Strawberry Watermelon Basil Water Recipe

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

What is strawberry watermelon basil water?

Strawberry watermelon basil water is chilled water flavored with sliced strawberries, diced watermelon and fresh basil. The ingredients steep in the water rather than being blended, so the result is lighter than a smoothie or fruit juice.

It belongs to the family of berry infused water recipes, with watermelon adding a mellow fruit flavor and basil bringing an herbal note. Serve it strained or leave the fruit in the pitcher while you pour.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For approximately 4 cups (950 mL), gather:

Water: 950 mL (4 cups)
Strawberries: approximately 75 g (1/2 cup), sliced
Watermelon: approximately 75 g (1/2 cup), diced, without rind
Fresh basil: approximately 5 g (1/4 cup loosely packed), or 8–12 leaves

The starting ratio is about 1 cup of chopped fruit and a small handful of basil per 4 cups of water. The fruit measurements are approximate: the size of the slices and cubes affects how much fits in a cup.

Choose ripe fruit for the best flavor. Fresh basil should look green rather than slimy or wilted. You don't need to add sugar; the infusion is intended to taste subtle, not like a sweetened fruit drink.

How do you make strawberry watermelon basil water?

Allow about 10 minutes for preparation, followed by 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Wash the strawberries, watermelon and basil under running water. Clean the watermelon rind before cutting it, even though you won't add the rind to the pitcher.
Slice the strawberries and dice the watermelon flesh. Remove the strawberry tops and any watermelon seeds you don't want in the pitcher.
Bruise the basil leaves gently between your fingers to release their aroma. Avoid crushing them into tiny pieces if you want a clearer drink.
Combine the fruit, basil and water in a clean pitcher or jar. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours; for a stronger infusion, steep for up to 4 hours.
Strain if desired and pour into glasses. Serve cold, with ice if you like.

Taste after 2 hours. If the basil is prominent enough but you want to keep the fruit in the pitcher, remove the leaves before returning the water to the refrigerator.

Why do strawberry, watermelon and basil pair well?

Strawberries contribute a bright, slightly tart flavor, while watermelon makes the infusion taste softer and more mellow. Basil adds a fresh herbal aroma that balances the fruit without requiring a sweetener. The same flavors can be explored individually in strawberry infused water, watermelon infused water and basil water.

The main benefit of the finished drink is hydration. The whole fruit contains nutrients, including vitamin C and fiber, but you can't assume all of those nutrients transfer into the water during steeping. Eating the fruit adds its nutrients and calories; the strained infusion contains much less than the whole ingredients.

How should you store strawberry watermelon basil water?

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

Use a clean utensil when removing fruit or basil, and return the pitcher to the refrigerator after serving. Straining the fruit and herbs after steeping can make pouring easier, but it doesn't remove the need for refrigeration.

How can you vary strawberry watermelon basil water?

Make the strawberry flavor brighter

Use a little more strawberry and a little less watermelon while keeping the total fruit close to 1 cup. Thin slices expose more of the strawberry to the water.

Keep the basil subtle

Start with fewer basil leaves and taste the water after 2 hours. You can add more fresh leaves and continue chilling if you'd like a stronger herbal note.

Add bubbles when serving

Steep the fruit and basil in still water as directed, then pour the strained infusion over a splash of chilled sparkling water. Adding the sparkling water at serving time helps preserve its fizz.