Cherry Mango Basil Water: Recipe and How to Make It
Cherry mango basil water is a fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to prepare, including chilling, and makes about 4 cups (960 ml), or 4 servings. Use the ai infused water generator to explore other ingredient combinations.
What is cherry mango basil water?
Cherry mango basil water is plain water steeped with pitted cherries, diced mango and fresh basil. The fruit gives it a gently fruity taste, while the basil adds a fresh herbal note. It is an infusion rather than a blended drink, so the flavor is subtle and the fruit pieces stay in the pitcher.
If you enjoy fruit-forward combinations, explore these berry infused water recipes too.
What ingredients and ratio do you need?
For this recipe, use approximately equal amounts of cherry and mango, plus a small handful of basil. The combined fruit comes to about 1 cup for roughly 1 liter of water; you can adjust the proportions after tasting.
| Recipe detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Active prep time | 10 minutes |
| Chilling and steeping | 2 hours |
| Total time | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Yield | About 4 cups (960 ml), or 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 960 ml water (4 cups)
- About 75 g pitted, halved cherries (1/2 cup)
- About 75 g peeled, diced mango (1/2 cup)
- About 5 g fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup loosely packed, or 8–12 leaves)
Use ripe mango for its aroma and either sweet or tart cherries, depending on the flavor you prefer. No sweetener is needed for the recipe. The cup measurements for the fruit are approximate because the size of the pieces affects how they fit in the cup.
How do you make cherry mango basil water?
- Wash your hands and rinse the cherries, mango and basil under running water. Use a clean pitcher and utensils.
- Prepare the fruit: remove and discard the cherry pits, then halve the cherries. Peel the mango, cut the flesh away from the pit and dice it. Keep cherry pits away from children.
- Add the cherries and mango to the pitcher. Gently press the basil leaves between your fingers to release their aroma, then add them to the fruit.
- Pour in the water and stir gently. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for 2 hours.
- Taste the water. Serve it as it is, or refrigerate it for up to 2 more hours for a stronger infusion. Strain out the fruit and basil if you prefer a clear drink.
Pour into glasses straight from the refrigerator. The yield is approximate: the fruit may retain a little water, and some may remain in the pitcher when you serve it.
Why do cherry, mango and basil pair well?
Cherries bring a sweet-tart note that keeps the mango's softer, tropical flavor from tasting flat. Basil adds a fragrant contrast without needing juice or syrup. For a simpler fruit infusion, see cherry infused water or mango infused water; basil water puts the herb at the center.
The main benefit of cherry mango basil water is hydration, especially if its flavor makes plain water more appealing to you. Whole cherries and mango contain nutrients and fiber, but the amount that transfers into the water is not established. Eating the fruit is different from drinking only the infusion, and squeezing or blending it changes the drink's calories.
How should you store cherry mango basil water?
Keep the covered pitcher refrigerated and drink the water within 24 hours of preparation for the best flavor. Discard it by 2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.
You can leave the fruit in the pitcher while it chills or strain it out before serving. If you plan to eat the fruit, keep it refrigerated too, and use a clean utensil to remove it.
How can you vary cherry mango basil water?
Make the cherry flavor more prominent
Use a little more cherry and a little less mango, keeping the combined fruit amount close to 1 cup. Tart cherries will give the water a sharper fruit note than sweet cherries.
Make the mango flavor more prominent
Increase the mango and reduce the cherries while keeping the total fruit amount similar. Cut the mango into small pieces so more of its surface is exposed to the water.
Adjust the basil
For a gentler herbal flavor, use fewer leaves or remove them after steeping. For a more noticeable aroma, gently press the leaves before adding them; avoid tearing them into tiny pieces if you want an easier drink to strain.
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Ai Infused Water Generator →Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen cherries and mango?
Yes. Add the frozen fruit directly to the pitcher and refrigerate the infusion; the flavor may develop differently as the fruit thaws.
Does cherry mango basil water contain caffeine?
The recipe is naturally caffeine-free when made with plain water, cherries, mango and basil.
Can I add sparkling water?
Yes. For more fizz, make a chilled infusion with still water and top each glass with plain sparkling water just before serving.