Sparkling Roasted Watermelon and Basil Refresher
An original, light, and aromatic drink that combines roasted watermelon to deepen its natural sweetness, a quick basil syrup, and a touch of lime, finished with chilled sparkling water.
Ingredients
- 800 g seedless watermelon, cubed (for roasting)
- 50 g sugar (for the jarabe of albahaca)
- 120 ml water (for the jarabe of albahaca)
- 12 g fresh basil (leaves lightly compactadas, and a poco more for decorar)
- 60 ml fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 g fine salt (realza the sabor)
- 480 ml chilled sparkling water (for terminar the bebida)
- 400 g ice (for servir)
- 4 unit thin lime slices (for decorar opcionalmente)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
No declared allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the cubed watermelon on a lined tray and roast for 18 to 20 minutes, until very juicy and slightly concentrated around the edges.
- 2
While the watermelon roasts, make the syrup: in a small saucepan combine the sugar and water and heat over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from the heat, add the fresh basil, and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- 3
Strain the basil syrup and discard or save the leaves for another use. Let the syrup cool for a few minutes.
- 4
Transfer the roasted watermelon to a blender with the lime juice, salt, and basil syrup. Blend until completely smooth.
- 5
Strain the mixture if you want a finer texture, then chill it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes so it is nicely cold.
- 6
Divide the ice among 4 glasses. Fill each glass about two-thirds full with the watermelon mixture and top with the chilled sparkling water.
- 7
Stir each drink gently to keep the bubbles lively. Garnish with extra fresh basil and a thin lime slice before serving.
Chef tips
For a deeper flavor, let the roasted watermelon cool completely before blending. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar in the syrup to 35 g.
Substitutions
You can substitute lime with key lime or regular lemon. Basil can be replaced with fresh mint for a more herbal, cooling profile. Sparkling water can be swapped for a mild tonic water if you want an extra bitter note.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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