Watermelon Gin Cooler

I love cucumber and gin together...it is one of the most refreshing cocktail combos you can make in the summer!  So, when I was enjoying one of nature's other summer coolers, watermelon, I decided that I needed to try using it in a cocktail paired with gin!  So, I blended up some melon, and got to work creating the essence of summer refreshment in a drink!  This one is nice if you want something as refreshing as the cucumber, but sweeter as well.  I added some lemon juice to my watermelon gin combo to give it a bit of tartness along with the sweet as well as some basil since I love basil in fruity drinks!  Then I topped it off with a bit of sparkling water to give it some fizz.  The drink was just like biting into a watermelon but better, and it definately cooled me off from the inside out.  Try out this drink while melons are in season!

Watermelon Gin Cooler

Makes 1

1 cup watermelon

1 Tbsp agave nectar
4 large fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup ice cubes
3 oz gin
2 oz lemon juice
sparkling water
watermelon for garnish

Puree watermelon and agave nectar in a blender and process until liquified. In a martini shaker, muddle basil leaves with ice until crushed.  Add gin, lemon juice, and watermelon puree, place top on and shake well.  In a large tall glass, place a few ice cubes, and pour watermelon mixture over. Top off with a bit of sparkling water and garnish with a melon chunk...enjoy!