Kiwi Watermelon Basil Water: Recipe & How to Make It

Kiwi watermelon basil water is a chilled fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes total and yields about 4 cups (950 ml), or 4 servings. For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is kiwi watermelon basil water?

Kiwi watermelon basil water is plain water steeped with sliced kiwi, diced watermelon and fresh basil. The fruit gives the water a light, sweet-tart flavor, while basil adds a fragrant herbal note.

It is one of many tropical fruit infused water recipes. Unlike a smoothie, it is not blended, so the finished drink stays relatively clear and lightly flavored.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For about 4 servings, use:

Water: 950 ml (4 cups), preferably cold
Watermelon: 100 g (about 2/3 cup), diced and rind removed
Kiwi: 50 g (about 1/3 cup), peeled and sliced
Fresh basil: 5 g (about 1/4 cup), loosely packed

This ratio uses about 1 cup of chopped fruit for roughly 1 liter of water, with a small handful of basil. The cup measurements for the fruit are approximate: the size and shape of the pieces affect how they fit in the cup.

Choose ripe fruit for the most flavor, but avoid pieces that are slimy or smell sour. Use a clean pitcher or covered jar large enough to hold both the water and the ingredients.

How do you make kiwi watermelon basil water?

Prep: 10 minutes
Refrigerated steep: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (950 ml), or 4 servings

Wash the kiwi, the outside of the watermelon and the basil under running water. Clean the pitcher, knife and cutting board.
Prepare the fruit: peel and slice the kiwi, then remove the watermelon rind and dice the flesh.
Add the kiwi, watermelon and basil to the pitcher. Gently press the basil leaves between your fingers to release their aroma without shredding them.
Pour in the cold water and stir gently. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Taste the water. For a stronger infusion, continue refrigerating it for up to 4 hours total, then strain if you prefer and serve cold.

The fruit can remain in the pitcher when you serve it, or you can strain it out for a clearer drink. Keep the water refrigerated rather than steeping it on the counter.

Why do kiwi, watermelon and basil pair well?

Kiwi brings a tart edge that balances the mild sweetness of watermelon. If you want to explore that tartness on its own, see kiwi water.

Watermelon contributes a soft, refreshing flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Its high water content also makes it a natural choice for watermelon infused water.

Basil gives the mixture a fresh aroma and a slightly peppery finish. See basil water for more about using the herb in an infusion.

The main benefit of the drink is hydration. Whole kiwi and watermelon contain vitamin C and other nutrients, but the amount that transfers into steeped water is uncertain; eating the fruit provides its fiber. The infusion is not a substitute for a balanced diet, and it does not need added sugar to be flavorful.

How should you store kiwi watermelon basil water?

Keep kiwi watermelon basil water covered and refrigerated. Drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor, and discard it after 2 days or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Food can be unsafe without an obvious change in smell or appearance, so discard it if you are unsure how it was handled.

Pour servings into clean glasses and return the pitcher to the refrigerator. If you are allergic to kiwi, do not use it in the infusion.

How can you vary kiwi watermelon basil water?

Make it lighter

Use less basil or strain the infusion after 2 hours. This keeps the same fruit combination but gives the herbal flavor less time to develop.

Make it fruitier

Keep the pitcher refrigerated for closer to 4 hours before serving. You can also gently press a few watermelon pieces, although this may make the water cloudier and add more of the fruit’s calories than steeping alone.

Give it some fizz

Steep the fruit and basil in 710 ml (3 cups) of still water, then add 240 ml (1 cup) of chilled sparkling water just before serving. The total amount of water remains about 950 ml (4 cups).