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A watermelon basil vodka infusion is the perfect homemade mixer for summertime! On its own or in cocktails, it’s a refreshing drink that’s perfect for summer parties or a relaxing evening at home.

Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need.

Fresh watermelon: Choose a ripe and juicy watermelon.
Fresh basil leaves: Get a handful of fresh basil leaves. Basil is super flavorful, so you won’t need a lot.
Vodka: Use a good quality vodka that you like. You’ll need around 2 cups.
Mason jar or glass container: Find a clean jar or container that can hold the infusion. A 32-ounce mason jar should work.
Strainer or cheesecloth: You’ll need something to strain the liquid and separate it from the solids.

Prepare the Watermelon and Basil

To make sure we get the best flavors, prep your ingredients.

Wash the watermelon: Rinse the watermelon under water to remove any dirt.
Cut the watermelon: Slice off the top and bottom, then cut it in half. You can leave the rind on or not – it can add a slightly bitter taste that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the watermelon.
Wash the basil leaves: Gently wash the basil leaves with water and pat them dry.

Infusion Process

Now it’s time to start infusing our ingredients. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Put the watermelon in the jar

Add the watermelon pieces to the jar, filling it at least halfway.

Step 2: Add the basil leaves

Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the jar with the watermelon.

Step 3: Pour in the vodka

Slowly pour the vodka into the jar, making sure everything is covered.

Step 4: Seal and shake

Close the jar tightly and shake it to mix everything together. That gets the infusion process started.

Infusion Time and Storage

After the infusion process, we need to let the flavors blend together. Follow these guidelines:

Infusion time: Leave the mixture in a cool, dark place for at least 3 days. This lets the vodka to absorb the flavors fully.
Storage: Keep the jar in a cool and dark place, away from sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Taste Testing and Straining

Once the infusion time is up, it’s time to taste and strain your creation. Here’s how:

Open the jar and give it a gentle swirl to mix the flavors.
Take a small sip to check the taste. If desired, you can let it infuse for a bit longer for a stronger flavor.
Strain the liquid: Place a strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl or jug. Pour the infused vodka through it to separate the liquid from the solids. Apply gentle pressure to get all the liquid out.
Discard the solids: Throw away the watermelon and basil solids or use them in recipes like salads or smoothies.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your watermelon and basil vodka infusion is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are a few ways to serve this delicious drink:

On the rocks: Pour the infused vodka over ice and enjoy it as is for a refreshing experience.
Watermelon basil cocktail: Mix the infused vodka with sparkling water, lime juice, and simple syrup for a tasty cocktail. Garnish with a watermelon slice and a sprig of basil.
Use it in place of regular vodka in any cocktail where it sounds good!

Storing Your Infusion

If you have extra or want to make a larger batch, follow these steps for proper storage:

Clean storage container: Use a clean, airtight container made of glass or food-grade plastic.
Pour the infusion: Transfer the strained liquid into the container, leaving some space at the top.
Label and date: Label the container with the name and date of the infusion.
Storage conditions: Keep the infused vodka in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight or extreme temperatures. It can be enjoyed for several months, but the flavors may gradually fade over time.

Watermelon Basil Vodka Infusion

Yield: 1 batch

Prep Time: 3 days

Total Time: 3 days

A watermelon basil vodka infusion is the perfect homemade mixer for summertime! Learn how to make this easy, tasty infusion and enjoy it in cocktails or alone!