Watermelon and Basil Margarita anyone? Why yes! Once again, I have a ton of basil in my garden that I’m trying to be creative is using. I just hosted a party so decided to use basil in a signature cocktail. I try to always do a signature cocktail to greet my guests with, I just think it’s festive and sets the tone for the evening.
This tasty margarita features watermelon juice which I had fun making in my blender using fresh watermelon right from the farm. I made basil-infused simple syrup to add additional basil flavor – very good thing. I keep the simple syrup in a container with a tight lid in the fridge for a couple weeks.
Since I didn’t want to have to make individual cocktails during my party, I made a pitcher of margarita that I just poured over ice. I used, 4 cups watermelon juice, 3 cups tequila, 2 cups lime juice and a cup of simple syrup.
Basil Simple Syrup Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
Cocktail Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. each granulated sugar and salt
- 1 ½ ounces of tequila (any blanco is fine, I used Patron)
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces of watermelon juice (place watermelon chunks in a blender and puree until mostly smooth, then pass the puree through a fine sieve to only be left with juice)
- ½ ounce basil simple syrup
- 1 cup of ice
- Basil leaves and slices of limes for garnish (optional)
Basil Simple Syrup
Basil Simple Syrup Directions:
- Combine sugar, water and basil leaves in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, until sugar is dissolved.
- Cool the simple syrup then strain into a jar, cover and refrigerate. Discard the basil leaves.
Cocktail Directions:
- Combine the sugar and salt on a small plate. Rub a piece of lime on the rim of a glass then dip the wet rim in the sugar/salt mixture.
- To a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, lime juice, watermelon juice, basil simple syrup, and ice. Shake the mixture then pour it into the glass with the sugar and salt rim.
- Garnish with a basil leaf and a slice of lime (optional).
Makes one cocktail.
Cheers, Veronique
Inspired by this recipe.
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I love refreshing cocktails and am always looking for fun, easy-to-make recipes for summer parties. The nice folks at 
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