Ingredients
1 seedless watermelon
3/4+ cup sugar
2 cups basil, plus more for garnish
1 bottle 750-ml bottle tequila blanco
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 piece lemon wheels, no quantity listed
Preparation
If using watermelon as a punch bowl, cut a ½"-thick slice off the bottom so it will sit upright, then cut a 2"-thick slice off the top. Using a large metal spoon, scoop out flesh, being careful not to pierce the rind. To serve from a pitcher (easier!), cut away rind and slice flesh into 2" pieces.
Purée watermelon flesh and sugar in a blender until smooth and sugar is dissolved. Add 2 cups basil and blend on low speed until leaves are broken up, about 10 seconds (don’t overprocess). Let sit 15 minutes, then strain into a pitcher. Whisk in tequila and lemon juice; taste and add more sugar, if desired. Chill until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
