Made with heirloom tomato, basil, watermelon, vodka and lime, Summer Crush is the type of cocktail you could easily enjoy after a day spent at the beach. When you’re feeling a bit parched from being in the sun all day. After you’ve casually dropped your beach bag on the floor, but before you jump in the shower to wash away the surf and sand. Sweet, tart, and incredibly refreshing, Summer Crush is a muddled mix of the best summer produce. And vodka of course.
To make this drink, you’ll first need to prepare a sweet basil syrup. I’d recommend getting this done in advance and storing in the refrigerator. With the syrup prepared, this drink comes together in a matter of moments! Next muddle sweet basil syrup, heirloom tomato, Thai basil and watermelon in the base of a cocktail shaker until the fruit releases its gloriously flavored juice and the basil its oils. I use both sweet and Thai basil for this drink to add some depth of flavor; however, you could certainly use all sweet basil if Thai isn’t available. Finally, shake in some vodka and lime juice to balance out the flavors. The finished cocktail is summer incarnate. Continue reading for the recipe.
- For the sweet basil syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- For the cocktail:
- 1/2 oz. sweet basil syrup
- 1 small sprig Thai basil (about 6 or 7 leaves)
- 1/2 small heirloom tomato (preferably red)
- 3/4 cup watermelon chunks
- 2 oz. vodka
- Juice of 1/4 lime, plus an additional wedge to garnish
- Ice
- To make the sweet basil syrup, add sugar, water and regular basil to a small saucepan, and warm over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Take the saucepan off the heat, cover and let infuse/cool for 30 minutes. Pour the syrup through a strainer into a clean container. Store the sweet basil syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month or two.
- To make the Summer Crush cocktail, add sweet basil syrup to a cocktail shaker with the Thai basil, heirloom tomato and watermelon. Using a muddler (or the back of a wooden spoon), muddle these ingredients together. You want to bruise the basil, and release the juices from the tomato and watermelon.
- Add vodka, lime juice and ice to the cocktail shaker, secure the lid, and shake until the drink is mixed and well-chilled. Taste a little bit of the drink, and add more sweet basil syrup or lime juice to taste. Pour the drink through a fine-mesh basket strainer into a short tumbler filled with ice. Discard solids. Garnish the glass with a wedge of lime.
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Ash- foodfashionparty says
The basil syrup, the drink everything is so perfect for a hot summer day.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Ash!
Josh Sullivan says
Add a couple dashes of balsamic vinegar for fun! 😉
Brandon Matzek says
Excellent suggestion Josh 🙂 Thanks!
Putputt @ Putputt Eats says
The weather’s actually taken a turn for the worse here in England. It’s cloudy and rainy and miserable. But this looks SO yummy I’m still going to make it over the weekend I think!
Brandon Matzek says
Oh no! Sorry to hear about the rain. Well this cocktail will definitely cheer things up 🙂
najwa kronfel says
And I have a crush on this cocktail, it sounds really good!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks so much Najwa!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Love that you used thai basil in this — so refreshing!!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks! I have easy access to Thai basil now so I’ve been trying to work it into my cooking a bit more. Love it!
laurasmess says
Loving your cocktail recipes Brandon. This one looks amazingly fresh, vibrant and Summery (hence the name!). I can’t wait to make the basil syrup, I can imagine a million different uses for it! Thanks
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Laura! The basil syrup is super tasty. I had some in iced tea today. I’m thinking it might be good to drizzle over pound cake!
sippitysup says
It’s a savory cocktail for sure! GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Yes!! Looking forward to checking out your book when it arrives 🙂
Asmita says
Gorgeous especially with the basil in there!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Asmita!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
You are my garden friend without even knowing it! Every time I have a harvest and am looking for new ideas (this time watermelon) your blog solves it! Thanks!
Lee says
Your summer crush cocktail are most welcome in Malaysia!
Gonna try it on the weekend!