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:

1. Combine sugar, water and basil leaves in a small sauce pan over medium-high heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes, until sugar is dissolved.
3. Cool the simple syrup then strain into a jar, cover and refrigerate. Discard the basil leaves.

Cocktail Directions:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Garnish with a basil leaf and a slice of lime (optional).

Makes one cocktail.

Cheers, Veronique

Inspired by this recipe.