Easy Basil Water Recipe (Plus Variations)

I am a sucker for infused water. I love that something simple: sliced fruit, veggies, and herbs can elevate your water to something awesome. And today, we are going to explore basil water, which is something I LOVE.

It’s refreshing, unique, and extremely simple. Let’s get started!

What is Basil Water?

Basil water is likely something you haven’t tried before, but once you do, you may find yourself making it repeatedly during those hot summer months.

Or if you are like me and grow your basil hydroponically, you can even enjoy basil water during the off-growing season!

It’s simply a refreshing drink made by infusing water with fresh basil leaves. The result is a subtle, herbaceous, cooling, and revitalizing flavor.

There are many variations of basil water, and you can experiment with different types of basil to create a flavor that suits your taste buds. Which we will go into more later.

How to Make Basil-Infused Water

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you will need to make Basil Water:

• Fresh basil (2-3 stalks or as per your taste preference) I recommend starting little by little so you can adjust to the flavor you like.
  
• Fresh clean water (preferably filtered water)
  
• Optional: other herbs, fruits, or flavor enhancers (like mint, cucumber, lemon, etc.)

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Rinse the basil – Make sure to rinse the basil stalks well to remove any dirt or residue.
   
2. Prepare your water – Fill a pitcher or jar with fresh, clean water.
   
3. Add the basil leaves – Gently tear or bruise the basil leaves to release their flavor. Drop them into the water, making sure they are fully submerged.
   
4. Infuse the water – Place the pitcher or jar in the refrigerator and let the basil infuse the water for at least 2 hours for a light, refreshing flavor. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can chill it overnight.
   
5. Serve and enjoy! – Pour the basil-infused water into your favorite glass, and relish the delightful taste of the basil-infused water.

Remember, you can always get creative and add additional herbs, fruits, or flavor enhancers to your Basil Water for some extra zing. A great combo is strawberry and basil!

Different Varieties of Basil and Their Use in Infusing Water

I have recently discovered the joy of infusing water with different basil varieties. It not only adds a refreshing taste to the water but also has some potential health benefits.

Here, I’ll share with you my favorite basil varieties and how to use them to create delicious and refreshing infused waters!

Thai basil

Thai Bail is native to Southeast Asia and has a strong, spicy flavor with a hint of licorice. It’s very delicious. I recently added that basil to my water kefir and talk about wow! Such a great flavor.

Pair it with fruits like pineapple or mango for an exotic twist that will transport you to a tropical paradise.

Holy basil

Holy basil also known as Tulsi, holds a sacred place in Hindu tradition and is recognized for its potential medicinal properties.

It has a slightly peppery and clove-like flavor, making it a great addition to your water infusion, especially if you enjoy a more robust flavor.

Combine it with fresh ginger and lemon for an invigorating and immune-boosting drink.

Sweet basil

is probably the most common variety you’ll find in the supermarket or your garden. It’s usually the basil you use when making pesto.

It has a milder flavor, making it very versatile for infusing water.

I love to pair it with strawberries or cucumber for a light and refreshing taste that reminds me of summer picnics.

Lemon basil

As the name suggests, has a distinct lemony aroma. If you’re a fan of citrus-infused water, give it a try! It pairs well with fruits like blueberries and raspberries, adding an interesting twist to your usual infused water.

Cinnamon basil

Cinnamon basil has a unique spicy flavor and a hint of cinnamon. This one is amazing when infused with apple slices or even a few orange wedges.

It adds a warm and cozy feeling to your water that’s perfect for those colder days.

Lettuce basil

This basil is known for its large, crinkly leaves that resemble lettuce. It has a milder taste, just like sweet basil. Pairing it with watermelon or cantaloupe chunks in your infused water creates a deliciously hydrating and rejuvenating experience.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to combine these different basil varieties with your favorite fruits or vegetables.

Just experiment and find the combinations that suit your taste buds!

Refreshing Basil Water Combos and Tips

We talked about some combos earlier, but let’s explore more options.

One of my go-to combos is a mix of basil and lemon. The tangy lemon flavor complements the fresh basil, and together, they create a yummy drink.

Another citrus fruit that works well with basil is lime. A basil, lime, and cucumber infusion is a perfect blend of flavors and adds a cooling effect that’s fantastic on those hot summer days.

If you prefer something a little sweeter, try combining basil with fruits like watermelon, strawberry, blueberry or raspberry.

These fruits bring natural sweetness and vibrant colors to your infused water. Berries in general work well with basil, even blackberries, which add a depth of flavor and a gorgeous purple hue.

For a unique twist, I like to experiment with herbs like rosemary or mint alongside basil. They add a fragrant aroma and slightly different taste profiles, making your basil water even more interesting and delicious.

My only advice is when adding additional herbs is to star with one and see how the combo is before adding more herbs.

Recap…

Now, when it comes to making your basil-infused water, remember to use fresh water to ensure a clean, fresh taste. I would personally use filtered water.

Infuse your water at room temperature for no more than 2 hours, then move it to the fridge to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.

And remember, don’t leave fruit or herbs in the water for more than 24 hours to prevent them from going bad or affecting the water’s taste. No one wants slimy leaves in their water.

I hope you enjoy trying out these basil water combos and find them as enjoyable as I do. Whether a simple basil and lemon infusion or a more elaborate mixture with multiple fruits and herbs, basil-infused water is a guaranteed way to liven up your hydration routine.

Cheers to natural flavors and a refreshing taste!

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