lime into a clear glass pitcher containing the strained watermelon-basil juice, with a small bottle of clear simple syrup nearby.
Step 5: Stir Well
- I will generate an image showing a long spoon stirring the pink watermelon mixture in a clear glass pitcher, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 6: Serve
- I will generate an image showing two clear glasses filled with the pink watermelon mixture and topped with sparkling water, garnished with a small watermelon wedge and a fresh basil sprig.
Pro Tips
✅ Seedless hack: If using seeded watermelon, strain after blending
✅ Extra cold: Freeze watermelon cubes before blending
✅ Make ahead: Base keeps refrigerated 2 days
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Calories 50 | Carbs 12g | Sugar 9g |
| Potassium 170mg | Vitamin C 25% DV | Vegan ✔ |
🍹 Serving Ideas
Poolside: Serve in hollowed watermelon halves
Brunch Mocktail: Add mint + serve in champagne flutes
Cocktail Version: Spike with tequila + tajín rim
Enjoy your delicious homemade Watermelon Basil Cooler!
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