Summer Mocktails: Basil Watermelon Refresher

This month we are excited to welcome Beth of the blog Tasty Yummies for a series of delicious summer mocktail recipes!

With the summertime hot weather comes a million different events, get-togethers, parties, BBQs, and other various reasons to have a refreshing thirst-quenching beverage inspired by the heat!  Some people crack open a beer or a soda, but for me, something just a tad bit sweet with a subtle fruit flavor – maybe some fresh herbs and definitely sparkling – is what hits the spot. I am always playing around with different non-alcoholic refreshing drinks, whether they are smoothies, fruit infused sparkling waters, kombucha, etc. Since I am very mindful of what I eat and drink, less and less I find myself reaching for the liquor or wine to top them off. Since my hubby never drinks, whatever cocktail creation I do whip up for myself, if it happens to have alcohol in it, I always create a mocktail version from him. So, when Free People asked me to share a series of non-alcoholic cocktail recipes with their readers, I was excited for the challenge.

This first cocktail features one of my favorite herbs: basil. It is great in so many drinks, since it has a perfect bright and refreshing summery flavor to it. Basil has a sweet and almost spicy flavor that is a little reminiscent of anise. It pairs really well with fruits like watermelon, peaches, berries, and citrus. For this refreshing drink I went with watermelon and lemon. The sweetness from the bright red ripe frozen watermelon, plus the basil and the tartness from the lemon are all topped so perfectly with a little refreshing sparkling water. Before you even take the first sip, you’ll wanna say “ahhhhh”.

Though the color of this drink may look almost a bit more like tea (from the green color of the basil leaves mixed with the pink from the watermelon), the unique bright and fruity, summery flavors in this cocktail sing summertime. If you want to make an alcoholic version, in place of the sparkling water use prosecco. This dry sparkling white wine pairs perfectly and it really brings out all of the flavors.

basil watermelon refresher

Basil Watermelon Refresher
Serves 6

4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed and frozen
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons maple syrup* (stevia, honey, or coconut nectar would work, too)
1 liter of chilled sparkling water (like San Pellegrino)
Extra basil and lemon slices as garnish

For an alcoholic version: in place of the sparkling water, use 1 bottle of chilled prosecco or other sparkling white wine

basil watermelon refresher

In either a food processor or a high speed blender, process the frozen watermelon, basil, lemon juice, water and syrup for a few minutes until smooth. Add more water if necessary. If you wish to strain, you can. I didn’t since I wanted all of the slushy goodness. Fill champagne flutes halfway up with the watermelon juice then top off (pouring very slowly down the side of the glass) with sparkling water or prosecco. Give it a gentle stir if it needs it. Garnish with basil and lemon.

* Since the sweetness of watermelon can vary, taste the fruit mixture after you have blended it to see if needs additional syrup or other sweetener.

basil watermelon refresher

Recipe and photos by Beth of the blog Tasty Yummies.

Healthy recipes from the BLDG 25 Blog!

0 0 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
11 years ago

mmm delicious!!!

DIY and more:
http://diyearte.blogspot.com.es/