Just Drinks & Joy

[recipe title=”Lemon Basil Watermelon Cooler” servings=”2″]

¼ cup chopped, seeded watermelon

ice cubes

2 shots vodka (I like Grey Goose or Ketel 1), optional

4 tablespoons lemon-basil simple syrup (recipe follows)

Pellegrino or club soda

Fresh basil sprigs

Divide watermelon among two tall glasses; muddle the melon. Fill the glasses with ice. Add 1 shot of vodka to each glass, if desired. Add two tablespoons of lemon-basil simple syrup to each glass. Top off with Pellegrino or club soda; stir. Garnish with basil and sip.[/recipe]

Lemon-Basil Simple Syrup

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

12 fresh basil leaves

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Stir water and sugar in small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat. Add basil and lemon zest. Cover and cool. Stir in lemon juice; strain. Syrup keeps about 1 week in the fridge.