Basil Water {7 Refreshing Flavor Combinations}

Summer is here, and staying hydrated is more crucial than ever. With the sun blazing down, it’s easy to feel drained without even realizing it. But don’t reach for that soda or sugary drink just yet! There’s a better way to quench your thirst this summer… with basil-infused water!

Not only does this refreshingly cool drink keep you hydrated, but it also comes with many health benefits that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed all summer long. Pair basil with fruit, and you’ll have endless combinations of flavors to experience.

Basil is not just a versatile herb used in cooking; it’s also an excellent choice when making infused water. This herb is packed with nutritional benefits, including vitamins A and K, as well as manganese, magnesium, iron, and calcium. It has antioxidant properties that help protect your cells from damage and boost your immune system.

Additionally, basil adds a fresh and unique flavor to your water, creating a refreshing twist. Plus, it’s easy to grow it outside in your yard (we also love using Vego Garden) or on your windowsill (we also love Gardyn). Let’s dive into how you can turn plain water into something that says “sip, sip, hooray!”

What Is Infused Water?

Infused water is created by adding various fruits and herbs to water, then allowing their flavors to mingle for a couple of hours or overnight. It’s an easy way to enhance the taste of plain water while adding natural flavors and a hint of aroma. Not only does infused water provide a healthy alternative to sugary drinks, but it also offers hydration with the added benefits of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Why Basil Water Is So Awesome

With just some filtered water and your choice of store-bought or home-grown basil and fruit, you can create endless variations of infused water. It can be made in a single glass, but we say a pitcher is best—and the bigger the better! Here are a few more reasons to love it.

• It’s a simple and effortless way to add flavor to your water.
• You control what goes into your glass!
• It’s a healthy alternative to sugary or sweetened drinks.
• You can make infused water in large batches to enjoy throughout the day.
• It’s a great way to use up basil and any leftover fruit.
• Basil is easy to grow in your garden making it budget-friendly, too!

How To Make The Best Tasting Fresh Basil Water

If you’re looking to make the best-tasting fresh basil water, get ready to elevate your hydration game with these simple tips:

• Start with fresh and vibrant basil leaves. Choose sweet basil or Thai basil for their robust and aromatic flavors. Ensure that the leaves are clean and free from any dirt or debris. Gently rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
• Prepare your infusion vessel. A glass pitcher or a large mason jar works well for this purpose. You can even use a fruit infusion pitcher designed for this purpose. Fill it with cold, filtered water. The quality of water used will significantly impact the taste, so opt for high-quality filtered water when possible.
• Add the basil leaves to the water. Tear the leaves into smaller pieces to release their essential oils and flavors. Drop them into the water, ensuring they are fully submerged. For a more intense flavor, you can lightly crush the leaves before adding them.
• Allow the water to infuse. Place the pitcher or jar in the refrigerator and let the basil infuse the water for at least 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, you can chill it overnight. Remember that the longer the infusion time, the more pronounced the basil taste will be.

Once the water has infused to your desired intensity, it’s ready to enjoy. You can pour it over ice or serve it chilled. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of visual appeal.

The best-tasting fresh basil water is all about using high-quality basil leaves and giving them enough time to infuse the water with their aromatic oils. With this simple method, you can create a delicious and invigorating drink that will keep you hydrated while satisfying your taste buds. Let’s all raise a glass to a refreshing basil-infused experience!

How To Stay Hydrated During The Summer

Staying hydrated is crucial, particularly during the summer months when higher temperatures and increased physical activity can lead to a higher risk of dehydration. Proper hydration plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Water is essential for numerous bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, delivering nutrients to cells, and removing waste products. When we don’t consume enough fluids to replenish what we lose through sweating, urination, and breathing, our bodies can become dehydrated, leading to a range of potential health risks.

To prevent dehydration and its associated risks, it is important to stay properly hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water and other fluids throughout the day. The CDC recommends drinking water before, during, and after physical activity, as well as regularly sipping on fluids even when you’re not feeling thirsty.

By prioritizing hydration, especially during summer, we can maintain our optimal health and well-being. Let’s make a toast to staying hydrated, and letting our well-being shine!

7 Best Fruit-Infused Basil Water Combinations To Try

While basil water itself is refreshing, it’s even better when paired with fruits. The sweetness and tartness of berries or the acidity of citrus adds a nice contrast of flavors, creating a flavorful and balanced beverage. While the possibilities to vary basil water with fruit are endless, these pairings below are classic and balanced combos!

Basil Watermelon-Infused Water

Basil watermelon-infused water has a refreshing flavor profile. The natural sweetness of ripe watermelon pairs perfectly with the herbaceous and slightly peppery notes of basil. Cool and juicy watermelon provides a luscious base, while fragrant basil leaves add a subtle complexity that enhances the overall taste experience.

With every sip, you’ll experience a burst of juicy watermelon followed by a gentle herbaceous undertone, leaving you craving for more. The vibrant green basil leaves floating in the water also create a visually appealing drink that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a summer gathering, be sure to try this delicious pairing that will leave you feeling invigorated and hydrated!

Basil Orange-Infused Water

Prepare to be whisked away to a refreshing summer paradise with basil orange-infused water! This invigorating combination brings together the bright and zesty flavors of oranges with the herbaceous and aromatic essence of basil. Each sip of this delightful elixir is a burst of citrusy freshness that instantly cools and rejuvenates, making it the perfect companion for those hot summer days.

Imagine the vibrant orange slices releasing their juicy sweetness into the water, while the fragrant basil leaves infuse it with a subtle hint of herbal goodness. This infused water is a thirst-quenching oasis, offering a juicy and cooling respite from the summer heat!

Whether enjoyed during a picnic in the park, a day at the beach, or simply as a refreshing treat at home, this hydrating combo quenches thirst and hydrates. Embrace the refreshing allure of basil orange-infused water and let it be your go-to summer beverage!

Basil Lime-Infused Water

Picture yourself taking a sip of basil lime-infused water on a warm summer afternoon. The tangy zest of freshly squeezed lime dances on your taste buds, while the aromatic basil leaves add a whisper of herbaceous notes. These flavors blend together harmoniously, creating a drink that quenches your thirst and leaves you craving that next sip.

The bright green lime slices and the lush basil leaves together in the water add an inviting visual appeal, making this infused water not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

Whether enjoyed at a picnic, during a workout or simply as a daily dose of delicious hydration, you can’t go wrong with basil lime-infused water.

Basil Raspberry-Infused Water

Indulge in the refreshing embrace of basil raspberry-infused water, the perfect summertime elixir. The combination of tart and juicy raspberries mingling with the aromatic essence of basil leaves is both invigorating and incredibly satisfying, making it the ultimate companion for hot summer days.

The tartness of the raspberries is beautifully balanced by the herbal undertones of fresh basil. The infusion of these ingredients with cool, crisp water will keep you hydrated throughout the sunny days of summer. The gorgeous pink hue of the raspberries and the green pop of basil adds visual interest, making it a beautiful beverage!

Enjoy this classic combo while lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply as a daily treat to keep you hydrated and refreshed. Cheers to the taste of summer!

Basil Lemon-Infused Water

This classic combination combines the zesty tang of lemons with the beauty of basil, creating a flavor pairing that will leave you refreshed. Each sip offers a vibrant blend of bright, lemony notes. It’s the perfect companion for a hot summer day or any time you crave a revitalizing beverage!

Try gently bruising the basil leaves before adding them to the water to release their natural oils and maximize their flavor. This will enhance the overall taste experience and up the aromatic qualities.

Sip this basil lemon-infused water on its own, at your next summer gathering or barbecue. Add a splash of sparkling water for some effervescence or garnish with additional lemon slices and fresh basil leaves to elevate the visual appeal. Get creative and tailor it to your taste preferences. Embrace the fresh combination of lemon and basil. It may become your new favorite go-to summer drink!

Basil Strawberry-Infused Water

The combination of sweet strawberries with the herbaceous notes of basil is a match made in heaven. The combination of juicy and sweet strawberries with the earthy aroma of basil creates a flavor that is so refreshing. Each sip will leave you feeling revitalized and quenched even on the hottest days. This infusion combination is so pretty, offering vibrant red hues with lush green color.

Whether enjoyed at a picnic or after a workout, this basil strawberry-infused water refreshes and nourishes. So, grab your pitcher, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of this combo transport you away to a cool and refreshing oasis!

Basil, Cucumber, Lime, and Blackberry-Infused Water

Why pair basil with just one fruit when you can add more? This infused water combines aromatic basil, fresh cucumber, sweet and tart blackberries, and acidic lime to create a unique and ice-cold drink that’s perfect for steamy, hot summer days and nights.

This crisp and vibrant infused water is a perfect example of how adding fruits with different flavor profiles can create a balanced drink. Add a straw and sip away, keeping dehydration at bay!

Fruits That Pair With Basil

Almost any fruit can be added with basil to make a delicious infused water combination. Get creative and add any of these to your water. Adding more than one fruit offers more flavor and color! Gently smash half of the fruit to release more flavor into your infused water.

• Apples (slices or wedges)
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Coconut (pieces)
• Cucumbers (slices)
• Grapefruit (sections)
• Kiwi fruit (slices or wedges)
• Mango (cubes)
• Melon (cubes)
• Peaches (slices)
• Pears (slices)
• Pineapple (wedges)
• Plums (slices)
• Pomegranate seeds

Basil Water Q&A

How To Serve Up Your Basil and Fruit Water

The best part about basil water is that it can be easily tailored to your taste buds. You can add more or less basil, tear or muddle it, or infuse it for a shorter or longer period to create an intensity that you prefer.

• Add one or more kinds of fruits based on what’s available or in season. Experiment with mixing different fruits to create flavor combinations you’ll love. Lightly smash half of the fruit if you’d like to release more of the natural juices and flavors into your water.
• Select your water. When possible, choose filtered water for the best taste. You can also use sparkling water for a touch of elegance. Just be sure to use a pitcher with a tight-fitting lid.
• Make your own basil and fruit ice cubes. Using a large ice cube tray, add very small pieces of fruit and torn basil. Cover with water and allow to freeze. Add these cubes to infused or plain water for a beautiful summer drink!

More Refreshing Beverages That Are Perfect For Summer!

Now that you know all about the ease and benefits of basil-infused water, check out more of these cold and refreshing beverages that would be perfect by the pool, over dinner, or shared with friends and family:

• This Cucumber Watermelon Cooler will delight guests (or just yourself!) on a warm summer day. Watermelon, cucumber, and lemon are an amazing combination that’s so refreshing.
• The pairing of strawberries and peaches in this Strawberry Peach Spritzer is perfect on a hot day. Add a little bit of sweetness to make your summer day bright!
• If you need an adult beverage, this Pink Dragonfruit Cocktail will deliver a monster-sized explosion of flavor! Although not exactly thirst-quenching, it’s still perfect for a summer day or night. Follow up with water to stay ahead of your hydration game!
• This Strawberry Mint Lemonade is a trio of flavors that summer isn’t complete without! Bask in the bright and sweet notes and enjoy your summer day.

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Basil Water

5 from 12 votes

Stay hydrated this summer by making basil water! This fresh and earthy herb adds great flavor and tastes great when paired with fruit. Just add basil and fruit to a pitcher with water and chill for a beverage that's healthy, hydrating, and oh-so-pretty in a glass.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Infusion Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• ▢ 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed and torn
• ▢ 1 cup fruit, lightly smash half to release more flavor into the water (optional)
• ▢ 8-10 cups water, preferably filtered

Instructions

• Place the basil and desired fruit in a large pitcher. Add water and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
• Serve chilled or with ice cubes.

Notes

Notes:

• Add a small amount of chopped basil and fruit to a large ice cube tray. Fill with water and freeze for a visually stunning drink. Add the cubes to plain or infused water.
• Instead of using plain water, try using seltzer. Just be sure to use a container with a tight-fitting lid to ensure your water doesn’t get flat.
• Remove the fruit after 24 hours have passed. After this time, most of their flavor will be gone.
• See the post above for the best fruit pairing recommendations.

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 1349IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg

Course — Beverage

Cuisine — Amercan

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Basil water photos sourced from canva.com.