Water with a punch
Watermelon and basil make a party-worthy thirst-quencher.
When you want something more flavorful than water to quench your thirst, and you’d like to keep it healthful, on an ordinary day it does the trick to just plop a few sliced berries, citrus wedges or chunks of melon into your water bottle with a sprig of mint.
But for occasions such as holiday weekend gatherings that call for something more elevated, this beautiful blush beverage is the answer. It takes a little more effort than a basic infused water, but the look and taste of it is well worth it. First you make a fresh herb tea by crushing and steeping basil leaves in boiling water. Then you puree chunks of watermelon in a blender, and strain the puree to extract the vibrant pink juice. The watermelon liquid and the basil tea are then combined in a pitcher with a brightening touch of lime juice.
The drink is delicious just like that, but it is more of a punch that way (which, I suspect, would be darn good spiked with some gin). To make it a super-quenching, low-calorie flavored water, you dilute it further with more fresh water. I suggest adding two more cups of water and serving it over ice, but you can dilute it as much or as little as you like.
WATERMELON-BASIL FLAVORED WATER
Make ahead: The mixture can be refrigerated up to 2 days in advance; re-stir before serving. From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger. ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus some small leaves, for garnish
1 cup boiling water
4 cups cubed, seeded or seedless watermelon (1 pound)
4 cups cold water
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, plus thinly sliced wheels or half-moon slices of lime, for garnish
Place the ½ cup of basil leaves in a small pot or heatproof mug and pour the cup of boiling water over them. Use a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon to crush the basil leaves. Let steep and cool for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the watermelon and 2 cups of the cold water in a blender; puree until smooth. Strain through a finemesh strainer into a large pitcher, and discard the solids.
Strain/discard the basil leaves from their water, then add that liquid to the pitcher, along with the remaining 2 cups of cold water and the lime juice, stirring to incorporate.
Serve over ice, garnishing each portion with basil leaves and lime slices. Makes 6 servings (6 to 7 cups).
Per serving: 25 calories, 0 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 0 g dietary fiber, 5 g sugar