Grape Infused Water: Recipe, Ratio & Steeping Time

Grape infused water is water flavored with fresh grapes, ready in 2 hours 10 minutes and yielding about 1 liter (4¼ US cups). For more combinations, try the ai infused water generator.

What is grape infused water?

Grape infused water is made by letting cut grapes steep in drinking water. It is a type of fruit infused water with a subtle fruit flavor, rather than the sweetness of grape juice.

Red or green grapes both work. Their flavor will vary with the variety and ripeness, so taste the water after steeping before deciding whether to make any changes.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

Use approximately 1 cup of grapes for every 1 liter of water. This recipe makes a pitcher with no added sweetener.

Ingredients

150 g fresh seedless grapes, about 1 US cup
1 liter drinking water, about 4¼ US cups

You will also need a clean pitcher with a lid, a knife and a strainer if you prefer to remove the fruit before serving. Ice is optional; add it to individual glasses so it does not dilute the pitcher as it melts.

How do you make grape infused water?

Wash your hands, then rinse the grapes under running water. Do not use soap or detergent on the fruit.
Remove the grapes from their stems and discard any damaged or spoiled fruit.
Cut the grapes in half and place them in the clean pitcher. Cut them lengthwise into quarters if you plan to serve the fruit to young children.
Pour the water over the grapes and cover the pitcher.
Refrigerate for 2 hours, then taste. Leave it for up to 4 hours if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Strain out the grapes if desired and serve the water chilled, with ice if you like.

The recipe takes about 10 minutes of hands-on preparation plus 2 hours of refrigerated steeping. Cutting the grapes exposes their flesh to the water; crushing or squeezing them can make the drink sweeter and add more of the fruit's calories.

How long should grape infused water steep?

Steep grape infused water in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours for full flavor. Start tasting at 2 hours: the result should be lightly fruity, not as concentrated as juice.

If the flavor is too mild, give it more time within that range. If it is stronger than you like, strain the grapes and add a little more drinking water.

How should you store grape infused water?

Keep grape infused water covered and refrigerated. Drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor, and discard it after 2–3 days, counting from when you made it.

Discard it sooner if it becomes cloudy or slimy, smells sour, or has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Use a clean glass when serving rather than drinking directly from the pitcher.

Straining the grapes can make the water easier to serve, but it does not reset the storage time. Refrigerate both the water and any fruit you intend to eat.

What variations can you make?

Grape and mint

Add a few rinsed fresh mint leaves to the pitcher with the grapes. Steep and refrigerate as directed for a fresh herbal note.

Grape and ginger

Add a few thin slices of washed fresh ginger with the grapes. Start with a small amount so the ginger does not overwhelm the grape flavor.

What are the benefits of grape infused water?

Grape infused water provides water for hydration and may make plain water more appealing. Without added sweetener, it can also be an alternative to a sweetened drink.

Steeping is different from eating whole grapes: the amount of fruit nutrients that passes into the water is uncertain. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste; grape infused water supports hydration, not a special cleanse.

Who should be careful with grape infused water?

Avoid grape infused water if you are allergic to grapes. Seek urgent medical help for symptoms such as trouble breathing or throat swelling after consuming them.

Whole grapes can be a choking hazard for young children. Strain the water before serving, or cut any grapes served with it lengthwise into quarters. Anyone with swallowing difficulties may also prefer the water strained.

FAQs

Frozen grapes can be used in grape infused water. Add them to the pitcher and refrigerate as directed; they may need time to thaw before they release much flavor.