by Jordan Catapano

For your next family picnic, treat your loved ones to a batch of refreshing watermelon basil infused vodka. The presentation is beautiful, the taste is delicious, and the preparation is much easier than you’d imagine.

Watermelon Basil Batch
½ a watermelon ( ¼ for muddling, ¼ for garnish)
½ cup fresh lemon juice
1 package basil (half for muddling, half for garnish)
4 cups Skyy Vodka
2 ten-ounce bottles soda water (optional)

Directions
1. Muddle one-quarter of the watermelon and half the package of basil with 2 cups of the vodka until the watermelon is completely broken down, almost like a puree.
2. Strain the liquid into the pitcher, then add lemon juice.
3. Slice the other quarter of the watermelon into 1-inch cubes.
4. Pick the rest of the basil leaves off the stem and add into the liquid mixture.
5. If desired, add club soda, but I prefer to add it to individual servings, if at all.
6. Once the watermelon chunks have been added, it’s time to serve the drink, as the watermelon chunks will begin dissolving.