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Recipe Detail Page
Herb-Infused Watermelon-Ade
Early Summer 2022
Lively and refreshing, this watermelon and fresh herb “water” makes an excellent addition to summer cocktails, and is just as delicious on its own for a no-alcohol summer sipper. If you don’t have a juicer, see TIP, or just pick up fresh watermelon juice at your local juice bar or grocery store. For a mixologist-level clarified drink, strain the watermelon juice through a coffee filter. This gives it a silky mouth feel and almost clear appearance (as in our photo).
Makes 8 cocktails
3 young stinging nettle or basil sprigs
1/4 cup (60 mL) agave syrup
2 cups (500 mL) boiling water
8 cups (2 L) watermelon cubes, about 1/4 large watermelon or 4 cups (1 L) freshly pressed watermelon juice
1/4 cup (60 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
8 oz mezcal or tequila
Thin watermelon slices, for garnish
Basil sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Pinch of sea salt
1. Put the kettle on to boil. Place sprigs, stem side up (for easy removal), in a heatproof pitcher which can hold at least 4 cups (1 L). Pour in syrup. Pour 2 cups (500 mL) boiling water overtop. Gently stir to mix. Steep for 5 minutes. Carefully remove sprigs avoiding nettles. Let cool completely.
2. Meanwhile, if using fresh watermelon cubes, use an electric juicer to press juice from watermelon until you have 6 cups (1.5 L). For a refined and clear look (as in our photo), clarify watermelon juice by slowly straining through a coffee filter– lined funnel into a large pitcher. Discard any pulp. You may need to replace the filter a few times. This should make approximately 4 cups (1 L) juice. Stir in lemon juice. Strain steeped syrup mixture into watermelon and lemon juice. Stir to mix.
3. Divide between lowball or tumbler glasses filled with ice. Pour 1 oz mezcal or tequila into each glass and stir to mix. Garnish each with a watermelon slice, basil sprig and a pinch of salt.
Makes 8 cocktails
TIP: If you don't have an electric juicer, cut fruit into chunks and pulse in a blender until very smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh seive into a large measuring cup.