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Refreshing Frozen Watermelon Basil Margarita Pitcher Recipe

frozen watermelon basil margarita - featured image

A vibrant, icy, and refreshing summer drink combining sweet watermelon, fresh basil, tequila, and lime juice, perfect for parties and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups seedless watermelon, cubed and chilled
  • 1012 large fresh basil leaves, washed and gently bruised
  • 1 cup (240 ml) silver tequila
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice (about 45 limes)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) simple syrup, adjust to taste
  • 34 cups ice cubes
  • Salt or Tajín for rimming glasses (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cube about 6 cups (around 900 grams) of seedless watermelon and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes beforehand.
  2. Gently bruise 10-12 large fresh basil leaves by clapping them between your palms or using the back of a spoon to release essential oils.
  3. In a blender, combine the chilled watermelon cubes, bruised basil leaves, 1 cup silver tequila, 1/2 cup triple sec, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, and 1/4 cup simple syrup. Add 3 cups of ice cubes.
  4. Pulse on low speed to break up the ice, then blend on high until smooth and slushy, about 45-60 seconds. Add a splash of water or more lime juice if the mixture is too thick.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more simple syrup or lime juice as needed. Blend again briefly if adjustments are made.
  6. Optionally, rim glasses by running a lime wedge around each rim and dipping into salt or Tajín on a small plate.
  7. Serve immediately by pouring into a pitcher or rimmed glasses. Garnish with extra basil leaves or a small watermelon wedge.

Notes

Use ripe watermelon for best flavor. Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for brightness. Do not over-blend basil to avoid bitterness. Adjust ice quantity for desired texture. Prepare base ahead and add ice and basil just before serving for best results. Rim glasses with salt or Tajín for classic margarita touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon margarita, frozen margarita, summer drink, basil cocktail, tequila drink, refreshing beverage, party drink, frozen cocktail