Blackberry Watermelon Basil Water Recipe

Blackberry watermelon basil water is a chilled fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to make and yields about 4 cups (950 mL). For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is blackberry watermelon basil water?

Blackberry watermelon basil water is drinking water infused with blackberries, diced watermelon and fresh basil. The fruit lends a delicate pink color and flavor, while the basil adds a fresh herbal note.

It is one of many berry infused water recipes you can make without a blender or added sweetener. The fruit is steeped rather than blended, so the finished drink is lighter than juice.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

This recipe uses about 1 cup (150 g) of fruit and a small handful of basil for every 1 L of water. The equal fruit portions keep the blackberry and watermelon flavors balanced.

Ingredients

• 1 L drinking water, about 4 1/4 cups
• 75 g blackberries, about 1/2 cup
• 75 g seedless watermelon, diced, about 1/2 cup
• 5 g fresh basil, about 1/4 cup loosely packed, or 8–12 leaves

Use ripe watermelon for the most noticeable flavor. If your watermelon has seeds, remove them before measuring the diced fruit; remove the rind as well.

You will also need a covered pitcher or jar, a spoon and, if you prefer a clear drink, a strainer. The yield is approximate because some water may remain with the fruit when you strain it.

How do you make blackberry watermelon basil water?

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (950 mL), or 4 servings

1. Wash the blackberries and basil under running water. Rinse the watermelon rind before cutting, then remove the rind and dice the flesh.
2. Lightly crush the blackberries with a spoon in a clean pitcher. Press just enough to release a little juice without making a purée.
3. Clap the basil leaves gently between your hands, then add them and the watermelon to the pitcher.
4. Pour in the water and stir gently. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours; steep for up to 4 hours if you prefer a stronger flavor.
5. Strain the water if desired, then serve chilled. Keep any remaining water refrigerated.

Gently handling the fruit helps keep the drink refreshing rather than pulpy. Leave the fruit and basil in the pitcher for presentation, or strain them out after steeping if you prefer a smoother drink.

Why do blackberry, watermelon and basil pair well?

Blackberries bring a tart, berry-forward flavor, as in blackberry infused water. Watermelon softens that tartness with a mild sweetness; for a simpler fruit flavor, see watermelon infused water.

Basil adds a fragrant contrast without making the drink taste like an herb tea. Bruising the leaves lightly releases their aroma; learn more about the ingredient in basil water.

The main benefit of blackberry watermelon basil water is hydration. Whole blackberries and watermelon contain vitamin C, but the amount that passes into the water during steeping is unknown. The unsweetened infusion is very low in calories; eating the fruit or squeezing it into the water adds more.

The drink does not detoxify the body. The liver and kidneys do most of that work, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste and sweat removes only trace amounts.

How should you store it?

Keep blackberry watermelon basil water covered and refrigerated. Drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor, and discard it after 2 days or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Use a clean pitcher and utensils, and avoid leaving the drink at room temperature for more than a few hours. If you plan to serve it over a longer period, return the pitcher to the refrigerator between servings.

How can you vary the recipe?

Make it more blackberry-forward

Use more blackberries and less watermelon, keeping the combined fruit amount at about 1 cup (150 g) per 1 L of water. Lightly crush the berries for a deeper color and a more pronounced tart flavor.

Give watermelon the lead

Use more watermelon and fewer blackberries within the same fruit-to-water ratio. Cut the watermelon into small pieces so its flavor has more surface area to infuse.

Adjust the basil

Use fewer basil leaves for a subtler herbal note, or use the full 8–12 leaves for a more fragrant pitcher. Taste after 2 hours and strain the leaves when the flavor suits you.

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