Watermelon Basil Gimlet

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A bright, fruity gin cocktail built on fresh watermelon juice and lime, rounded out with muddled basil for an herbal edge.

This cocktail is part of our Date Nite collection, made to be sipped while you cook together.

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INGREDIENT LIST

2 oz Uncle Val's Botanical Gin
2 oz fresh watermelon juice, made from 2-3 large chunks of watermelon
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
4 to 5 basil leaves
Basil leaf and watermelon slice, for garnish

cocktail method

Lightly bruise the basil leaves and place them in a cocktail shaker.
Add the gin, watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice.
Shake vigorously, then double strain into a chilled coupe.
Garnish with a basil leaf and a small slice of watermelon.

Notes from the Bar

Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.

FRESH WATERMELON JUICE

Blend or juice 2-3 large chunks of watermelon and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth, pulp-free juice. We use a handheld juicer for quick, minimal-mess extraction.

→ Shop our favorite handheld juicer

No juicer? Muddle the watermelon directly in the shaker instead, it'll add a touch more texture but works just as well.

GIN CHOICE

Uncle Val's Botanical Gin has a soft, floral quality that lets the watermelon and basil lead. A London dry style gin will work too, but expect a slightly more juniper-forward finish.

BASIL TECHNIQUE

Lightly bruising the basil, rather than muddling it hard, releases the oils without turning the drink bitter or grassy. A gentle press with the back of a spoon is all it needs.

MAKE IT A MOCKTAIL

Skip the gin and add an extra ounce of watermelon juice plus a splash of soda water for the same bright, herbal profile without the alcohol.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

A ritual we return to

Our cocktails are part of something bigger for us. They’re the beginning of Date Nite, a connection-centered experience we created to help you slow down, share a meal, and enjoy time with the one you love.

Each Date Nite is thoughtfully planned for you, so you are not stuck deciding what to cook or how to pull the night together. We pair one cocktail with a complete menu, a simple flow from prep to plate, and small details that make the evening feel easy and connected from start to finish.

It is not about perfection. It is about presence, and creating space to reconnect, whether that is with your partner or simply with yourself, over a really good meal.

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