Melon is delicious, hydrating and cooling all at the same time. However, melon does not digest very well with other foods, so its best to drink this Basil Melon Cooler at least an hour before a meal. It’s great as a pre dinner pick-me-up as well. If you like you can try substituting mint leaves for the basil or add in both!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 cups of chopped, deseeded watermelon, honeydew melon or cantaloupe melon

4 large basil leaves (or mint leaves)

¼ tsp ginger powder

Juice of 1 lime

¼-½ cup water

3-4 ice cubes (optional)

Basil leaves and lime wedges for garnish 

Method:

Place the chopped melon, 4 basil leaves, ginger powder and lime juice in a blender along with ¼ cup of the water. Blend on high speed until the basil has become green flecks. For a smoothie texture, add the ice cubes. If you prefer your drink to have more liquid then omit the ice and add up to ¼ cup more of water. 

Blend again until smooth.

Serve in 4 glasses, each garnished with 1 fresh basil leaf and 1 lime wedge.