In this week's COTW: We're celebrating peak summer with a vibrant, refreshing crusher that pairs the season's juiciest red fruit with aromatic garden herbs for a cocktail that captures sunshine in a glass.
After our globe-trotting "Vacation Vibrations" series in July, we're staying closer to home for August and focusing on one of summer's most beloved fruits – the watermelon. Welcome to our new series: "Watermelon Sugar High" – where we'll be showcasing creative ways to incorporate this seasonal favorite into delicious cocktails perfect for savoring these last precious weeks of summer.
THE COCKTAIL:
Today's feature is the "Watermelon Basil Smash" – a bright, refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of late summer. This drink combines the pure, sweet juice of ripe watermelon with the aromatic complexity of fresh basil, the clean character of quality vodka, and the brightness of fresh lime to create a cocktail that's simultaneously sophisticated and utterly refreshing. It's the perfect way to cool down on a hot August afternoon.
Watermelon Basil Smash
Ingredients
- Vodka (2 oz per cocktail): Choose a quality vodka with a clean, neutral profile that won't compete with our fresh ingredients. Tito's, Ketel One, or Grey Goose are excellent options. The vodka provides the spirited foundation while letting the watermelon and basil shine as the stars of the show.
- Fresh Watermelon Juice (3 oz per cocktail): This is our hero ingredient. Select a ripe, sweet watermelon – look for one that feels heavy for its size, has a creamy yellow (not white) spot on the bottom, and makes a deep, hollow sound when thumped. For the freshest flavor, juice the watermelon right before mixing. The natural sweetness and distinctive flavor of watermelon creates the backbone of this summer cocktail.
- Fresh Basil (5-6 leaves per cocktail, plus more for garnish): Choose bright green, aromatic leaves with no brown spots. Sweet Italian basil is ideal, but Thai basil can offer an interesting variation with its slightly spicier, anise-like notes. The basil provides an herbaceous counterpoint to the sweet watermelon, adding complexity and sophistication.
- Fresh Lime Juice (½ oz per cocktail): Always use freshly squeezed juice. The acidity brightens the cocktail and balances the sweetness of the watermelon, while the citrus notes complement both the fruit and herb components.
- Simple Syrup (½ oz per cocktail): A basic 1:1 ratio of sugar to water allows you to adjust sweetness based on the natural sugar level of your watermelon. If your watermelon is particularly sweet, you might use less or even omit the syrup entirely.
- Garnish Options: A small watermelon wedge, a basil sprig, and a lime wheel create a visually striking presentation.
- Ice: Both for shaking and serving.
Instructions
Prepare the Watermelon Juice:
- Cut about 2 cups of seedless watermelon into chunks (you'll need approximately 3 oz of juice per cocktail).
- Blend the watermelon chunks until smooth.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp and any seeds, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible.
- Chill the juice before using for the best flavor.
For Each Cocktail:
- Add 5-6 fresh basil leaves to a cocktail shaker.
- Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently muddle the basil to release its essential oils and aroma. Be careful not to over-muddle, which can release bitter compounds.
- Add 2 ounces vodka, 3 ounces fresh watermelon juice, ½ ounce fresh lime juice, and ½ ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Double-strain the cocktail into the glass using both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to catch any small basil pieces or watermelon pulp.
- Garnish with a small watermelon wedge, a fresh basil sprig (slap it between your palms first to release the aromatics), and a lime wheel.
GLASSWARE:
A rocks glass (also called an Old Fashioned glass) is perfect for this cocktail, allowing room for plenty of ice and beautiful garnishes. For a more festive presentation, consider serving in a mason jar with a striped paper straw.
WATERMELON WISDOM:
August is peak watermelon season across much of the United States. This iconic summer fruit has been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of watermelon harvesting dating back to ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago. Pharaohs were often buried with watermelon seeds to nourish them in the afterlife.
Watermelons are botanically classified as berries (specifically, a "pepo") and are related to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. They're comprised of 92% water, making them exceptionally refreshing during hot summer months.
The United States grows watermelons in 44 states, with Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia leading production. Each American consumes an average of 15.5 pounds of watermelon annually, with peak consumption occurring around July 4th.
Beyond its delicious flavor, watermelon offers impressive nutritional benefits. It's rich in vitamins A and C, contains the antioxidant lycopene (which gives it that beautiful red color), and provides potassium and magnesium. The fruit's high water content makes it naturally hydrating – perfect for hot summer days.
When selecting a watermelon for cocktails, remember that ripe watermelons will provide the best flavor and require less added sweetener. Look for firm, symmetrical melons without bruises, cuts, or dents.
BATCH PREPARATION FOR GATHERINGS:
This cocktail scales up beautifully for summer parties. For a batch serving 8-10:
- Muddle about 30-40 basil leaves in the bottom of a large pitcher.
- Add 16 ounces (2 cups) vodka, 24 ounces (3 cups) fresh watermelon juice, 4 ounces (½ cup) fresh lime juice, and 4 ounces (½ cup) simple syrup.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- When ready to serve, pour over ice in individual glasses and garnish as desired.
- Consider providing a small fine-mesh strainer for guests to use as they pour, catching any basil bits.
CLOSING:
The Watermelon Basil Smash is summer in a glass – capturing the season's most iconic fruit at its peak ripeness and pairing it with garden-fresh herbs for a vibrant, refreshing cocktail. As we savor these August days, this drink offers the perfect way to celebrate summer's bounty and beat the heat with style.
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]
Reminder: As always, enjoy responsibly and designate a driver if you're out and about sampling these delightful creations.