Strawberry Cantaloupe Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Strawberry cantaloupe water is chilled water infused with fresh strawberries and cantaloupe, ready in 2 hours 10 minutes and yielding about 4¼ cups (1 liter).

For more fruit combinations, browse these berry infused water recipes.

What is strawberry cantaloupe water?

Strawberry cantaloupe water is a fruit-infused drink made by steeping sliced strawberries and diced cantaloupe in cold water. The fruit flavors the water without being blended, so the finished drink is lighter and less pulpy than a smoothie.

This recipe uses equal amounts of the two fruits. Serve it with the fruit in the pitcher for a colorful presentation, or strain it for a clearer drink.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For one pitcher, use:

1,000 mL cold drinking water, about 4¼ cups
75 g sliced strawberries, about ½ cup
75 g peeled, diced cantaloupe, about ½ cup

The ratio is about 150 g, or 1 cup, of chopped fruit per liter of water. Cup measurements are approximate because fruit pieces vary in size; use the weights if you want a more consistent balance.

Choose ripe, fragrant fruit for the best flavor. The strawberries should be firm rather than mushy, and the cantaloupe should be ripe enough to smell pleasantly sweet. You do not need to add sugar to make the infusion.

How do you make strawberry cantaloupe water?

Prep time: 10 minutes
Infusion time: 2–4 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes for the minimum infusion
Yield: About 4¼ cups (1 liter)

Wash your hands and clean the pitcher, knife, and cutting board.
Rinse the strawberries under running water. Scrub the cantaloupe rind under running water with a clean produce brush before cutting it; do not use soap.
Hull and slice the strawberries. Cut the cantaloupe, remove its seeds and rind, and dice the flesh.
Place 75 g of each prepared fruit in the pitcher and pour in 1,000 mL of cold drinking water.
Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours. Taste after 2 hours and leave it longer if you prefer a stronger fruit flavor.
Serve chilled, with the fruit or strained. Keep any remaining water refrigerated.

For another combination using the same method, try the ai infused water generator.

Why do strawberries and cantaloupe pair well?

Strawberries add a bright, slightly tart berry flavor, while cantaloupe contributes a softer, mellow sweetness. Slicing the strawberries and dicing the melon exposes more of their surfaces to the water, helping their flavors infuse without mashing them.

The main benefit of strawberry cantaloupe water is hydration. Whole strawberries and cantaloupe also contain vitamin C and fiber, but the amount of nutrients that transfers into infused water is uncertain. Most of the fiber remains in the fruit, so eat the refrigerated fruit if you want it rather than assuming it is in the water.

The drink is very low in calories when the fruit is steeped rather than blended or squeezed. For a simpler fruit flavor, see strawberry infused water or cantaloupe infused water.

How should you store strawberry cantaloupe water?

Keep the pitcher covered and refrigerated, including while the fruit is steeping. Drink the water within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it no later than 2 days after preparation, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy, or sour-smelling.

You can strain out the fruit after the initial infusion or leave it in the refrigerated pitcher. Removing it makes the drink easier to pour, but it does not extend the storage time. Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours.

How can you vary strawberry cantaloupe water?

Change the balance: Use more strawberries for a brighter berry flavor or more cantaloupe for a mellower drink. Keep the total fruit amount close to 1 cup per liter of water.
Add mint: A few rinsed mint leaves give the pitcher a fresh herbal note. Add them with the fruit before refrigerating.
Try a little citrus: Add a slice of lemon for a tart accent. Remove the slice after the infusion so the peel and pith do not make the water bitter.
Adjust the serving: Strain the infusion for a clear drink, or spoon a little of the chilled fruit into each glass. Eating the fruit adds its calories and nutrients to your serving.