A delicious, fizzy watermelon vodka cocktail recipe for a hot summer day. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or mint. Easy refreshing recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Vodka Cocktail Recipe
- Refreshing and so tasty: Sweet watermelon and a whiff of floral basil against a fizzy backdrop of ginger ale blended into an icy, refreshing vodka watermelon cocktail. Like with the watermelon milkshake, I started with frozen watermelon chunks avoid diluting its flavour with ice.
- Easy to Make: This Watermelon Vodka Cocktail Recipe requires minimal prep and is super easy to make for a crowd.
- Customizable Ingredients: With different types of vodka and ginger ale, you can easily customize the sweetness, tartness and strength of this yummy cocktail.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or an evening party, this Watermelon Vodka Cocktail will be a hit for all your friends and family!
How to Make This Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
• Step 1: Freeze watermelon on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm. If you ask me, the freezer is a great place to store a hefty wedge of the giant watermelon you just bought and probably won’t be able to finish.
• Step 2: Combine frozen watermelon, lime juice, basil and 2 tbsp sugar in a blender. Taste; add more sugar, if needed. Strain through a fine-meshed sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl (ideally with a spout). Discard the solids in the sieve. You should have 4 cups of watermelon juice.
• Step 3: Measure 1/2 cup watermelon juice into 8 tall, ice-filled glasses. Add 1 1/2 ounces vodka to each, then top up with ginger ale (approximately 1/2 cup ginger ale per serving).
• Step 4: Enjoy your delicious Watermelon Vodka Cocktail.
Variations on the Watermelon Basil Cocktail
• Variation 1: For an extra sweetness and a citrusy touch, try adding a splash of orange liqueur to the mix.
• Variation 2: Love tropical flavors? Try swapping out the watermelon for mango or pineapple for an island-inspired drink.
• Variation 3: Swap the basil in your watermelon vodka cocktail with fresh mint.
You could easily make this a virgin drink – it would still be delicious without the vodka.
Watermelon Vodka Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 cups watermelon in about 2" chunks
- 1 lime juiced
- 4-6 small basil leaves
- 2-4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 cups 1 litre ginger ale
- 12 ounces vodka
Instructions
- Freeze watermelon on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm.
- Combine frozen watermelon, lime juice, basil and 2 tbsp sugar in a blender. Taste; add more sugar, if needed. Strain through a fine-meshed sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl (ideally with a spout). Discard the solids in the sieve. You should have 4 cups of watermelon juice.
- Measure 1/2 cup watermelon juice into 8 tall, ice-filled glasses. Add 1 1/2 ounces vodka to each, then top up with ginger ale (approximately 1/2 cup ginger ale per serving).
Nutrition
Calories: 1451kcalCarbohydrates: 172gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 79mgPotassium: 950mgFiber: 5gSugar: 157gVitamin A: 4505IUVitamin C: 82mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 4mg
Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD
I am obsessed with this watermelon vodka cooler. Thank you for my signature summer drink!