This Watermelon Basil Gin Cocktail is refreshing and tastes like a cool breeze on a hot, summer day — and perfect for a cookout! Made with fresh watermelon and lemon juice, basil, gin, and a hint of rosemary to bring out its summery essence. It is the perfect celebratory beverage to enjoy for a date night, Juneteenth, and the days to come.

If you love this refreshing drink recipe, check out my Classic Bushwacker Cocktail as well as my Blueberry Lemonade Martini.

Red foods, drinks, and more!

We celebrate Juneteenth with family gatherings, festivals, music, food, dancing and so much more. Our ancestors were not allowed to drink red soda while they were enslaved. Therefore after freedom, the first drink they celebrated with was red soda. In addition to red soda, watermelon, red foods, and other red drinks are some of the oldest traditional foods for Juneteenth. You may also find barbecue, spicy red sausages, greens, okra, fried fish, cornbread, black-eyed peas…the list goes on!

The Watermelon Basil Gin Cocktail

For this year’s Virtual Cookout, my inspiration was “Red Drinks”! I wanted to incorporate watermelon because it is one of my favorite fruits. Regardless of the stereotypes and undertones that were cast onto my ancestors and Black people, God gave us watermelon, therefore SURELY I will surely partake in it!

Ingredients:

Watermelon Juice: Fresh watermelon is one of my favorite fruits and makes the prettiest, red drinks. Subsequently, watermelon is even great for replenishing fluids especially when the temps are scorching. You can include this delicious fruit on the menu if you host a family function, BBQ, or family reunion.
Basil: This herb is such a beautiful compliment to summer drinks. When muddled, the fresh, natural juices bring out the beautiful essence of the drink.
Gin: I enjoy quite a few gins, but one I highly recommend is a black-owned brand, InGenius. Known for its smooth taste and delicious botanicals, it will be a great option for this cocktail. Another recommendation is Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice. This gin is made with floral notes and embodies what many love about warmer months. Not to mention, it’s perfect for summer! In addition, Hendrick’s (i.e., original) is another excellent option due to its infusion of delicious botanicals, rose, cucumber, and other unique flavors. Additionally, if you have a favorite gin, use it. These are just suggestions.

More Ingredients:

Lemon Juice: freshly squeezed lemon juice brings the perfect balance to this refreshing cocktail — or if you decide to make it a mocktail. If you don’t have a lemon on hand, use lime.
Rosemary: A simple sprig is added to the cocktail for garnish. We also grow rosemary in our garden, so it was undeniably the perfect addition to this refreshing drink. Just know, it will indeed be just as delicious if you choose not to add a sprig or two of rosemary.
Simple Syrup (Optional): If you prefer more of a refreshing take, just allow the natural fruit juices to be your sweetener. If you prefer your drink on the sweeter side, add a little simple syrup, to taste.
Ice

Watermelon Basil Gin Cocktail…or what I like to call a “Juneteenth Celebration” cocktail! This drink is also perfect for summer and date nights!

Join me in celebrating Juneteenth with more than 30 other Black culinary creators. Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day, signifying the final emancipation of those enslaved in the US announced in 1865. This year, we are celebrating “Freedom Day” by offering a delightful selection of mains, sides, desserts, and refreshing drinks that are perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings with friends and family.

Join us in honoring the legacy of progress and freedom by cooking and sharing these recipes. Additionally, you can easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2023 on Instagram.

Let’s get into GREEN SOUL!

With the highest population of vegans/vegetarians in the United States, African-Americans are drawing inspiration from the largely plant-based diet of our African ancestors and developing recipes inspired by classic Soul Food dishes. Black-eyed peas, chickpeas, and watermelon are updated in recipes like Southern Caviar, Strawberry Lemonade Vodka, and Watermelon Salad with Cilantro Honey Lime Dressing.

Here are vegan and vegetarian-friendly recipes from Black food creators for the Juneteenth Cookout!

Savor and Sage – Soul Hummus and Vegetable Board

Brazilian Kitchen Abroad – Watermelon Salad with Cilantro Honey Lime dressing

Geo’s Table – Southern Caviar (Black-eyed Pea Salad)

Collards Are The Old Kale – White Beans w/Tomato Chow Chow

That Green Lyfe – Strawberry Mango Romaine Salad w/ Raspberry Vinaigrette

My Sweet Precision –Strawberry Lemonade Vodka

My Contribution – Watermelon Basil Gin Cocktail (Recipe is below)

You can find a list of all recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual on the Eat the Culture website!

MORE DRINK OPTIONS!

This cocktail can easily be made into a mocktail. Spirit “less” non-alcoholic beverages are totally a thing. You can find a variety of gin alternatives to use instead.
Check out the notes section and make simple swaps so that it can be the perfect mocktail for people of all ages.
If you do not have lemons on hand, feel free to use limes.
Check out a list of Black-owned gin brands here.

If you love this cocktail, be sure to check out my Strawberry and Cilantro Mocktail and I can’t forget about the food. This Berry Salad with Burrata and Blackberry Jalapeño Vinaigrette and this Cherry Strawberry Dump Cake are two excellent recipes to add to your Juneteenth cookout menu!

More inspiration for your menu:

Southern Baked Beans with Plant-Based Ground “Beef”

Kale Celebration Vegetable Salad with Walnuts

Strawberry Butter Golden Dump Cake

C rispy Oven Okra with Lemon-Dill and Garlic Aioli

This Watermelon Basil Gin Cocktail recipe will be the perfect addition to your Juneteenth cookout, summer celebration, or for entertaining guests this cookout season. If you make it, tag me (@myprettybrowneats) on social media. In addition, you may find me by following the #myprettybrowneats hashtag on FB and IG! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.