Cranberry Watermelon Basil Water: Easy Recipe

Cranberry watermelon basil water is a fruit-and-herb-infused drink that takes 2 hours 10 minutes total and makes about 4 cups (950 mL), or 4 servings.

What is cranberry watermelon basil water?

Cranberry watermelon basil water is water steeped with tart cranberries, juicy watermelon and fresh basil. It has a light fruit flavor rather than the sweetness or concentration of juice.

The fruit and basil stay in the pitcher while the water chills, then can be strained out before serving. If you enjoy this combination, explore more berry infused water recipes.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For about 4 servings, use:

• Water: 4 cups (950 mL), cold
• Watermelon: about 2/3 cup (100 g), diced, without the rind
• Cranberries: about 1/2 cup (50 g), fresh or unsweetened frozen, thawed
• Fresh basil: about 1/4 cup loosely packed (5 g), or 8–12 leaves

Together, the fruit adds up to about 1 cup (150 g) for nearly 1 liter of water. That ratio gives the water a gentle flavor without turning it into a blended fruit drink. Use a pitcher large enough to hold the water and ingredients comfortably.

Seedless watermelon makes preparation easier, although you can remove any large seeds from regular watermelon. Choose fresh basil leaves that are green and aromatic, and use unsweetened cranberries to keep the recipe free of added sugar.

Cut the watermelon into small, even pieces so it fits easily in the pitcher and glasses. Halving the cranberries exposes their flesh to the water without turning the infusion into a purée.

How do you make cranberry watermelon basil water?

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

1. Wash the fresh cranberries, watermelon and basil under cool running water. Wash the watermelon rind before cutting it, then remove the rind and dice the flesh.
2. Halve the cranberries to expose their flesh. Lightly bruise the basil leaves with your fingers to release their aroma.
3. Add the fruit and basil to a clean pitcher, then pour in the cold water. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
4. Strain if desired, then serve chilled. Divide the infusion among 4 glasses for roughly 1 cup (about 240 mL) per serving.

For another combination and ratio, try the ai infused water generator.

The 2-hour steep gives the ingredients time to add a light flavor to the water. You can leave the fruit in the pitcher when serving, but pour gently if you prefer fewer pieces in your glass.

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Why do cranberry, watermelon and basil pair well?

Cranberries bring a sharp, tart note, while watermelon softens it with a mild, fruity flavor. Basil adds a fresh herbal aroma that keeps the infusion from tasting like plain fruit water. For a simpler tart infusion, see cranberry infused water; for a milder fruit flavor, see watermelon infused water.

The main benefit of cranberry watermelon basil water is hydration. Whole cranberries and watermelon contain nutrients, but the amount that transfers into the water during steeping is uncertain; the whole fruit’s nutrient values should not be treated as the drink’s values. Steeped infused water is usually under 10 kcal per glass, though squeezing or eating the fruit adds calories.

There is no established evidence that this particular infusion has a special detoxifying effect. The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste. For another herb-forward option, see basil water.

How should you store cranberry watermelon basil water?

Keep the pitcher covered and refrigerated, and drink the infusion within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. Return it to the refrigerator promptly after pouring, and use a clean glass rather than drinking directly from the pitcher.

If you plan to serve guests, prepare the infusion early enough to allow for its refrigerated steep. Keep the pitcher covered until serving; a cover also helps prevent the water from picking up refrigerator odors.

How can you vary cranberry watermelon basil water?

Make it more tart

Lightly press some of the halved cranberries before adding the water. Pressing releases more juice and may add calories compared with a simple steep.

Make the basil flavor lighter

Use fewer basil leaves and bruise them gently. The aroma will be subtler, allowing the cranberry and watermelon to stand out.

Use frozen cranberries

Unsweetened frozen cranberries work when fresh ones are unavailable. Thaw them in the refrigerator first so they are easier to halve, then follow the same refrigerated steep and storage instructions.

Adjust the fruit balance

Replace some of the cranberries with diced watermelon for a milder infusion, keeping the total fruit amount about the same. For a tarter result, shift the balance toward cranberries instead.