Raspberry Watermelon Basil Water Recipe

Raspberry watermelon basil water is a fruit-and-herb-infused water that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to make and yields about 4 cups (950 mL).

What is raspberry watermelon basil water?

Raspberry watermelon basil water is cold water steeped with raspberries, diced watermelon and fresh basil. It has a light fruit flavor rather than the thicker texture of a blended drink, and it needs no added sugar.

The fruit and herbs stay in the pitcher while they flavor the water. For more combinations built around berries, see these berry infused water recipes.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For a pitcher yielding approximately four 1-cup servings, use:

Water: 4 cups (950 mL), cold
Raspberries: 1/2 cup (about 60 g), fresh
Watermelon: 1/2 cup (about 75 g), diced, with the rind removed
Fresh basil: 1/4 cup loosely packed (about 5 g, or 8–12 leaves)

This gives you about 135 g of fruit for nearly 1 liter of water, plus a small handful of basil. The ratio makes a lightly flavored drink; for a stronger fruit taste, leave the pitcher in the refrigerator for the longer end of the steeping range.

Choose ripe watermelon and raspberries without mold or obvious spoilage. Seedless watermelon is convenient, although you can use a seeded piece and remove the seeds before adding it.

How do you make raspberry watermelon basil water?

Allow about 10 minutes of hands-on preparation, followed by 2–4 hours of refrigerated steeping.

Wash the raspberries, whole watermelon and basil under running water. Pat the basil dry and discard any damaged leaves.
Cut the watermelon, remove the rind and any large seeds, and measure 1/2 cup (about 75 g) of diced flesh.
Tear the basil leaves gently and place them in a clean pitcher with the raspberries and watermelon. Leave the fruit intact rather than squeezing or blending it.
Pour in 4 cups (950 mL) of cold water and stir gently. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
Serve the water cold, dividing it among four glasses. Strain out the fruit and basil first if you prefer a clear drink, or leave them in for serving.

To adjust the combination for another pitcher, try the ai infused water generator.

Why do raspberry, watermelon and basil work together?

Raspberries bring a tart note, while watermelon adds a mild, sweet aroma. Basil adds a fresh herbal finish that balances the fruit without making the water taste like juice.

The same tartness is the appeal of raspberry infused water; watermelon infused water has a softer fruit flavor, while basil water emphasizes the herb. Together, the three ingredients make a subtly flavored alternative to plain water.

The main benefit of this drink is that it can help you enjoy drinking water and stay hydrated. Whole raspberries and watermelon contain nutrients, but the amount that transfers into steeped water is uncertain; most of the fruit's fiber stays in the fruit.

There is no established evidence that this particular combination treats a health condition or detoxifies the body. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste.

How should you store raspberry watermelon basil water?

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

Do not leave the prepared drink at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If you plan to take it outdoors, keep it cold in an insulated container and return any remaining drink to the refrigerator promptly.

What variations can you make?

Make the fruit flavor milder

Use 1/4 cup (about 30 g) of raspberries instead of 1/2 cup (about 60 g). Keep the watermelon, basil and water amounts the same for a less tart pitcher.

Use less basil

Start with half the basil, about 2.5 g, if you prefer the fruit to be more noticeable. You can also remove the basil after steeping rather than leaving it in the pitcher as you serve.

Add a sparkling finish

Steep the fruit and basil in 3 cups (710 mL) of still water, then add 1 cup (240 mL) of chilled sparkling water just before serving. This keeps the total water close to the original amount while adding bubbles.