Star Spangled Fruit Infused Water ~ don’t save this patriotic thirst quencher for Memorial Day or the 4th of July ~ stay healthy and hydrated all summer long with this colorful fruit infused red white and blueberry water.
The problem with so many red white and blue themed foods is that they’re often filled with sugar, artificial colors, and processed ingredients — but it doesn’t have to be that way, my healthy no-sugar fruit infused water is naturally ‘patriotic’, and can stand in for sodas and punches throughout the summer months and beyond. The fruit gradually flavors the water and the longer it sits, the more flavor you’ll get. Luckily the iconic fruit of the season just happens to be perfectly suited to a ‘red white and blueberry’ theme!
how to make watermelon stars
I chose watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries for my water.
- You’ll need a seedless watermelon and a small star cookie cutter for the watermelon stars.
- I like to slice the end off the melon so it will be stable on my cutting surface.
- Then slice the whole thing in thin slices.
- Use your star cutter to cut out the stars.
- If you’d like step by step instructions I show you how in this SUMMER MELON SALAD post. It’s just like cutting cookies, only it’s melon!
- Be sure to cut more than you think you’ll need because there will be lots of watermelon star snacking going on, trust me.
TIP: Don’t plan on assembling your Star Spangled Fruit Infused Water too far in advance or the fruit won’t look its best. An hour or two ahead is plenty.
The fruit from the melon and the berries will infuse into the water almost immediately, and will get stronger the longer it sits.
TIP: Large glass dispensers make entertaining so much easier because all you do is fill them and forget them…and let your guests serve themselves.
I serve my water out of pretty large glass beverage dispensers. I use them all summer long because they’re so convenient for serving beverages to a crowd. They come in lots of shapes and sizes, and some even have metal stands to set them up higher. When you add colorful fruit to your water, lemonade, iced tea, or even a spiked punch, the dispenser becomes the centerpiece of your party. I use mine for serving my SUMMER PEACH AND BASIL SANGRIA, too.
more fruits for infused water
- citrus fruits like orange and grapefruit
- apples
- peaches, plums
- raspberries
- pineapple
- kiwi
- honeydew or cantaloupe melon
- papaya and mango
Check out my HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY INFUSED WATER for lots of creative inspiration!
Star Spangled Fruit Infused Water
Ingredients
- 1 small seedless watermelon
- 1 pint blueberries
- 1 pint strawberries
Instructions
- Cut the ends off the watermelon and stand on a cutting surface. Slice it into thin slices.
- Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out stars.
- Slice the strawberries in half.
- Fill a large water dispenser or container with filtered water. Add the fruit and let sit for at least an hour before serving.
- Serve over ice with more fresh fruit in each glass.
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Im a little over a year late on this. I just started fruit infused water and looking for basic strawberry blueberry recipes. I’m just curious if you put the blueberries in whole or if you squeeze them a bit to open them. Just curious how well they flavor infuses being whole
For the best flavor you should give them a little squeeze, Tara.
Can I use sparkling water?
Sure, I think that would be really refreshing.
Hey Sue, I can’t find a small star cookie cutter for the watermelon. All I found is a large size star cookie cutter. Can I use it?
Sure, the only thing is it might not hold together as well, since depending on your watermelon it can be soft and loose in the middle. I’d cut it on the thick side for stability.
I am absolutely going to do this! It’s so pretty and I bet it tastes terrific. We adore watermelon anyway. Great, creative and gorgeous idea Sue!
This has to be the prettiest infused water i have ever seen. Your an artist with food Sue!
Thanks Cheri <3
Love the ideas for fruit infused water.
Sue, about the dessert question: it’s a toss up. I love your desserts, but I also really enjoy your creative ideas for Main dishes, salads and sides, especially one pot meals or a dish that cuts down on ingredients or time. Keep up the delicious and beautiful work! Thank you.
Thanks Dana, I love both too, but those dessert recipes definitely have more drawing power, at least as far as blog traffic and Pinterest is concerned! But don’t worry, I’ll never give up on regular food 😉