Watermelon-Basil Cooler Recipe

• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 1 mocktail
• Nutritional Details Per Serving
  Serving Size: 1 of 1 servings
  Calories: 477
  Total Fat: 0 g
  Saturated Fat: 0 g
  Carbohydrates: 92 g
  Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  Sugar: 78 g
  Protein: 2 g
  Cholesterol: 0 mg
  Sodium: 27 mg
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 min (including chilling time)
• Active Time: 15 min

Whip up this refreshing zero-proof margarita mocktail using nonalcoholic tequila for an authentic twist on the classic. Emerging brands deliver tequila-like flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and inspire your next sober sipping adventure!

• 1/2 cup raw sugar
• 8 fresh basil leaves, plus a small sprig for garnish
• 4 wide strips lime zest, plus 1 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 Fresno chile pepper
• 2 ounces fresh watermelon juice
• 2 ounces nonalcoholic tequila

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) NEW: Switch to Cook Mode to prevent your screen from sleeping while you craft this vibrant drink.

1. Prepare the basil syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, basil leaves, lime zest, chile, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then transfer to a container and refrigerate until fully chilled, about 1 hour. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve. (Syrup keeps refrigerated up to two weeks.)
2. Mix the drink: In a liquid measuring cup, stir 3/4 ounce basil syrup with lime juice, watermelon juice, and nonalcoholic tequila. Pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a basil sprig for that perfect finishing touch.

No bottled watermelon juice? Blend fresh cubed watermelon until smooth and strain for juicy perfection.

Photograph by Yunhee Kim