Watermelon Peach Basil Water: Recipe & How to Make It

Watermelon peach basil water is a chilled fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to make and yields about 4 cups (950 mL).

What is watermelon peach basil water?

Watermelon peach basil water is made by steeping pieces of watermelon and peach with fresh basil in cold water. The result is lightly flavored water rather than juice: the fruit is strained or left in the pitcher, not blended into the drink.

Watermelon lends a mild, fresh sweetness, while peach adds a more fragrant fruit flavor. For more ways to use melon in a pitcher, browse these melon infused water recipes.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

Use about 1 cup of chopped fruit and a small handful of basil for 4 cups of water. This ratio keeps the drink delicate while giving each ingredient room to contribute.

Water: 950 mL (4 cups), cold
Watermelon: 100 g (about 2/3 cup), rind removed and cut into small cubes
Peach: 50 g (about 1/3 cup), pitted and sliced or chopped
Fresh basil: about 5 g (roughly 1/4 cup loosely packed, or 8–12 leaves)

Choose ripe, fragrant fruit for the best flavor. The measurements are approximate: fruit pieces and basil leaves vary in size, so a little more or less will not spoil the infusion. Use a clean pitcher with enough room for the water and fruit.

How do you make watermelon peach basil water?

Wash the peach, watermelon and basil under running water; scrub the watermelon rind before cutting it.
Prepare the fruit by removing the watermelon rind and peach pit, then cube the watermelon and slice or chop the peach.
Add the fruit and basil to the clean pitcher. Gently press the basil leaves between your fingers to release their aroma without shredding them.
Pour in the cold water, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a fuller flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
Serve chilled, straining out the fruit and basil if you prefer a clear drink.

Want to adjust the combination? Try the ai infused water generator for another starting ratio.

The 2-hour steep gives the water time to take on the fruit and herb flavors; it will taste lighter than a blended fruit drink. Stir gently before serving to distribute the flavor, especially if the fruit has settled at the bottom.

Why do watermelon, peach and basil pair well?

Watermelon's mild flavor gives the drink a refreshing base, as in other watermelon infused water recipes. Peach brings a floral, ripe-fruit note, a characteristic also found in peach infused water.

Basil adds a savory, aromatic contrast that keeps the fruit flavors from tasting too similar; see basil water for more on the herb's flavor. Use fresh leaves rather than dried basil for a cleaner infusion.

The main benefit of this drink is hydration. Whole watermelon and peach contain nutrients and fiber, but an infusion should not be assumed to provide the same amounts as eating the fruit. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste.

How should you store watermelon peach basil water?

Keep the pitcher refrigerated, including while it steeps. For the best flavor, drink the water within 24 hours. You can strain out the fruit and basil after steeping if you want a less pronounced flavor during storage.

Discard the infusion after 2–3 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than a few hours.

How can you vary watermelon peach basil water?

Make the peach flavor more noticeable

Use a little more peach and a little less watermelon, keeping the total fruit close to 1 cup. Slice the peach thinly so more of its surface is in contact with the water.

Adjust the basil

For a gentler herbal note, use fewer leaves. For a more noticeable aroma, gently press the leaves before adding them, while keeping the fruit and water amounts the same.

Change the serving style

Strain the infusion for a clear drink, or leave the fruit in the pitcher for color. Serve it chilled over ice if you like; melting ice will gradually make the flavor milder.