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Two Watermelon Basil Coolers beside a pitcher with floating watermelon triangles, lime wheels, and basil sprigs
Jorj Morgan

Watermelon Basil Cooler

Ripe watermelon, fragrant basil, bright lime, and sparkling water — everything we love about summer. Light, crisp, and naturally sweet, for cookouts, porch parties, and poolside afternoons.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Basil Simple Syrup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
Watermelon Basil Cooler
  • 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 1/3 cup Basil Simple Syrup
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 1/2 cups chilled sparkling water
  • Ice
Garnishes
  • Watermelon wedges
  • Fresh basil sprigs
  • Lime wheels

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Blender
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Large glass pitcher
  • Tall glasses

Method
 

Basil Simple Syrup
  1. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Bring just to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves, gently pressing them beneath the syrup. Allow to steep for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how pronounced you'd like the basil flavor.
  3. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the basil leaves. Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Preparation
  1. Place the watermelon cubes in a blender and purée until completely smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp, if desired.
  2. In a pitcher, combine the watermelon juice, Basil Simple Syrup, and fresh lime juice. Stir well and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
  3. Just before serving, gently stir in the sparkling water.
  4. Fill four tall glasses with ice and pour in the Watermelon Basil Cooler. Garnish each glass with a small watermelon wedge, a lime wheel, and a sprig of fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use the sweetest watermelon you can find. A perfectly ripe melon means you'll need very little syrup, allowing the fresh fruit to remain the star of the drink. Chill the watermelon before blending for an extra-refreshing cooler.