Name: Star Fruit, Lime, and Basil Water
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 1½ star fruit , sliced thin, plus extra for garnish; 1 lime , sliced thin, plus extra for garnish; ¾ cup fresh Thai basil leaves, plus extra for garnish; 8 cups water , divided

Why This Recipe Works

Uniquely shaped and aptly named, star fruit has a sweet-sour honeysuckle flavor that is reminiscent of a kiwi, with similarly textured, juicy flesh. For other complementary flavors, we chose lime juice and Thai basil, which are often found in Southeast Asian drinks. When testing, we experimented with differing amounts of muddled lime and discovered that we enjoyed the high levels of brightness and sour acidity that one whole sliced lime brought to the water. Our herbal element of Thai basil gave the drink a refreshing, licorice-like flavor that combined with the lime and star fruit to taste deliciously invigorating.

Before You Begin

Star fruit will turn from green to yellow as it ripens; for best results, look for star fruits that are mostly yellow.

Instructions

Combine star fruit, lime, Thai basil, and 1 cup water in 8-cup liquid measuring cup or large bowl. With potato masher or muddler, muddle fruit until broken down and all juices are expressed, about 30 seconds. Stir in 3 cups water. Cover and refrigerate until flavors meld and mixture is chilled, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Strain infused water into pitcher, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids. Stir in remaining 4 cups water and garnish with extra star fruit, lime, and basil. (Water can be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 day; garnish with extra star fruit, lime, and basil just before serving.) Serve in ice-filled glasses.