Refreshing Watermelon-Basil Margarita Bliss
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Watermelon-Basil Margaritas, a delightful summer cocktail that perfectly blends the sweet juiciness of ripe watermelon with the aromatic essence of fresh basil. This invigorating drink is not just a feast for the senses but also an impressive centerpiece for summer gatherings. Each sip transports you to a sun-soaked deck, evoking images of breezy afternoons spent in good company. The process may require some patience, particularly when preparing the watermelon 'ice' cubes, but the end result is a sophisticated and deliciously unique cocktail that will leave your guests raving. Take a break from the ordinary and elevate your summer sipping experience with this refreshing twist on a classic margarita.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seedless watermelon
7 1/2 lbs (Rind removed and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Superfine sugar
4 teaspoons (Dissolve in watermelon juice)
Silver tequila
6 ounces (Use a quality brand, such as Patron)
Fresh basil leaves
24 leaves (Plus sprigs for garnish)
Triple sec
3 ounces (No preparation needed)
Small ice cubes
6 cups (For mixing and serving)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the watermelon 'ice' cubes: Place 24 watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them, and freeze for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
2
In a blender, puree the remaining watermelon cubes with the superfine sugar until smooth. Using a sieve lined with cheesecloth, strain the mixture into a bowl to extract the juice. You should yield approximately 3 cups of pure watermelon juice.
3
In a large glass pitcher, combine the silver tequila and basil leaves. Gently crush the basil with a wooden spoon to release its fragrance and flavor.
4
Add the strained watermelon juice and triple sec to the pitcher, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
5
To serve, place 4-5 watermelon 'ice' cubes in each serving glass. In a cocktail shaker, mix 3/4 cup of the margarita mixture with 1 cup of small ice cubes. Shake well and strain the margarita into the glass over the watermelon 'ice' cubes.
6
Repeat the shaking and straining process for the remaining glasses. Finally, garnish each drink with a sprig of fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Refreshing Watermelon-Basil Margarita Bliss?
It is a sophisticated summer cocktail that blends the sweet juiciness of ripe watermelon with the aromatic essence of fresh basil and silver tequila.
What type of watermelon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7.5 lbs of seedless watermelon with the rind removed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
How do you make the watermelon ice cubes?
Place 24 watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them, and freeze for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
How much watermelon juice do I need for the margarita?
You should aim to yield approximately 3 cups of pure watermelon juice by pureeing cubes and straining them.
What is the best way to strain the watermelon puree?
Use a sieve lined with cheesecloth to strain the mixture into a bowl to extract the smoothest juice.
What kind of tequila should I use for this cocktail?
The recipe suggests using 6 ounces of silver tequila from a quality brand, such as Patron.
How do you infuse the basil flavor into the drink?
Combine the silver tequila and basil leaves in a large glass pitcher and gently crush the basil with a wooden spoon to release its fragrance.
What is the purpose of the superfine sugar in the recipe?
The superfine sugar is dissolved into the watermelon juice during the pureeing process to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Can I use triple sec in this margarita?
Yes, the recipe requires 3 ounces of triple sec to be mixed into the pitcher with the tequila and watermelon juice.
How many watermelon cubes are used for serving each glass?
You should place 4-5 frozen watermelon 'ice' cubes in each serving glass before pouring the cocktail.
Do I need a cocktail shaker for this recipe?
Yes, a cocktail shaker is used to mix 3/4 cup of the margarita mixture with 1 cup of small ice cubes for each serving.
What is the final garnish for the Watermelon-Basil Margarita?
Each drink should be garnished with a fresh sprig of basil before serving.
How long does it take to prepare the frozen watermelon cubes?
They need to be frozen for at least 1 hour, but they can stay in the freezer for up to 2 days.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: seedless watermelon, superfine sugar, silver tequila, fresh basil, triple sec, and small ice cubes.
Can I prepare the watermelon juice in advance?
While the recipe focuses on immediate assembly, the watermelon juice and frozen cubes can be prepared ahead of time.
Is this drink served as a frozen blended margarita?
No, it is a shaken margarita served over fruit 'ice' cubes rather than being blended with ice.
What size should the watermelon cubes be?
The watermelon should be cut into 1-inch cubes for both the juice and the frozen 'ice' cubes.
How many basil leaves are needed?
The recipe calls for 24 fresh basil leaves for the infusion plus additional sprigs for garnishing.
What does the wooden spoon do in this recipe?
The wooden spoon is used to gently crush the basil leaves in the pitcher to release their essential oils and flavor.
How much total watermelon is needed by weight?
You will need 7 and 1/2 pounds of seedless watermelon.
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of superfine sugar?
Superfine sugar is preferred because it dissolves more easily in cold liquids, but regular sugar can be used if pureed thoroughly with the fruit.
What is the texture of the watermelon juice after straining?
By using cheesecloth, the juice becomes smooth and free of pulp, providing a clean mouthfeel for the cocktail.
Is this a good drink for summer parties?
Yes, it is described as an impressive centerpiece for summer gatherings and a refreshing twist on the classic margarita.
How many cups of ice cubes are required for the mixing process?
The recipe calls for a total of 6 cups of small ice cubes to be used for shaking and serving.
Do I need to peel the watermelon?
Yes, the rind must be removed before you cut the watermelon into cubes.
What is the primary alcohol in this drink?
The primary alcohol is silver tequila, supplemented by triple sec.
Can I make this drink without a sieve?
A sieve is recommended to ensure the juice is pure and free of any remaining fruit solids for a sophisticated finish.
What makes the watermelon cubes 'ice' cubes?
By freezing the fruit cubes, they act as ice to keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor as they melt.
How much margarita mix do I put in the shaker at one time?
You should mix 3/4 cup of the prepared margarita liquid with ice in the shaker for each individual serve.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data does not specify calories, fat, or other nutritional facts, focusing instead on the ingredients and instructions.