Watermelon Vodka Cocktail

Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Lisa Keys

This watermelon vodka cocktail is sweetened with a lemon basil simple syrup. Prefer a mocktail? Just omit the vodka and you are good to go. I hope you will enjoy this light and refreshing watermelon cocktail. There is nothing better on a hot summer evening.

Now go pick a bunch of fresh basil from your garden. The more you pick the better it grows. Pinch it back on the stem and then pick off the leaves.

How to make simple syrup

Making a simple syrup is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your cooking game. Simple syrups not only sweeten your tea and coffee, but also flavor drinks like this vodka watermelon cocktail. In addition, simple syrups brushed onto cakes add moisture.

The recipe is a ratio of 1 part sugar to 1 part water. Just heat them together until the sugar is dissolved. To infuse some flavor add fresh herbs and citrus and let it cool. Remove the solid ingredients before adding to your recipes.

Watermelon Vodka Cocktail

Lisa Keys

A refreshing summer blend of watermelon, basil and lemon.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 209 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 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

Lemon-Basil Simple Syrup

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 12 fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

 

• 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.
• Lemon-Basil Simple Syrup
• 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 drinkCalories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 1gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 2gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 137IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 2mg

Keyword basil, lemon, refreshing, syrup, vodka, watermelon

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