Watermelon Basil Mezcal Cooler
Fresh watermelon, smoky mezcal, and basil make a bright cooler with a savory lime finish.
Prep: 10 · Cook: · Total: 10 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (65 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by fruit coolers poured at desert roadside bars and smoky agave cocktails from modern cantinas. The watermelon and basil blend is an original Tastelicious patio drink.
Story
Theo wants a drink that tastes like the road just opened up in front of him. Watermelon brings the juice, mezcal brings the smoky mile marker, and basil keeps the whole thing pointed toward summer. A little lime gives it a clean turn at the finish. Pour it tall, add the soda, and keep the cooler within reach.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon cubes, chilled
- 4 ounces mezcal
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 1 small pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup ice
- 4 ounces chilled club soda
- 2 lime wedges
Instructions
- Chill the watermelon well so the finished drink stays cold without becoming watery.
- Blend the watermelon, lime juice, agave, basil, and salt until completely smooth.
- Strain the watermelon mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup, pressing gently on the solids.
- Fill two tall glasses with ice and divide the mezcal between them.
- Pour the watermelon mixture over the mezcal, leaving room at the top of each glass.
- Top with club soda, stir once from the bottom, and garnish with lime wedges and a basil leaf.
Chef Tips
- Chill the fruit before blending so the drink is ready immediately.
- Strain gently because pressing too hard can make the juice cloudy and bitter.
- Use a smoky mezcal with a clean finish so it does not overpower the watermelon.
- Taste before adding more agave because ripe watermelon can be very sweet.
Cook's Notes
- Start with very cold watermelon so the drink needs less ice.
- Strain the blended juice gently for a clean texture.
- Add the soda last and stir once so the bubbles stay lively.