Seasonal
← August
The drink · August

North Park Cooler

One drink. Make it as long as watermelon is around.

Keep

  • Sparkling mineral water
  • Ice
  • ½ lime

August adds

  • 1 cup watermelon, roughly torn into chunks
  • 4–5 basil leaves

Method

Squeeze or press watermelon chunks through a fine-mesh strainer — or blend briefly and strain. Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add watermelon juice and a squeeze of lime. Slap the basil once between your palms, drop it in. Top with sparkling water.

Try another way

Add a few thin jalapeño rounds If you want heat with the sweet.
Swap basil for mint If there's mint left from the week.
Use nectarine juice instead of watermelon If you have an overripe nectarine.
Add more sparkling water If you want something lighter.