An Afternoon in Decatur
With my girlfriend's grace I got to share this recipe with you. It's not mine, she dreamt it up one random afternoon in Decatur in the middle of our Whole30 program. We had a ton of watermelon in the fridge, basil growing in the backyard, and a need for something sweet to drink. Added sugar is the most troubling thing to avoid when you have a sweet tooth like mine. The flavor of watermelon, basil, lemon, and lime go wonderfully together. With this drink you can stay Whole30 friendly or add watermelon molasses for more sweetness, its up to you.
For an adult beverage, add a couple splashes of your favorite white liquor such as gin, vodka, or tequila. Whiskey and cognac won't do well with this recipe. Makes 3-4 drinks to share with friends on a chill afternoon and takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
3 cups fresh watermelon juice
2 large lemons
1 lime
4-5 mint leaves
3 basil leaves
2 cups of ice
3 tbsps watermelon molasses (omit for Whole30)
3 shots of silver tequila, vodka, or gin (omit for Whole30)
Extra Equipment Needed:
Blender or food processor
Strainer
Small Pitcher
Large spoon
Recipe:
- For fresh watermelon juice use the same technique for the watermelon molasses recipe, seedless melon cut into chunks. Blend the melon with fresh basil and mint, then strain into a small pitcher.
- Cut and squeeze the juice of two lemons and one lime over the strainer into the pitcher. Make sure no pulp or seeds make their way into the mixture. Stir to combine
- Taste the lemonade to measure how sweet it is as well as the notes of basil and mint.
- Add the watermelon molasses and your alcohol of choice. Stir until combined. (omit for Whole30 friendly)
- Return the lemonade to the blender or food processor. Add 2 cups of ice and blend until a loose slushy is formed.
- Pour the lemonade into 3-4 glasses, garnish with fresh mint and any extra citrus. Enjoy immediately and responsibly.
