Watermelon Herb Cooler

Submitted by samanthaleahscott

"Inspired by visions of clear blue water, sandy toes, and a cold drink dripping with condensation, you opt for a very Summer Friday libation. This refreshing watermelon mint & basil margarita is the perfect warm weather companion, whether you’re relaxing on a rooftop in Brooklyn or a beach in Mexico (we’ll keep our harbored resentment to ourselves). Like keeping things spicy? Substitute your favorite mezcal and a chili-salt rim to garnish. "

Download

photo by Jonathan Melendez

Ready In:: 4hrs 30mins
Ingredients:: 8
Serves:: 4-8

ingredients

tequila, blanco
1 whole watermelon (small to medium sized)
2 large handfuls mint (10-12 sprigs)
3 -4 sprigs basil
10 -12 limes
2 cups sugar
orange juice
ice

directions

PREP: Chop fresh watermelon into 1-2 inch chunks and place in ziploc bag to put in freezer. Ideally prep the night before and let freeze overnight but 4-5 hours freezer time should do the trick. .
1. Combine sugar, mint, and 4-5 squeezed limes in a heat-safe bowl, stirring ingredients together. Let mixture sit for 10-15 minutes.
2. Boil 1 cup of water. Add boiled water to sugar mixture, stirring well until sugar has dissolved completely. Let simple syrup mixture sit for another 10 minutes and put to the side.
3. In a blender, pre-blend 2-3 cups frozen watermelon and 2 cups ice until slushy. Add,.
- 1 1/2 cups tequila.
- leaves of 2-3 mint sprigs.
- leaves of 1-2 basil sprigs.
- Juice of 3-4 limes.
- 2 oz of orange juice.
- 4-5 oz of homemade simple syrup to taste.
4. Blend until fully combined, add ice to reach desired consistency. Garnish with a mint leaf and fresh lime wedge.
*ingredients above yield approximately 2-3 blender batches.