Strawberry Basil Infused Water
In short: Lightly sweet, fragrant infused water with sliced strawberries and fresh basil, chilled for a couple of hours with no added sugar. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 10 kcal
Strawberries and basil sound like a salad, but in a jug of water they make a delicate, fragrant drink. The berries give a faint sweetness and a pink blush, and basil adds a peppery, almost floral note. Crush a few strawberries before they go in to release their juice, and bruise the basil by clapping it between your hands. It is a good choice for brunch tables and kids who do not like plain water.
Instructions
- Hull and slice the strawberries. Crush about half of the slices lightly with the back of a spoon in a bowl, so they release some juice.
- Clap the basil leaves between your hands to bruise them, which wakes up their oils.
- Put the strawberries, their juice, the basil and the lemon slices in a large jug. Pour in the cold water and stir gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours for a stronger flavor.
- Strain out the basil after 4 hours if you prefer to avoid darkened leaves. Serve over ice with a few strawberry slices in each glass.
- Finish the water within 24 hours.
Tips
- Add a few slices of lemon or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and keep the berries looking fresh.
- For a fizzy version, infuse the berries and basil in half the water, then top the jug up with cold sparkling water just before serving.
Questions and answers
How long should strawberry basil water infuse?
Two hours gives a light flavor and 4 to 6 hours a stronger one. The basil starts to darken and taste grassy after about 4 hours, so strain it out if you infuse for longer.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Frozen strawberries release juice quickly as they thaw and also act as ice. Use the same weight, and expect the water to turn pinker.
How long does strawberry basil water keep?
Up to 24 hours in the fridge. After that the berries go soft and the flavor turns flat.
How long does it take to make Strawberry Basil Infused Water?
About 10 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Strawberry Basil Infused Water?
About 10 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 10 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
