Olive Oil & Basil Watermelon Spritz

Olive oil and basil? Not just for salad. This Watermelon Basil 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 drink 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.

It’s a cocktail with balance: sweet, savory, bubbly, and herbaceous. Simple to make, but totally elevated.

Olive Oil & Basil Watermelon Spritz

This Olive Oil & Basil Watermelon Spritz is a savory-sweet summer sipper made with muddled watermelon, fresh basil, sparkling wine, and a silky drizzle of olive oil.

Print Recipe

Servings 1 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.

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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 or gin pair beautifully if you want to boost the ABV.
• 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 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

Xoxo, cheers!