Embrace summer's refreshing watermelon season with these delightful watermelon mocktail recipes. 

One of the things we most anticipate during summer is the fact that it's watermelon season, and few things are as satisfying as a cold slice of watermelon on a 90-degree day. The humble fruit we take for granted is, in fact, not a melon at all, but more closely related to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash, according to Watermelon.org. And aside from the fact that it literally makes your mouth water (I mean, water is right there in its name), it has also been known to reduce blood pressure and can promote heart health. The latest rage online is watermelon being featured in a slew of delicious mocktails, so we decided to give you our take on a few non-alc drink combos that can be created using watermelon in different ways. 

The Spicy Watermelon Basil

Since "swicy" flavors are all the rage these days, here's an easy beverage idea that combines sweet, tart, and hot notes for a cooling drink with some punch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cubed and pitted watermelon - we like to get as close to the rind as possible when carving it up since it provides a little more tang to the blend

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves - if you can find Thai basil, it's a great alternative that has a deeper, richer flavor than the traditional herb

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1 tbsp honey (simple syrup or sugar is fine as well) 

• Seltzer

• Ice for glasses

• Lime wedge and fresh basil sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the watermelon, basil leaves, lime juice, jalapeño, and sweetener in a blender.

2. Blend on high until smooth.

3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp, large pieces of basil, and jalapeño.

4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the strained watermelon mix over top.

5. Top with a little sparkling water and garnish with a lime wedge and fresh basil sprig.

Tips:

• A thin salted cucumber slice floating on top is a great flavor addition. 

Watermelon Coconut Cooler:

• 4 cups pitted frozen watermelon chunks

• 1/2 cup coconut water

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 1 cup cold water (add more for a thinner consistency)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender.

2. Blend until smooth and slushy.

3. Add more water for a thinner consistency, if desired.

4. Pour into glasses and enjoy!

Tips:

• Garnish with a few slivers of fresh coconut meat for a little extra texture and a little chew

Watermelon Virgin Mary

Watermelon is such a versatile yet neutral flavor that it also works with more savory drinks like Virgin Marys. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed

• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced small - canned or jarred are fine as well, and the brine adds 

 extra zest

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 6 ounces low sodium V8 

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon mirren or low sodium soy sauce if Mirren is too strong a flavor for your palate

• 1 teaspoon wasabi (adjust for spice levels)

• Chamoy sauce 

• Cucumber sliced longways into spears with peel left on, lemon wedges, and a thin slice of watermelon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the watermelon cubes and jalapeno pepper in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.

2. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve set over a pitcher.

3. Add the V8, lime juice, pepper, fish sauce, wasabi, and chamoy to the pitcher and stir.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Garnish with a cucumber spear, lemon wedge, and a slice of watermelon.

Tips:

• If you are experimental, try a little firm feta, goat, or blue cheese crumbled in the drink. It adds a unique profile that blends great with fresh cucumber. You'll also be joining the new cheese-in-my-drink trend that's hot on the socials right now. 

• And if you do add cheese we'd substitute Frank's Hot Sauce for Chimoy to give it a buffalo wing feel.