Watermelon & Basil Shake

Hannah Sunderani
Aug 20, 2016
2 min read

This blog post is short and sweet, because what more is there to say about a watermelon shake except that it's the most refreshing summer drink to have ever existed!

Shamefully, I only discovered this deliciously refreshing shake last November, while I was on vacation in Thailand. The heat was sweltering! And so cold refreshing drinks were not only a refreshing break from the heat, but also a important method of survival. While I was in Thailand, I noticed there were a couple popular cold drinks of choice. One being the infamous Chang beer of course - so yum. And the second was watermelon shakes. I had spent the first round of the trip sipping on Chang beers, and because I'm such a light weight I thought it best to find another cold drink of choice, or at least a non-alcoholic one that I could alternate the Chang with. Queue the watermelon shake in all its glory!

Actually, to be honest, I had seen people raving about this drink before but it never appealed to me! After all, it's just blended watermelon - why not just eat the fruit and enjoy its crunchy goodness? In fact, the first time I ordered this drink was because it was recommended by another traveller we met in Koh Tao. We were having lunch together and she was raving about it, and to be polite I said I would try it. Man do I owe her one for having lunch with us that day! Because I was utterly shocked at just how delightful this drink was. It was so smooth, sweet and light! And it instantly became my drink of choice for the rest of the trip.

In Thailand they most commonly make this wonderful drink with three simple ingredients: watermelon, ice, and simple syrup. And although this simplicity is so good on it's own, adding a little herbs and citrus has never known to hinder. And the addition of basil and lemon in this drink is simply divine! It's gives a subtle peppery and tart taste that counters the sweetness so well. I've also thrown in a handful of frozen raspberries for some extra pop of colour and vit-C. Trust me on this one and try it! The total combination is exquisite.

And although we aren't in Thailand the summer heat is still going strong. So why not blend together a watermelon shake, head down to the dock, and savour the last of summer with this delicious blend? And hey, if you feel like adding a little rum or whisky to the mix - I'm not one to judge. ;)