Cranberry Basil Water: Recipe and How to Make It

Cranberry basil water is water infused with tart cranberries and fresh basil, ready in 2 hours 10 minutes and yielding about 4 cups (950 mL).

What is cranberry basil water?

Cranberry basil water combines fresh fruit and herbs in chilled water. The result is lightly flavored rather than sweet, with a tart berry taste and a fragrant herbal finish.

It is a variation of cranberry infused water that adds basil for another layer of flavor. The fruit and leaves steep in the water; they are not blended into it.

What ingredients do you need for cranberry basil water?

Recipe at a glance

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

Ingredients

950 mL (4 cups) cold water
100 g (about 1 cup) fresh whole cranberries
5 g (about 1/4 cup loosely packed, or 8–12 leaves) fresh basil

Use plain drinking water and unsweetened cranberries. Fresh cranberries are firm and naturally tart, so cutting them helps expose their flesh to the water. Basil leaves vary in size; the approximate weight and cup measure matter more than an exact leaf count.

You can also use unsweetened frozen cranberries. Thaw them in the refrigerator until they are soft enough to cut; allow extra time for that before starting the recipe.

How do you make cranberry basil water?

Wash the cranberries and basil under running water, and discard any damaged fruit or leaves.
Cut the cranberries in half on a clean cutting board. Tear the basil leaves gently to release their aroma.
Combine the cranberries, basil and cold water in a clean pitcher or covered jar.
Refrigerate the covered pitcher for 2 hours. For a stronger infusion, leave it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
Strain if desired, then serve chilled. Keep any remaining cranberry basil water refrigerated.

For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

The water may taste subtle at first; the refrigerated steep gives the ingredients time to flavor it. Taste it after 2 hours and decide whether you want to leave it for longer. Straining removes the pieces but is optional if you prefer them in the pitcher.

Why do cranberry and basil pair well?

Cranberries bring a sharp, fruity note, while basil softens that tartness with a fresh herbal aroma. Tearing the basil before adding it makes its scent more noticeable. For a simpler herb flavor without the berries, see basil water.

The most reliable benefit of cranberry basil water is hydration. Choosing it instead of a sweetened drink can also reduce added sugar, provided you do not sweeten the water yourself.

Raw cranberries contain vitamin C and fiber, but the amount of nutrients that transfers into this particular infusion is not established; most fiber remains in the fruit. There is no evidence that cranberry basil water itself detoxifies the body. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification.

How should you store cranberry basil water?

Keep cranberry basil water covered and refrigerated, including while it steeps. Drink it within 24 hours of making it for the best flavor, and discard it after 2 days. Discard it sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. Straining out the fruit and basil can make the drink easier to pour, but it does not extend the storage time. Use a clean container when transferring any leftovers.

How can you vary cranberry basil water?

Make it more tart

Use a little more cranberry or gently press the cut berries before steeping. Pressing releases some juice, so the drink may be cloudier and contain more calories than water steeped with fruit alone.

Make the basil flavor gentler

Use fewer basil leaves and leave them whole rather than tearing them. The cranberry flavor will be more prominent, while the herb provides a lighter aroma.

Add bubbles when serving

After the cranberry basil water has steeped in the refrigerator, pour some into a glass and top it with chilled sparkling water. Add the sparkling water just before drinking to preserve the fizz.