Blackberry Cherry Water: Recipe & How to Make It
Blackberry cherry water is a fruit-infused drink made by steeping blackberries and cherries in water; it takes 2 hours and 10 minutes and yields about 4 cups (950 mL).
What is blackberry cherry water?
Blackberry cherry water combines the deep, tangy flavor of blackberries with the sweetness or tartness of cherries. The fruit is steeped rather than blended, so the result is lightly flavored water rather than juice.
This recipe is one of many berry infused water recipes you can make in a pitcher. It needs about 10 minutes of preparation followed by 2 hours in the refrigerator; a longer steep gives the fruit more time to flavor the water.
What ingredients and ratio do you need?
Use roughly equal amounts of blackberries and pitted cherries, with about 1 cup (150 g) of fruit for 4 cups (950 mL) of water. The measurements are approximate because fruit size and how tightly it packs into a cup vary.
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Blackberries | 1/2 cup (75 g) | Rinse and leave whole or lightly crush |
| Cherries | 1/2 cup (75 g) | Rinse, pit and halve |
| Drinking water | 4 cups (950 mL) | Use cold water |
Fresh sweet or sour cherries both work. Sweet cherries give a rounder flavor, while sour cherries make a tarter infusion. Choose ripe, firm fruit without visible mold or spoiled spots.
A clear pitcher or jar makes it easy to see the fruit and strain it later. Use a container with a lid so the blackberry cherry water can stay covered in the refrigerator.
How do you make blackberry cherry water?
- Rinse the blackberries and cherries under cool running water.
- Pit the cherries and cut them in half. Discard the pits.
- Add the blackberries and cherries to a clean pitcher or jar. Lightly crush a few blackberries with a spoon if you want a stronger flavor and color.
- Pour in 4 cups (950 mL) of cold drinking water and stir gently.
- Cover the container and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a fuller flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
- Strain out the fruit if you like, then serve the blackberry cherry water cold. The recipe makes about four 1-cup servings.
For another personalized combination, try the ai infused water generator.
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Blackberries add a slightly sharp, earthy berry flavor, while cherries bring a fuller fruity note. Halving the cherries exposes more of their flesh to the water; lightly crushing some blackberries can give the drink a deeper color and taste. Leave the blackberries whole if you prefer a clearer, more delicate infusion.
Whole blackberries and cherries contain fiber and other nutrients, but the amount that transfers into steeped water is not established by this recipe. Eating the fruit provides its fiber; drinking the strained water does not provide the same amount as eating the whole fruit.
The main benefit of blackberry cherry water is that it can make water more appealing to drink. Hydration supports normal body functions, including those of the liver and kidneys, which do most of the body's detoxification. There is no good evidence that this drink flushes toxins or provides a specific detox benefit.
For the individual fruit flavors, see blackberry infused water and cherry infused water.
How should you store blackberry cherry water?
Keep blackberry cherry water covered and refrigerated. Drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor; discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.
Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. If you prefer a lighter flavor, strain out the fruit after the initial steep and refrigerate the water separately. Always use a clean glass or utensil when serving from the pitcher.
How can you vary blackberry cherry water?
Make it more blackberry-forward
Use about 3/4 cup (110 g) of blackberries and 1/4 cup (40 g) of pitted cherries, keeping the water at 4 cups (950 mL). This gives blackberry cherry water a more pronounced berry flavor while keeping approximately the same total amount of fruit.
Make it more cherry-forward
Reverse the fruit ratio: use about 1/4 cup (40 g) of blackberries and 3/4 cup (110 g) of pitted cherries. Choose sweet cherries for a milder flavor or sour cherries for more tartness.
Adjust the steep
For a subtler drink, taste the water after 2 hours and strain it then. For more fruit flavor, leave it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before straining or serving.
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Ai Infused Water Generator →Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen fruit for blackberry cherry water?
Yes. Frozen blackberries and pitted cherries can be added to the water and steeped in the refrigerator; they may release more color as they thaw.
Can I eat the fruit after it has steeped?
Yes, if it has been kept refrigerated and still looks and smells fresh. Make sure all cherry pits have been removed.
Does blackberry cherry water need sweetener?
No. The fruit adds a subtle flavor on its own, although the finished water will be less sweet than juice.