Cherry Watermelon Water: Recipe and How to Make It

Cherry watermelon water is a chilled infusion of cherries and watermelon that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to prepare and makes about 4 cups (950 mL). For more fruit combinations, browse these berry infused water recipes.

What is cherry watermelon water?

Cherry watermelon water is drinking water steeped with cut cherries and watermelon, then served with or without the fruit. The fruit lends the water a delicate flavor without blending it into a juice or smoothie.

The flavor depends on the fruit: ripe watermelon tastes mellow and sweet, while cherries can be sweet or tart. This recipe uses no added sweetener, making it an option when you want a change from plain water.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For about 4 cups of cherry watermelon water, use:

1/2 cup (75 g) pitted, halved cherries
1/2 cup (75 g) diced watermelon, rind removed
4 cups (950 mL) cold drinking water

The fruit-to-water ratio is approximately 1 cup (150 g) of chopped fruit per liter of water. Measure the cherries after removing their pits; choose sweet or sour cherries according to the flavor you prefer.

Cut the watermelon into small pieces so its flesh has contact with the water. The measurements are flexible, but keeping the fruit close to this ratio gives you a useful starting point before adjusting it to taste.

How do you make cherry watermelon water?

Allow 10 minutes for preparation and at least 2 hours for refrigerated steeping.

Wash the cherries under running water and wash the outside of the watermelon before cutting it. Use a clean cutting board, knife and pitcher.
Pit and halve enough cherries to measure 1/2 cup (75 g). Cut the rind from the watermelon and dice enough flesh to measure 1/2 cup (75 g).
Add the fruit to the pitcher and pour in 4 cups (950 mL) of cold drinking water. Stir gently to distribute the fruit.
Refrigerate the pitcher for 2–4 hours. Taste after 2 hours and steep longer if you want a more pronounced fruit flavor.
Strain out the fruit if you prefer, or leave it in the pitcher for serving. Pour the water into glasses and keep any remainder refrigerated.

To plan another batch or adjust the combination, use the AI infused water generator.

Why do cherries and watermelon pair well?

Cherries bring a concentrated fruit flavor that complements watermelon's lighter, refreshing taste. Halving the cherries exposes their flesh, while diced watermelon spreads throughout the pitcher; neither needs to be crushed for a gentle infusion.

The main benefit of cherry watermelon water is that it provides water for hydration. It is a lightly flavored alternative for people who find plain water less appealing, not a treatment or a detox product. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste.

Steeped fruit does not transfer all its nutrients or calories into the water. If you eat the fruit as well, you also consume its fiber and nutrients; don't count the whole fruit's calories as calories in the strained drink. For the individual flavors, see cherry infused water and watermelon infused water.

How should you store cherry watermelon water?

Keep cherry watermelon water refrigerated and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. Cover the pitcher to protect it from picking up other refrigerator odors, and return it to the fridge promptly after serving.

Discard the infusion after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy or slimy or develops a sour smell. Straining out the fruit does not restart the storage time. Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours.

How can you vary cherry watermelon water?

Change the cherry

Use tart cherries for a sharper contrast with the watermelon, or sweet cherries for a softer flavor. Remove the pits either way, and keep the same measured amount for your first batch.

Add mint

Add about 8 fresh mint leaves (approximately 5 g) to the pitcher before refrigerating. Wash the leaves first; their cool flavor complements the fruit without requiring a sweetener.

Adjust the fruit

For a more cherry-forward pitcher, use a little more cherry and a little less watermelon. For a milder flavor, reverse the proportions while keeping the total fruit amount close to 1 cup (150 g) per pitcher.