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Refreshing Easy Watermelon Basil Lemonade with watermelon, basil, and lemon slices.

Watermelon Basil Lemonade

A refreshing summer drink made with fresh watermelon, basil, and lemon, perfect for hot afternoons.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Beverage, Drink
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups Watermelon, cubed Seedless is easiest
  • 1 cup Cucumber, peeled Peeled if the skin is thick or waxy
  • 1 handful Fresh basil Plus extra for garnish
  • 0.5 cup Lemon juice Fresh squeezed tastes best
  • to taste Sweetener (simple syrup, honey, or sugar) Adjust according to taste
  • to thin Cold water or sparkling water Add to loosen it up
  • lots of Ice
  • a pinch Salt (optional) Makes the fruit taste louder

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Blend the fruit and cucumber: Add cubed watermelon and cucumber to your blender and blend until smooth.
  2. Add basil and lemon: Toss in a handful of basil leaves and a good squeeze of lemon juice, blend for a few seconds.
  3. Taste, then sweeten: Adjust sweetness by adding the sweetener a little at a time, blending briefly and tasting again.
  4. Strain if desired: Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently with a spoon to help it through.
  5. Add water and chill: Add a splash of cold water or sparkling water to achieve your ideal consistency.
  6. Serve it cold: Fill glasses with ice, pour the lemonade, and garnish with a basil leaf and thin lemon slice if desired.

Notes

Blending chilled fruit first reduces the need for ice, keeping the drink flavorful. Use sparkling water just before serving for a bubbly version. This drink can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 24 hours.