Cherry Honeydew Basil Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Cherry honeydew basil water is a chilled fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes total and yields about 4 cups (950 mL).

For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is cherry honeydew basil water?

Cherry honeydew basil water is plain water steeped with pitted cherries, diced honeydew and fresh basil. The fruit gives the water a gentle flavor, while the basil adds a fresh herbal note.

It belongs alongside other berry infused water recipes as an easy option for a refrigerated pitcher. Unlike a smoothie, the ingredients are steeped rather than blended, so the finished drink is light and mostly water.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For one pitcher, use approximately equal amounts of cherries and honeydew, plus a small handful of basil. The combined fruit comes to about 1 cup, or 150 g, for roughly 1 liter of water.

Cherries: 75 g, about 1/2 cup, pitted and halved
Honeydew: 75 g, about 1/2 cup, peeled and diced
Fresh basil: 5 g, about 1/4 cup loosely packed, or 8–12 leaves
Cold water: 950 mL, about 4 cups

Choose ripe honeydew and cherries that taste good on their own. Sweet or tart cherries both work; tart cherries give the water a sharper fruit note. A clean, covered pitcher or large jar gives the ingredients room to move through the water.

How do you make cherry honeydew basil water?

Active prep: 10 minutes
Refrigerated steep: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups, or 950 mL

Wash the cherries and basil under running water. Wash the outside of the honeydew before cutting it.
Pit and halve the cherries. Peel the honeydew and cut the flesh into small cubes.
Add the cherries and honeydew to a clean pitcher. Gently tear or lightly bruise the basil leaves and add them to the fruit.
Pour in the cold water and stir gently to distribute the ingredients.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger infusion, steep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
Serve the water cold, with ice if you like. Strain out the fruit and basil first, or leave them in the pitcher while serving.

The water will taste more subtle than fruit juice. If you want a lighter herbal flavor, taste it after 2 hours and strain out the basil when it suits you.

Why do cherries, honeydew and basil work together?

Cherries add a bright fruit flavor that balances honeydew’s mellow sweetness. Basil contributes a fragrant, slightly peppery contrast without making the drink heavy. Halving the cherries and dicing the melon expose more of their flesh to the water.

For a closer look at the individual flavors, see cherry infused water, honeydew infused water and basil water. Together, they make a gently flavored alternative to plain water that may make it easier to drink more fluids.

The fruit contains nutrients and fiber when eaten, but the amount that transfers into steeped water is unknown. This recipe should be thought of primarily as a way to enjoy water, not as a source of the whole fruit’s nutrition.

How should you store cherry honeydew basil water?

Keep the pitcher covered and refrigerated, and drink the water within 24 hours for the best flavor. Return it to the refrigerator promptly after serving rather than leaving it on the counter.

Discard any remaining water after 2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Straining the fruit and basil can keep their flavor from becoming too strong, but the strained water still needs refrigeration.

How can you vary cherry honeydew basil water?

Make it fruitier

Use ripe, sweet cherries and a fragrant honeydew. Cut the fruit into smaller pieces before steeping to expose more of it to the water, while keeping the same overall fruit-to-water ratio.

Adjust the basil

Tear the leaves for a more noticeable herbal flavor, or leave them whole for a gentler infusion. You can also strain out the basil after tasting the water and leave the fruit in the pitcher.

Change the steeping time

Start tasting after 2 hours. If you prefer a stronger flavor, return the covered pitcher to the refrigerator and let it steep for up to 4 hours before serving.