Last summer, during a particularly scorching July weekend, I hosted an impromptu backyard gathering. As I was setting up refreshments, I realized I’d forgotten to buy extra drinks. With guests arriving in just an hour, I needed a quick solution. I spotted some fresh berries in my refrigerator, grabbed a handful of basil from my garden, and filled a glass pitcher with water and ice. That last-minute creation became the unexpected star of the party.
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“This is amazing! What is it?” one friend asked, reaching for a refill. Another guest assumed I’d purchased a premium flavored water. When I revealed it was simply water infused with berries and basil, everyone was shocked by how something so simple could taste so refreshing. Since then, berry infused water has become my signature offering at every gathering—a beautiful, effortless way to elevate hydration from mundane to memorable.
Why Berry Infused Water Is A Game-Changer
Berry-infused water transforms plain water into a refreshing, flavorful beverage without adding sugar, artificial flavors, or calories. It’s the perfect alternative to sugary sodas and juices, especially during hot summer months when staying hydrated is crucial. The subtle sweetness and vibrant color from the berries create a drink that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
What makes berry-infused water truly special is its versatility and natural goodness. You’re not just drinking water—you’re enjoying the essence of fresh berries and aromatic herbs while reaping all the benefits of proper hydration. It’s a sophisticated yet simple way to encourage yourself and your guests to drink more water throughout the day.
Health Benefits of Berry Infused Water
Beyond being delicious, berry-infused water offers several health advantages:
- Increased Hydration – The appealing flavor encourages you to drink more water throughout the day
- Zero Added Sugar – Unlike juices and sodas, infused water contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners
- Natural Detoxification – The combination of berries and increased water consumption helps flush toxins from your body
- Antioxidant Boost – Berries release some of their beneficial antioxidants into the water
- Enhanced Energy – Proper hydration improves energy levels and brain function
- Weight Management Support – Replacing sugary drinks with infused water can reduce calorie intake
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries – Provide natural sweetness and a beautiful pink hue to the water while adding subtle fruity flavor
- Fresh blueberries – They offer a deeper berry flavor and additional antioxidants while complementing the strawberries
- Fresh basil leaves – Add an aromatic herbal note that balances the sweetness of the berries
- Water – Serves as the base that absorbs the flavors of the fruits and herbs
Equipment
- 2-quart glass pitcher (preferably with a lid)
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander for washing fruit
- Large spoon for stirring
How to Make Fruit Infused Water
This fruit-infused water recipe is easy to make and lovely to drink! Here are the steps:
- Wash the strawberries, blueberries, and basil.
- Hull the strawberries and quarter them.
- Gently scrunch the basil leaves in your hands to release some of the oils from the leaves.
- Place the fruit and basil in a 2 – quart glass pitcher.
- Add enough water to fill the pitcher.
- Allow the fruit to infuse for at least 2 hours before serving.
- After 4 to 6 hours, discard the fruit.
- Before serving, add some freshly cut strawberries and a few blueberries.
Berry Infused Water
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 quarts water
- 1 1/2 cups strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 10 leaves fresh basil
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries, blueberries, and basil.
- Hull the strawberries and quarter them.
- Gently scrunch the basil leaves in your hands to release some of the oils from the leaves.
- Place the berries and basil in a 2-quart pitcher.
- Add enough water to fill the pitcher.
- Allow the fruit to infuse for at least 2 hours before serving.
- After 4 to 6 hours, discard the fruit.
- Before serving, add some freshly cut strawberries and a few blueberries.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Infused Water
- Use Blemish-Free Fruit: Select ripe, fresh fruits without bruises or soft spots for the cleanest flavor.
- Proper Washing: Thoroughly wash all fruits and herbs before infusing to remove any dirt, pesticides, or residue.
- Preparation Matters:
- Soft fruits like berries can be left whole or halved
- Hard fruits like apples should be thinly sliced for faster infusion
- Citrus fruits can be sliced with rind on, but remove after 4 hours to prevent bitterness
- Herbs should be gently crushed to release essential oils
- Timing Is Everything: Most fruits reach optimal infusion between 2-4 hours. After 6 hours, remove the fruits and herbs to prevent off-flavors.
- Temperature Considerations: Cold water takes longer to infuse but results in a crisper flavor. Room temperature water infuses more quickly.
- Glass Is Best: Glass pitchers don’t retain flavors or leach chemicals like plastic containers might.
- Fresh Garnish: Add fresh fruit just before serving for visual appeal and guaranteed freshness.
Nutrition
Recipe Variations
Here are a few delicious ideas for DIY fruit-infused water:
- Strawberry Lime – All the pizzazz of strawberry limeade without the sugar!
- Cucumber Mint – A staple in spas for a good reason! The clean flavor of cucumber and the cool kick of mint make for an exceptionally refreshing drink.
- Watermelon Mint – A great combination.
- Orange Basil—Oranges steep easily, and basil gives the bright sweetness of citrus oranges a lovely, earthy undertone.
- Blackberry Ginger – Delicious blackberry and ginger water is a little sweet, a little tart, and completely tasty.
- Pineapple Ginger – Something a little sweeter.
- Green Apple, Raspberry, Rosemary – Apples take a while to infuse, so slice them thinly and be patient.
Popular Summer Drink Recipes
- Chick Fil A Frosted Lemonade
- Red Robin Strawberry Lemonade
- Rio Bravo Restaurant Margarita
- Ruby Tuesday Killer Kool Aid
- Olive Garden Blue Hawaiian
- Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria
- Sonic Ocean Water Drink
- Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher
- Starbucks Passion Fruit Lemonade
- Taco Bell Baja Blast Freeze
Best Berry Recipes
- Fruit of the Forest Pie
- Giant Strawberry Pop Tart
- Shoney’s Strawberry Pie
Check out my easy drink recipes and the best recipes for summer here on CopyKat!
I too have never tried infused water But it looks delicious! I will give it a try. I think this will get me to drink more water!
Thank you so much for this recipe!
May God Bless you!
It’s easier to just throw the fruit and water into a blender, strain and pour into the pitcher.
So easy to make! Loved this!
I make my “summer water” by infusing mint leaves and sliced lemons. It is a big hit at cookouts and bar be cues. I am anxious to try strawberries, blueberries and basil.
I have never made infused water before. I didn’t see any directive on what to do with the blueberries. Should they be cut in half and added?
This was soooo good and easy! Have you tried this using frozen fruit? I’m a ‘water baby’ and want to have this in my fridge year round.
Thanks so much for sharing this.
Sounds good and refreshing. I like to try this one. Thank you for sharing, I will add to recipe file.
Sounds refreshing, I want to try this recipe