Cranberry Apricot Basil Water Recipe

Cranberry apricot basil water is a fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes in total, including steeping, and makes about 1 litre (4¼ cups). For another custom combination, use the ai infused water generator.

What is cranberry apricot basil water?

Cranberry apricot basil water is chilled water infused with fresh cranberries, apricot and basil. The fruit gives it a lightly tart, fruity taste, while the basil adds an herbal aroma without making the drink sweet.

Unlike a smoothie, the ingredients are steeped rather than blended. The finished drink has a subtle flavor and is one of many berry infused water recipes you can make in a pitcher.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For about 1 litre (4¼ cups), gather:

Water: 1 litre (4¼ cups), cold
Fresh cranberries: 50 g (about ½ cup), whole
Fresh apricot: 75 g (about ½ cup), sliced, with the pit removed
Fresh basil: 5 g (about ¼ cup loosely packed, or roughly 8–12 leaves)

The fruit adds up to about 1 cup, a useful starting ratio for a litre of infused water. Choose a ripe but firm apricot for a fruity taste without too much pulp. Use fresh, unsweetened cranberries rather than dried sweetened cranberries.

You will also need a pitcher or jar, a knife, a spoon and, if you prefer a clear drink, a strainer. A covered container that fits in the refrigerator is best.

How do you make cranberry apricot basil water?

Prep time: 10 minutes
Refrigerated steep: 2–4 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes for the shortest steep
Yield: About 1 litre (4¼ cups)

Rinse the cranberries, apricot and basil under running water. Discard any damaged or spoiled pieces.
Slice the apricot and remove its pit. Cut the cranberries in half or gently press them with a spoon to expose their interiors.
Add the fruit and basil to a pitcher. Tear the basil leaves lightly to release their aroma, then pour in the cold water.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2–4 hours. Taste after 2 hours; leave it longer in the refrigerator if you want a stronger infusion.
Strain the water if desired, then pour into glasses. Keep any remaining water refrigerated.

Press the cranberries gently rather than crushing them completely if you prefer less pulp. The water will be lightly flavored, not as concentrated as fruit juice. Ice can dilute it further as it melts, so taste the infusion before adding any.

Why do cranberry, apricot and basil pair well?

Cranberries bring tartness, apricot adds a mellow fruit note, and basil gives the combination a fresh herbal finish. The contrast is useful when you want flavored water without relying on added sweetener. For a simpler tart infusion, see cranberry infused water.

Apricot softens the cranberry flavor without needing to be blended into the water. You can explore that fruit on its own in apricot infused water. Basil contributes aroma as well as flavor; basil water is another way to use the fresh herb.

The main benefit of the finished drink is hydration. Whole cranberries and apricots contain fiber, but you should not count on steeped water to provide the fiber or the full nutrients of the fruit. The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification; flavored water can help you stay hydrated but does not cleanse the body.

How should you store it?

Keep cranberry apricot basil water covered in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. If you strain it, keep the strained water refrigerated too.

Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. Wash the pitcher before making another batch, and remove the apricot pit before serving any fruit.

How can you vary the recipe?

Make it more tart

Use a little more cranberry and a little less apricot, keeping the total fruit close to the original 1 cup. Halving the cranberries also exposes more of their tart interior to the water.

Bring out the apricot

Use more apricot and fewer cranberries for a softer fruit flavor. Slice the apricot thinly so more of its surface is in contact with the water, but keep the pit out of the pitcher.

Adjust the basil

Start with fewer basil leaves if you want a gentler herbal note. For a more noticeable aroma, use the full amount and tear the leaves just before adding them. Taste during the recommended refrigerated steep rather than adding a large handful at once.