Basil Watermelon Rum Highball
Fresh watermelon, basil, lime, and rum make a tall, fizzy drink that tastes like late summer.
Prep: 10 · Cook: · Total: 10 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (117 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
An original highball inspired by the easy pairing of watermelon, basil, lime, and a clean rum finish.
Story
Theo thinks watermelon deserves more than a place in the fruit bowl. Blend it with basil, give it a squeeze of lime, and the whole drink wakes up. Rum keeps the mood relaxed while club soda makes it tall and cold. This is the one to make when the afternoon has nowhere else to be.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless watermelon cubes
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 1 1/2 oz light rum
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp agave syrup
- 1 cup chilled club soda
- Ice
- Watermelon wedges and basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the watermelon, basil, lime juice, and agave to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup, pressing gently on the solids.
- Fill two tall glasses with ice and divide the rum between them.
- Pour the watermelon mixture into the glasses, leaving room for the soda.
- Top each glass with club soda and stir once from the bottom up.
- Garnish with a watermelon wedge and basil leaf, then serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- Chill the watermelon first so the drink is cold before the ice melts.
- For a no-alcohol version, replace the rum with extra club soda.
- A pinch of salt makes very sweet watermelon taste more vivid.
- Use sparkling water if you prefer a softer fizz.
Cook's Notes
- Strain the watermelon if you want a clean, polished drink.
- Taste the juice before adding agave because ripe melon can be very sweet.
- Build the drinks right before serving so the soda stays lively.
- For a pitcher, multiply the juice mixture and add soda only at the table.