Basil Watermelon Spritz
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Olive oil and basil? Not just for salad. This Basil Watermelon Spritz is summery, savory, and surprisingly refreshing. Made even better with a drizzle of good olive oil on top. If that sounds a little out there, trust me: it’s smooth, herbaceous, and totally cocktail-worthy.
This spritz is bright, bubbly, and just unexpected enough to feel a little fancy. Perfect for late summer happy hours, backyard brunches, or whenever you’re feeling like the main character.
Watermelon is naturally hydrating and subtly sweet — the perfect base for a summer spritz. When muddled with fresh basil, you get a garden-fresh flavor that plays beautifully with sparkling wine or soda. But the real magic? That final drizzle of olive oil. It adds silky texture, richness, and a soft peppery note that lingers in the best way.
The Olive Oil & Basil Watermelon Spritz is a cocktail with balance: sweet, savory, bubbly, and herbaceous. Simple to make, but totally elevated.
Shop the recipe
Olive Oil & Basil Watermelon Spritz
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh watermelon cubes or about 3 oz juice
- 3 –4 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz sparkling wine or soda water or both!
- Olive oil extra virgin, good quality for topping
- Ice
- Garnish: basil sprig or small watermelon wedge
Instructions
- In a shaker or glass, muddle watermelon and basil until juicy and fragrant.
- Top with sparkling wine, soda water, or a mix of both.
- Stir gently and drizzle a few drops of olive oil over the top.
- Garnish and serve immediately.
Ingredient Notes
- Watermelon – Use ripe, seedless melon for best texture and flavor.
- Basil – Tear before muddling to help release the oils.
- Olive oil – Use a fruity, high-quality EVOO with a smooth, peppery finish.
- Sparkling wine – Prosecco or pét-nat works well. For non-alcoholic, use soda water or a dry botanical soda.
Tips & Variations
- Make it a mocktail – Skip the wine and use sparkling water with a splash of watermelon juice.
- Add spirits – Vodka, tequila, or gin pair beautifully if you want to boost the ABV.
- Change the herb – mint and watermelon go really well together, too!
- Make it spicy – add 1/2 oz Ancho Chile Reyes Liqueur and garnish with sliced jalapeño.
- Batch it – Muddle watermelon and basil ahead of time, then build each glass to order.
- Chill your glassware – This drink is best served ice cold and ultra fresh.
When to Serve It
This Basil Watermelon Spritz is summer energy in a glass. Serve it at:
- Weekend brunches
- Picnic spreads
- Outdoor dinners or aperitivo hour
- When you want to impress with minimal effort
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Fabulous cocktail! I ended up using watermelon that had some small seeds and using a strainer to get rid of the smushed watermelon/basil discard before pouring it into my glass. One question: in the Instagram video it mentions Aperol. I don’t see that in the recipe. Should it be included? Either way, I bet it would taste great.