Beat the summer heat with this incredibly refreshing berry-infused water that transforms ordinary H2O into a flavorful, naturally sweet beverage. This simple three-ingredient recipe combines juicy strawberries, antioxidant-rich blueberries, and aromatic fresh basil to create a sophisticated drink perfect for entertaining.
Unlike sugary sodas or artificially flavored waters, this natural infusion provides all the taste without added sweeteners, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious families and impressive enough to wow guests at your next gathering.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The magic happens through natural osmosis as the fruit releases its essential oils and natural sugars into the water. Gently crushing the basil leaves releases aromatic compounds that perfectly complement the berry sweetness. The key timing of 2-6 hours allows maximum flavor extraction without the bitterness that occurs with over-infusion, creating a balanced, refreshing drink that’s naturally sweet and incredibly hydrating.
Berry-infused water recipe ingredients
Here is what you need to transform plain old water with this recipe:
- Fresh strawberries – Provides natural sweetness and beautiful color to the water
- Fresh blueberries – Adds antioxidants and subtle tartness that balances the strawberry sweetness
- Fresh basil leaves – Contributes aromatic herbal notes that elevate the berry flavors
- Filtered water – Creates a clean base that allows fruit flavors to shine through
That’s it! Just water, two berries, and a fresh herb!
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 berries 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 and basil.
- Before serving, add some freshly cut strawberries and a few blueberries.
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 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 – This delicious blackberry and ginger water is a little sweet, 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.
Chef’s Notes
Glass pitchers work best for infused water as they don’t retain flavors or leach chemicals like plastic containers can. If your basil leaves are huge, tear them into smaller pieces before scrunching to release more oils. Use the freshest fruit possible, as blemished or overripe fruit can create off-flavors in your infusion.
Fruit-infused water pitchers
I like to infuse my water in a pitcher with a lid. You can also use a water infuser pitcher specially designed to infuse fruits. If you only want to make a small infusion to take along to the gym or a ball game, you can buy fruit-infused water bottles.
It’s best to store your infusion in a glass fruit-infused water bottle or pitcher. Plastic can leach chemicals into your water and tends to retain flavors, while glass does not retain flavors and always tastes clean.
If you don’t have a pitcher with a built-in infuser, you can use a piece of clean cheesecloth or a tea strainer to contain herbs like basil, lavender, and rosemary.
Fruit-infused sparkling water
If you have a Soda Stream Machine, you may want to carbonate your infused water for a fun treat. The effervescence of sparkling fruit water is delightful.
Fruit-infused water benefits
Is drinking fruit-infused water good for you?
Yes, it is! Fruit-infused water has many health benefits, including:
- Promoting increased water consumption to stay hydrated.
- Reducing sugar consumption, thus helping to increase weight loss.
- Detoxing effect – antioxidants in the water, and the larger consumption of water, help flush out toxins.
- Increasing energy – some infused fruits and herbs help to increase energy and brain function.
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
Check out my easy drink recipes and the best recipes for summer here on CopyKat!
Easy Berry Infused Water Recipe – No Sugar Added
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.
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