Tropical Watermelon Refresher
Escape into a paradise of flavors with the Tropical Watermelon Refresher, a delightful cocktail that marries the sweetness of ripe watermelon with the aromatic essence of mint and basil. Perfect for those sun-soaked afternoons on a beach or a casual rooftop gathering, this drink is your passport to a tropical getaway, no matter where you are. Enhance the adventure with a smoky mezcal and a chili-salt rim if you're feeling bold. Featuring the invigorating freshness of lime and the subtle complexity of homemade mint-basil syrup, this cocktail promises a refreshing and sophisticated summer indulgence.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
tequila, blanco
1.5 cups (as needed)
watermelon
1 whole (small to medium) (chopped, frozen)
mint
12 sprigs (leaves, divided)
basil
4 sprigs (leaves, divided)
limes
12 (juiced)
sugar
2 cups (for simple syrup)
orange juice
2 oz (freshly squeezed)
ice
as needed (use more for consistency)
Instructions
1
PREP: Dice the watermelon into 1-2 inch chunks, place in a zippered freezer bag, and freeze for at least 4-5 hours, preferably overnight.
2
1. Prepare mint-basil syrup by combining 2 cups of sugar, 8-10 mint sprigs, and juice from 4-5 limes in a heat-safe bowl. Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes.
3
2. Boil 1 cup of water. Add the boiling water to the sugar mixture, stir until the sugar completely dissolves, and let the syrup sit for another 10 minutes. Strain and set aside.
4
3. In a blender, puree 2-3 cups of frozen watermelon with 2 cups of ice until slushy.
5
4. Add to the blender: 1.5 cups tequila, leaves from 2-3 mint sprigs, leaves from 1-2 basil sprigs, juice of 3-4 limes, 2 oz orange juice, and 4-5 oz of the mint-basil syrup. Blend until smooth and homogeneous.
6
5. Adjust the consistency by adding more ice if necessary, then blend again.
7
6. Pour into glasses, garnish with a mint leaf and lime wedge. Serve immediately.
8
*This recipe makes about 2-3 batches in a standard blender.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tropical Watermelon Refresher?
The Tropical Watermelon Refresher is a cocktail that combines ripe watermelon with mint, basil, lime, and tequila for a refreshing summer drink.
What type of alcohol is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of tequila blanco.
How should I prepare the watermelon?
Dice the watermelon into 1-2 inch chunks, place them in a zippered freezer bag, and freeze for at least 4-5 hours.
Can I use mezcal instead of tequila?
Yes, you can use a smoky mezcal if you want a bolder flavor profile.
How do I make the mint-basil syrup?
Combine sugar, mint sprigs, and lime juice, let steep for 10-15 minutes, then add boiling water and stir until dissolved.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the total number of limes needed?
You will need approximately 12 limes to provide enough juice for both the syrup and the cocktail base.
Is this a frozen or over-ice cocktail?
This is a frozen cocktail, as it is blended with ice and frozen watermelon to create a slushy consistency.
What garnishes are recommended?
The drink should be garnished with a fresh mint leaf and a lime wedge.
How much sugar is required for the syrup?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sugar to make the homemade mint-basil syrup.
Can I add a rim to the glass?
Yes, a chili-salt rim is highly recommended if you are looking for a bold, adventurous flavor.
How many sprigs of mint are needed in total?
The recipe uses 12 sprigs of mint: 8-10 for the syrup and the leaves from 2-3 more for the blender.
How many sprigs of basil are required?
You will need 4 sprigs of basil in total for the recipe.
Does this recipe include orange juice?
Yes, it includes 2 oz of freshly squeezed orange juice.
How long should the syrup sit after adding boiling water?
The syrup should sit for 10 minutes after the sugar has dissolved before being strained.
What size chunks should the watermelon be cut into?
The watermelon should be diced into 1-2 inch chunks for optimal freezing and blending.
How do I adjust the consistency of the drink?
If the drink is not thick enough, you can add more ice to the blender and blend again until smooth.
Is this recipe made in one single batch?
No, this recipe typically makes about 2-3 batches in a standard-sized blender.
What are the primary flavor notes of this drink?
The primary flavors are sweet watermelon, aromatic mint and basil, and zesty lime.
Can I make the watermelon ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to freeze the watermelon chunks overnight for the best results.
How much ice is initially used in the blender?
The recipe starts with 2 cups of ice pureed with the frozen watermelon.
How much syrup is added to the final blend?
Add 4-5 oz of the prepared mint-basil syrup to the blender.
Does the recipe require straining the syrup?
Yes, after the syrup has steeped and cooled slightly, it should be strained to remove the mint sprigs.
What kind of watermelon should I buy?
A small to medium whole watermelon is sufficient for this recipe.
Is the lime juice used all at once?
No, the juice of 4-5 limes goes into the syrup, while the juice of 3-4 limes is added directly to the blender.
What is the texture of the finished drink?
The finished drink has a smooth, slushy, and homogeneous consistency.
When should this drink be served?
It should be served immediately after blending to maintain its frozen texture.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, with 6 servings and multiple blender batches, it is perfect for gatherings or parties.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly juiced limes are recommended for the best flavor, especially for the syrup.
What makes this drink 'tropical'?
The combination of watermelon, citrus, and fresh herbs creates a flavor profile reminiscent of a tropical paradise.