Refresh yourself with this Basil Melon Cooler, a delicious blend of juicy melon, crisp cucumber, and fresh basil, enhanced with a splash of lime juice. Ideal for a hot summer day!
If I had to choose one drink I would have for the rest of the summer while sitting in the shade on a sandy beach, I would choose this cucumber melon cooler. It is so simple, yet so refreshing and pleasing. Plus, it is effortless to make and ready in no time.
I’ve picked a very cool melon variety called Piel de Sapo, or Christmas melon, to make this zesty summer drink. It is an old Spanish variety of melon known for its long storage time, but I love it even more for its particular taste, which falls somewhere between honeydew melon and pear.
Let’s see what else you need for this Basil Melon Cooler recipe.
MELON COOLER INGREDIENTS
- Piel de Sapo Melon (good alternatives are Honeydew Melon, Cantaloupe and Watermelon)
- Cucumbers with skin on (choose a variety with thinner skin)
- Lime juice (If you don’t have lime, substitute it for lemon juice)
- Fresh basil leaves (I’ve used Genovese or sweet basil)
HOW TO MAKE THIS BASIL MELON COOLER
- Cut the melon
Start by cutting off one end of the melon, and then cut off a thicker slice. In the cross-section of the wider part, you’ll see the middle filled with seeds and the light green flesh around it.
Spoon out the seeds and lay the melon down on the hollowed-out side. Then, using a sharp knife, peel off the skin by rotating the melon as you peel each section. Next, cut the melon in half and each half into wedges or dice.
2. Cut the cucumber
Thoroughly wash the cucumber, cut off both ends, and dice it. The cucumber skin is rich in micronutrients and fibre, making this summer drink an excellent way to include them in your diet.
3. Blend the ingredients
To make this refreshing cucumber melon drink, add diced melon, cucumber, washed basil leaves, and lime juice to a stand-blender cup.
Blend everything at high speed for about a minute until the mixture is smooth and no large pieces are left.
4. Serve over ice
When ready to enjoy, fill the glasses with 3-4 ice cubes and pour the blended mixture over the ice. Serve right away for the best result.
If you prepare the drink beforehand, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply shake well and pour over ice for a refreshing summer treat.
Note: Some recipes may suggest straining the mixture, but I recommend skipping this step to preserve the drink’s nutritional benefits.
WHY IS THIS MELON COOLER GOOD FOR YOU?
Hydrating: Cucumbers and melons are high in water, making them excellent for hydration. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, fight infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and ensure organs function properly. It also improves sleep quality, cognition, mood, and much more.
Rich in Potassium: Melons are a great source of potassium, a mineral crucial for regulating fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. A potassium-rich diet can lower blood pressure, reduce water retention, protect against strokes, and help prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.
Good Source of Antioxidants: Oxidative stress caused by free radicals is linked to cancer and heart, lung, and autoimmune diseases. Fruits and vegetables, like cucumbers and melons, are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of these conditions.
