Cherry Lime Basil Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Cherry lime basil water is a fruit-and-herb-infused drink that takes 2 hours 10 minutes, including chilling, and makes about 1 liter (4¼ cups).

What is cherry lime basil water?

Cherry lime basil water is plain water steeped with halved cherries, sliced lime and fresh basil. It has a gently fruity, citrusy flavor without added sweetener.

Serve it cold as an alternative to plain water. For more fruit combinations, explore these berry infused water recipes.

What ingredients and proportions do you need?

For about 1 liter (4¼ cups), or roughly 4 servings, use:

Water: 1 liter (4¼ cups), cold
Cherries: 150 g (about 1 cup), pitted and halved
Lime: 1 lime, about 70 g (about ½ cup thin slices)
Fresh basil: 5 g (about ¼ cup loosely packed, or 8–12 leaves)

Sweet or sour cherries both work. Sweet cherries give the water a rounder fruit flavor, while sour cherries make the finished drink more tart. Use a pitcher large enough to hold the water and produce comfortably.

The proportions are a starting point rather than a strict formula. For a milder drink, use fewer lime slices or basil leaves; for a more noticeable fruit flavor, let the mixture steep toward the longer end of the recommended range.

How do you make cherry lime basil water?

Wash the cherries, lime and basil under running water. Rub the lime's surface gently, and do not use soap.
Pit the cherries and cut them in half. Thinly slice the lime, discarding any seeds.
Add the cherries and lime to a clean pitcher. Gently press the basil leaves between your fingers to release their aroma, then add them to the pitcher.
Pour in 1 liter (4¼ cups) of cold water and stir gently. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; steep for up to 4 hours for fuller flavor.
Remove the lime slices by 4 hours to limit bitterness from the peel and pith. Strain the other ingredients if you like, then serve the water cold.

For another combination after making this recipe, try the ai infused water generator.

Why do cherry, lime and basil work together?

Cherries provide a soft fruit flavor that balances lime's sharpness. The basil adds a fresh, slightly peppery aroma, so the drink tastes more layered than water infused with fruit alone.

For a simpler fruit-forward version, see cherry infused water. If you prefer a more pronounced citrus taste, try lime water. For an herb-focused drink, see basil water.

The main practical benefit is hydration: the flavor may make plain water more appealing. Steeped infused water is usually under 10 kcal per glass, though the exact amount varies; squeezing the fruit or eating it adds calories. Nutrients listed for whole cherries, lime or basil should not be assumed to transfer fully into the water.

How should you store cherry lime basil water?

Keep cherry lime basil water covered in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it after 2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Don't leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Remove cherry pits before serving, especially if children will eat the fruit, and use clean utensils whenever you pour or strain the water.

How can you vary cherry lime basil water?

Make it more citrusy

Add an extra lime slice to the pitcher, then taste after chilling. Remove the slices by 4 hours so their peel and pith don't make the water overly bitter.

Make the basil subtler

Use fewer basil leaves and leave them whole rather than pressing them. This gives the cherries and lime more room to stand out while keeping a light herbal note.

Use frozen cherries

Use 150 g (about 1 cup) of unsweetened frozen, pitted cherries in place of fresh cherries. Add them directly to the pitcher and refrigerate the mixture as directed; their color may tint the water more noticeably as they thaw.