Cranberry Kiwi Water: Recipe and How to Make It

Cranberry kiwi water is chilled water infused with cranberries and kiwi; it takes about 2 hours 10 minutes to prepare, including steeping, and makes about 4 cups (950 mL), or 4 servings.

It is one of many berry infused water recipes you can make without juice or added sugar.

What is cranberry kiwi water?

Cranberry kiwi water is drinking water flavored by steeping cut cranberries and kiwi in the refrigerator. The fruit is strained out before serving, leaving a lightly flavored drink rather than a blended smoothie or juice.

The flavor is gently tart and fruity, with a subtler sweetness than you would get from eating the kiwi. It is a useful option if you want a change from plain water without relying on a sweetened drink.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For approximately 4 servings, use:

950 mL (4 US cups) drinking water
50 g (about 1/2 cup) fresh or frozen whole cranberries
90 g (about 1/2 cup) peeled, sliced green kiwi

That is about 140 g (1 cup) of fruit for just under 1 liter of water. Weighing the fruit gives the most consistent ratio because sliced fruit can settle differently in a measuring cup.

Choose firm cranberries and a ripe kiwi that gives slightly when pressed. If using frozen cranberries, choose unsweetened fruit and thaw it in the refrigerator before cutting.

How do you make cranberry kiwi water?

Prep time: about 10 minutes
Refrigeration time: 2 hours
Total time: about 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: about 4 cups (950 mL), or 4 servings

Wash the fresh cranberries under running water, and wash the kiwi before peeling it. Thaw frozen cranberries in the refrigerator first.
Cut the cranberries in half and peel and slice the kiwi. Cutting the cranberries exposes their flesh to the water.
Add the fruit to a clean pitcher and pour in the drinking water. Stir gently to distribute the pieces.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
Strain out the fruit and serve the water chilled. Return any remaining water to the refrigerator promptly.

For another combination or batch size, use the AI infused water generator.

Why do cranberry and kiwi work together?

Cranberries bring a sharp, tart note, while ripe kiwi adds a softer fruit flavor. Slicing the kiwi and halving the cranberries helps the water reach the cut surfaces without turning the drink into a puree.

The main benefit of cranberry kiwi water is hydration. Raw cranberries and kiwi contain vitamin C and fiber, but the amounts that transfer into steeped water are unknown; eating the fruit provides its fiber. The water is usually very low in calories—under 10 kcal per glass—when the fruit is steeped rather than squeezed or blended.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Cranberry kiwi water supports hydration; it does not cleanse the body or treat urinary problems.

For related single-fruit preparations, see cranberry infused water and kiwi water. If you have a kiwi allergy, avoid this recipe; if you take warfarin, ask your clinician about regularly consuming cranberry products.

How should you store cranberry kiwi water?

Keep cranberry kiwi water covered and refrigerated throughout steeping and storage. For the best flavor, drink it within 24 hours; discard any remaining water after 2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Straining after steeping makes the drink easier to pour and limits further changes in flavor. Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours, including while serving.

How can you vary cranberry kiwi water?

Make it more tart

Use a little more cranberry and a little less kiwi, keeping the total fruit amount close to the recipe's ratio. Halve the cranberries so the water can reach their flesh, then taste after the shorter steep before deciding whether to wait longer.

Add a fresh herbal note

Add a small sprig of washed mint to the pitcher before refrigerating. Strain it out with the fruit so the herbal flavor does not continue to build during storage.

Sweeten the drink

If the fruit flavor is too tart, stir in a small amount of your preferred sweetener after straining. Taste first: the kiwi provides some fruit flavor on its own, and added sweetener changes the drink's calorie content.