Welcome spring and class up the spiked watermelon.
It’s about to get hot, real hot. And there’s nothing like a watermelon — what we like to refer to as “edible air-conditioning” — to cool things down. As we stare down summer with the temperature swings of spring, we thought it a good time to share this watermelon cocktail batch recipe, courtesy Tequila Avión.
1 – 2 pound baby seedless watermelon
¾ cups (or more if desired) sugar
2 cups basil leaves
1 750ml bottle Tequila Avión Silver (or preferred silver tequila)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
Basil sprigs, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Scoop out the interior of the watermelon and purée in a blender until smooth. Then add sugar until it is dissolved. Add 2 cups of basil and blend on low until the leaves are broken up. Strain into a pitcher. Whisk in Avion Silver and lemon juice. Taste and add more sugar if desired. Chill until cold for at least 1 hour. Serve in the hollowed-out watermelon or in ice-filled rocks glasses and garnish with basil sprigs and lemon wheels.
For more information on Tequila Avión, visit the spirits producer’s website.
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Photography: Courtesy Tequila Avión