When I wasn't in the classroom during my college years, I was solving bigger problems; like how to smuggle alcohol into the dorms. It was in this place of higher learning that I discovered that watermelon soaks up vodka like a dry sponge. Back then, drinking was much more a means to an end, so proof was often important that palate, and yet somehow, vodka soaked watermelon managed to bring on the tipsy without sacrificing taste.
Fast forward a dozen years, and booze soaked watermelon is still one of my favorite endings to a summer picnic. It pacifies my sweet-tooth without weighing me down with a ton of butter and sugar. This Basil Watermelon Caipirina also has the added benefit of looking like a salad, for those of us that live in places with draconian open container laws.
While it isn't a traditional Brazilian Caipirnha, all the flavours are there, and I love how the vegetal notes in the Cachaça compliment the green basil and cucumber-like flavor of the watermelon. The two lime juices add tartness, and a floral note that keeps the whole thing from tasting too sweet.
I brought this Basil Watermelon "Caipirinha" to a picnic we had on the Hudson for Independence Day along with some sausage made from acorn fed black pigs, Perlagrigia cheese with black truffles, garlic marinated roasted peppers, and a baguette. The soaking liquid made for a pre-picnic cocktail and the watermelon became dessert.
Here are a few pics of the amazing Macy's fireworks show that lit up the entire Hudson.
Fireboat putting on a show at sunset
I handheld all these shots after consuming a bunch of the watermelon, and with exposures in the 2 second range, it's a miracle that these didn't turn out more blurry.
📖 Recipe
Units
Ingredients
- ¼ cup evaporated cane sugar Demerara (or light brown )
- handful basil leaves finely chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 sweet lime juiced (optional)
- 1 watermelon small seedless peeled and cubed (from a 3-4 pound melon)
Instructions
- Muddle together the Cachaça, sugar, basil and lime juices. Pour the mixture over the watermelon and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator, stirring a few times to ensure the watermelon is evenly soaked.
- Serve in a bowl with some of the soaking liquid, or put it in a blender and puree for a cocktail.
Mallory Elise says
hmm i've had a watermellon caipirinha, i really don't think cachaça and mellon mix, it's like mixing cachaça and grapes, or cachaça with banana and cinnamon.....last weekend i had a strawbery and basil caipiroska, that was great. i feel that vodka is much easier paired with the up and coming flavors (like pineapple with red peppercorns), but if yours turned out, then, fantastic! just hope you're not using 51 :Pjust a ps. (this isn't an attack, just a suggestion) i usually read the about section when i find a new food blog that looks promising (and yours does!) to get a feel if this is someone i want to keep reading. but i just wanted to let you know that i'm really turned off by one of your answers in your Faq section about linking, i really don't think many food bloggers care about linking as greatly as you put it (bloggers blog for the sake of blogging, not sure why you do it...), and it sounds as if you're putting yourself above and beyond (conceited?) like a food blog monitor. come on, we're a community. so, enjoy that tactic i suppose if you wish. other than that, good luck.
Marc Matsumoto says
Hi Mallory, that question was not intended to sound that way, and I'm sorryif it was unclear. I honestly don't care all that much about linking (Idon't ask people to link to me unless they are using my content). Whatbothers me is that I get several emails a day from bloggers saying "I linkedto you therefore I think you should link to me". Then when I take the timeto send them an email explaining why I don't link to everybody, some peopleget upset.I agree, blogging is about community, but there's also a curatorial aspectabout the content I post (for instance I choose to write about originalrecipes and typically don't include restaurant reviews or much in the way ofbaked goods). The same goes for links. I think there's some value in showinga list of blogs that I actually read on a regular basis rather than a 5 pagelong list of everyone who's ever emailed me asking to be added to myblogroll. It's not meant to be an exclusive club or anything andI regularly add and remove blogs as interest gains/wanes.
Lick My Spoon says
mmm you had me at booze-soaked watermelon.
Jen says
If campus police ever find out that I've got boozed up watermelons once I go back to school next semester, I'll blame you for giving me such ideas. Seriously though, this recipe looks really refreshing and delicious! I definitely gotta try it.
Peter G says
Beautiful pics Marc! And boy I could easily down one of those caipirinhas! Lovethe whole concept! Boozed up watermelon has been elevated to the next level!
Debi (Table Talk) says
Watermelon and the 4th of July go hand in hand...this version is full of celebration and the best way to cool off on a hot summer night (or afternoon).Your fireworks pics are just beautiful!
Debi (Table Talk) says
Watermelon and the 4th of July go hand in hand...this version is full of celebration and the best way to cool off on a hot summer night (or afternoon).Your fireworks pics are just beautiful!
Marilia says
This is hilarious and i did not know about the humble watermelon's booze capacities! Thanks for sharing 🙂 And what great shots of the fireworks. x
sabeena ibrahim says
This is hilarious and i did not know about the humble watermelon's booze capacities! Thanks for sharing 🙂 And what great shots of the fireworks. x
bunkycooks says
Very neat fireworks pictures! I really miss the major firework displays. That was one of my favorite times in Boston. I guess the secret lives on...we used to fill watermelons with vodka to smuggle booze into concerts or events in college. This one had me laughing. 🙂
Marilia says
When I visit Pakistan in the summer I drink watermelon juice with tons of fresh mint and lime without alcohol though, especially since alcohol is usually acquired through a bootlegger!Anyway, gorgeous drink and photos. I'm sure the pulse of NYC is amazing during the 4th of July. Take care!
sabeena ibrahim says
When I visit Pakistan in the summer I drink watermelon juice with tons of fresh mint and lime without alcohol though, especially since alcohol is usually acquired through a bootlegger!Anyway, gorgeous drink and photos. I'm sure the pulse of NYC is amazing during the 4th of July. Take care!
Buhi says
Thanks for the this recipe - was an absolute hit at the "secret supper" I held Saturday! Your whole site is an inspiration. Keep up the great work!
Carrie says
What a gorgeous drink. Caipirinhas quickly became probably my favorite summer drink when I first tried them last summer. The added watermelon and basil sounds absolutely fantastic. And I love the color!
Lauren says
Beautiful Fireworks shots!
Marilia says
Yum-yum. Can't wait to try this recipe out....could possibly be the best use of watermelon evah!I can't believe you got such fantastic fireworks pictures handheld!!! You must have a fancy-schmancy camera 'cuz my pictures didn't turn out anything at all like yours. They are stunning.
sabeena ibrahim says
Yum-yum. Can't wait to try this recipe out....could possibly be the best use of watermelon evah!I can't believe you got such fantastic fireworks pictures handheld!!! You must have a fancy-schmancy camera 'cuz my pictures didn't turn out anything at all like yours. They are stunning.
Marilia says
holy shnikeys!! i'm intrigued by the drink and blown away by the photos. what do you shoot with?
sabeena ibrahim says
holy shnikeys!! i'm intrigued by the drink and blown away by the photos. what do you shoot with?
Marc Matsumoto says
Thanks Tracy, I shoot with a Sony Alpha a550 with a 24-70mm 2.8 lens.
Mara sallai says
Hi! I'm from Brazil never head about so exotic combine. I'll give a try.