Strawberry Cherry Basil Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Strawberry cherry basil water is a fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes, including chilling, and yields about 4 cups (950 mL). For another combination or batch size, try the ai infused water generator.

What is strawberry cherry basil water?

Strawberry cherry basil water is drinking water steeped with sliced strawberries, pitted cherries and fresh basil. The fruit lends a gently sweet, tart flavor, while the basil adds an herbal note. There is no need to blend the fruit or add sweetener.

Serve it chilled with or without the fruit. It is one of many berry infused water recipes you can make in a pitcher and keep in the refrigerator.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For approximately 4 cups (950 mL), use about 1 cup (150 g) of prepared fruit and a small handful of basil. The equal fruit portions give both strawberries and cherries room to contribute flavor.

• Water: 4 cups (950 mL) of drinking water
• Strawberries: about 1/2 cup (75 g), hulled and sliced
• Cherries: about 1/2 cup (75 g), pitted and halved
• Fresh basil: about 1/4 cup loosely packed (5 g), roughly 8–12 leaves

Measure the fruit after preparing it. The cup measurements are approximate because the size of the slices and leaves affects how they fit in a cup. Use fresh, unspoiled produce and a clean pitcher or large jar.

How do you make strawberry cherry basil water?

Active preparation: about 10 minutes
Refrigerated steep: 2–4 hours
Yield: about 4 cups (950 mL)

1. Rinse the strawberries, cherries and basil under running water. Hull and slice the strawberries, then pit and halve the cherries.
2. Bruise the basil gently between your fingers to release its aroma without tearing it into tiny pieces.
3. Place the strawberries, cherries and basil in a clean pitcher or large jar.
4. Pour in the water, cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Steep for up to 4 hours if you prefer a more pronounced flavor.
5. Stir gently, then pour into glasses. Strain out the fruit and basil if you prefer a clear drink.

The 2-hour steep makes the total time about 2 hours 10 minutes; a 4-hour steep takes about 4 hours 10 minutes in total. If serving over ice, leave a little room in each glass.

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Why do strawberries, cherries and basil pair well?

Strawberries give the water a familiar berry aroma, while cherries add a deeper fruit flavor. Basil provides a fresh contrast to both. For a simpler fruit flavor, see strawberry infused water or cherry infused water; the herbal note is also the focus of basil water.

The main benefit of strawberry cherry basil water is hydration, particularly if its flavor helps you enjoy drinking water. Whole strawberries and cherries contain nutrients and fiber, but the amount transferred into the water during steeping is uncertain; eating the fruit adds its nutrients and calories. There is no direct clinical evidence that this particular infusion has special health effects.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Avoid this recipe if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

How should you store strawberry cherry basil water?

Keep the pitcher covered and refrigerated during steeping and storage. Drink the water within 24 hours for the best flavor. Discard it after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Do not leave the prepared water at room temperature for more than a few hours. If you want to serve it later, return the pitcher to the refrigerator rather than keeping it on the table throughout the day.

How can you vary strawberry cherry basil water?

Adjust the fruit balance

For a more strawberry-forward pitcher, use a little more strawberry and a little less cherry. Reverse the proportions for a more cherry-forward flavor, keeping the combined prepared fruit at about 1 cup (150 g).

Make the basil milder

Use fewer basil leaves or remove them after the initial steep if you want the fruit to stand out. Gently bruising the leaves is enough; finely chopping them can make the drink harder to strain.

Change the steeping time

Taste the water after 2 hours for a lighter infusion, or leave it refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving for more flavor. Keep the remaining water refrigerated and follow the same storage guidance.