Mango Lime Basil Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Mango lime basil water is a fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to prepare and makes about 4 cups (950 mL). For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is mango lime basil water?

Mango lime basil water is chilled water infused with fresh mango, lime slices, and basil leaves. The mango gives it a mild tropical flavor, the lime adds tartness, and the basil contributes a fresh herbal aroma.

It is one of many tropical fruit infused water recipes you can make without blending or cooking the fruit. The finished drink has a subtler flavor than juice, and you can strain out the ingredients before serving.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For about 4 cups of mango lime basil water, use:

Water: 4 cups (950 mL), preferably cold
Mango: 1 cup (about 150 g) peeled, diced fresh mango
Lime: 1 medium lime, sliced (about 60 g; approximately 1/3 cup of slices)
Fresh basil: 8–12 leaves (about 5 g; approximately 1/4 cup loosely packed)

This ratio gives the fruit and herbs room to infuse without crowding the pitcher. Choose a ripe mango for a fragrant infusion; it should yield slightly to gentle pressure, but the flesh should not be mushy.

A pitcher or jar that holds the water and fruit comfortably is useful, along with a strainer if you prefer a clear drink. No sweetener is needed for the basic recipe.

How do you make mango lime basil water?

Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (950 mL)

Rinse the mango, lime, and basil under running water. Peel and dice the mango, discarding the pit, and slice the lime.
Place the mango and lime in a clean pitcher. Gently press or tear the basil leaves to release their aroma, then add them to the pitcher.
Pour in the cold water and stir gently. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Taste the water. For a stronger infusion, refrigerate for up to 4 hours total, then strain out the fruit and basil; lime peel and pith can become bitter with a longer steep.
Serve chilled, over ice if you like. Keep any remaining water covered in the refrigerator.

For the clearest drink, pour it through a fine strainer. If you prefer a little fruit in the glass, spoon in some of the refrigerated mango when serving.

Why do mango, lime, and basil work together?

Mango brings a soft, fruity sweetness that rounds out lime’s sharp flavor. If you enjoy that gentle fruit flavor on its own, mango infused water is a simpler option.

Lime makes the combination taste brighter, while basil adds an aromatic note that keeps it from tasting like diluted fruit juice. You can explore each flavor separately in lime water or basil water.

The main benefit of mango lime basil water is hydration, particularly if its flavor helps you enjoy drinking water. Mango and lime contain nutrients, but the amount transferred into steeped water is uncertain; eating the fruit is different from drinking the infusion. Steeped infused water is generally very low in calories, while squeezing or eating the fruit adds calories.

Your liver and kidneys do most of your body’s detoxification. Mango lime basil water supports hydration rather than cleansing the body.

How should you store mango lime basil water?

Keep mango lime basil water covered and refrigerated. For the best flavor, drink it within 24 hours; discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy, or sour-smelling.

Strain out the lime and other ingredients after no more than 4 hours of steeping to limit bitterness. Return the strained water to the refrigerator promptly rather than leaving it on the counter for more than a few hours.

How can you vary mango lime basil water?

Use less lime

Use half the listed lime if you want the mango to be more noticeable. The drink will have a gentler citrus flavor while keeping the same amount of water and basil.

Make the mango flavor more pronounced

Lightly press a few mango pieces against the side of the pitcher before steeping. This releases more juice and can make the drink cloudier and add calories compared with simply steeping the fruit.

Add a sparkling finish

Start with 3 cups (710 mL) of still water and the listed fruit and basil. After steeping, strain and add 1 cup (240 mL) of chilled sparkling water just before serving to bring the total water to approximately 4 cups (950 mL).