• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Hunger Thirst Play

Delicious Recipes for Every Season

  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • eBooks
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • eBooks
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • eBooks
    • Work with Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Thirst

    Fizzy Watermelon Basil Limeade

    By Lauren on January 23, 2021, Updated June 23, 2022 Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    splashing homemade soda into a glass with ice
    slice of watermelon on a glass of watermelon limeade
    slice of watermelon on a glass of watermelon limeade
    overhead of watermelon soda in classes on pink background with blue napkin
    collage of watermelon limeade photos

    Fizzy watermelon basil limeade is super refreshing, great any time of the year, and a fun nonalcoholic way to make soda at home. It has just the right amount of sweet and tangy with crisp bubbles!

    slice of watermelon on a glass of watermelon limeade

    Do you want to know what makes me feel fancy? Having homemade soda in the middle of the afternoon with the girls!

    After taking these photos we swapped our tea party for these fancy, slightly bubbly beverages and it was so fun. Plus, watermelon infused limeade is WAY more fun to sip on than fake tea.

    These fancy (but not really fancy because they're super easy to make) refreshments are perfect for any time of year.

    labeled ingredients for watermelon limeade

    How to make watermelon basil limeade

    We're in winter here right now so sometimes watermelon is hit or miss, but it's all good because we're going to be pureeing the fruit and then straining it. So no matter the season, you'll just end up with bright, refreshing watermelon juice.

    Note: if the watermelon is a little underripe, it may take a little more to get 1 cup of strained juice

    The basil syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness to the drink. All you have to do is combine the basil with equal parts sugar and water and bring it to a boil.

    overhead of watermelon soda in classes on pink background with blue napkin

    Once the syrup comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and it will steep as it cools.

    The fresh-squeezed lime juice gives the familiar tart pop just like traditional lemonade. If you don't have limes, lemons would also work perfectly. Don't forget to add in the extra water to balance out the concentrated juices!

    side angle of pink soda in a glass with ice

    But how do you make it bubble?

    You have a few options when it comes to making this at home fruit juice cooler have a little fizz.

    1. Substitute a can of plain soda water for the water in the recipe.
    2. Use a soda dispenser.
    3. Use a whipped cream siphon.

    Since I'm trying to cool it on the kitchen gadgets, I make use of my whipped cream siphon to make homemade soda. The only difference is that you need to tip the canister upside down and make sure the nozzle is in the glass to avoid splashing.

    splashing homemade soda into a glass with ice

    The soda dispenser is a bit more functional because the nozzle is placed at a better angle and you don't have to tip the canister. I like the whipped cream dispenser because I can use it for multiple things like, well, whipped cream...but also nitro cold brew coffee, sodas, and fizzy cocktails.

    If you opt to substitute canned soda water know there are 12 ounces in a can and only 8 ounces of water in the recipe, so I'd recommend gently stirring and tasting after pouring in about ¾ of the can.

    overhead of watermelon limeade in glasses with watermelon and lime garnish

    What to have with your limeade...

    Well, if you're looking for more of a cocktail hour than a mocktail hour, any clear liquor can be added to upgrade this drink to 21+ status. My go-to would be vodka, but rum or gin would be equally delicious!

    Need something to munch on while you sip? Keep it light and fresh!

    • Blackberry Pineapple Salsa
    • Peach and Burrata Salad with Arugula
    • Whipped Feta with Garlic Roasted Tomatoes
    • Balsamic Bruschetta

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it went in the comments below!

    slice of watermelon on a glass of watermelon limeade

    Watermelon Basil Limeade

    Refreshing with a just-right pop of sweet and tart!  Watermelon basil limeade is an easy to make treat the whole family will love to sip.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
    Course: Non-alcoholic
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: homemade soda, watermelon limeade
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 5 mins
    Total Time: 15 mins
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 509kcal
    Author: Lauren
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups watermelon chunks
    • 8 large basil leaves
    • ½ cup sugar
    • ½ cup water
    • ½ cup lime juice (about 4 to 5 limes)
    • 1 cup cold water

    Instructions

    • Make the basil syrup. Combine the sugar, water, and basil in a small saucepan. Bring to just a boil, remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove the basil leaves before using.
    • Purée the watermelon. In a blender, food processor, or with a hand blender, purée the watermelon until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer. You should have about 1 cup of watermelon juice after straining.
    • Make the limeade. In a pitcher or pan, whisk together the watermelon juice, basil syrup, lime juice, and water. Transfer to a soda or whipped cream dispenser. Screw the lid and nozzle on tight, and add a fresh CO2 charger to the container. If you don't have a dispenser, substitute soda water for regular water.
    • Serve. Garnish with fresh watermelon, basil, and lime, and enjoy! Add a splash of your favorite liquor to upgrade to an adult cocktail.

    Notes

    • Canned soda water can be substituted if you don't have a soda or whipped cream dispenser.  Use about ¾ of the can and test before adding the whole can.
    • A soda or whipped cream dispenser will work.  A soda dispenser is a little more mess proof, the whipped cream dispenser will need to be tilted upside down and the nozzle placed well into the glass.
    • If your kids aren't a big fan of bubbles, they can be skipped!  The CO2 infusion makes it just a bit fizzy though and my kids (who don't like bubble water) love these.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 133g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 121g | Vitamin A: 1959IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg
    « Kale Basil Pesto
    Date Night Chicken Piccata with Risotto »
    70 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Lauren! This is my slice of the internet to share seasonally-inspired recipes. I live in the heart of New England with my husband, two kiddos, English bulldog and our two local restaurants. Life is busy AND delicious!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Low-Calorie Spicy Thai Peanut Dressing
    • Trader Joe's Kale Gnocchi with Arrabbiata
    • Whole Wheat Sourdough Pumpkin Bread
    • Iced Lavender Matcha Latte

    Get my Thanksgiving eCookbook!

    Footer

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Inquiries + Collabs
    • Subscribe for updates!

    Recipes

    • All Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes

    Our Restaurants

    • Bonefish Harrys
    • Portsmouth Feed Company
    • Thirsty Butcher Hospitality
    • Restaurant Photography

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Hunger Thirst Play

    Copyright© 2023 Hunger Thirst Play · Privacy Policy ·