Fruit-infused waters are a wonderful and refreshing drink option for warm summer days, because sometimes it is nice to have an alternative to plain water (and if you like it more, you drink more of it!).
There are plenty of sweetened, processed syrups to add to water, but the body doesn’t need refined sugar, and it certainly doesn’t need artificial sweeteners or food dyes.
If you want to add some delicious taste and health benefits to water, try these fruit-water recipes instead! These recipes use micronutrient-rich herbs, fruits, and vegetables for thirst-quenching flavour with added benefits.
It is hard to even call infused water a recipe because it is so simple. End there are endless combinations possible! There are a couple of tips that make the process easier and improve the taste:
Use a Good Pitcher
Using a high-quality glass pitcher really does improve the flavour of infused water. This also makes it much easier to serve and enjoy!
Use good quality Fruits and Herbs
The fruit and herbs are adding flavour to the water. But if they are not organic, they might be adding some unintended pesticides or chemicals. Try to choose fresh organic produce for making infused waters. If you do have to use conventional produce, be sure to peel off the rind or skin before infusing, and/or rinse well.
If you grow to love fruit- and herb-infused water like we have, consider starting an indoor herb garden in your kitchen just for this purpose! Then fresh herbs are always only a pinch away.
Give It Time
For best flavour, it takes at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator to let the flavours of the fruit infuse into the water.
If you drink the water within the first day, you can add more filtered water and re-infuse to get a second use out of the fruits and herbs.
We are happy to share some infused water ´recipes´, but these are just suggestions and fruit waters are based on your taste preferences, so experiment and enjoy!
1. Cucumber Mint
Thinly slice one cucumber. Peel if it isn’t organic! Add the sliced cucumbers to a ½ gallon glass jar, add 8 muddled fresh mint leaves, and fill with filtered water. Stir gently and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Strawberry and Basil
The combination of strawberry and basil might seem a little strange at first, but the sweetness of the strawberries pairs really well with the aromatic herbs. Just slice the strawberries, and rub the leaves with your fingers before placing them in your pitcher.
3. Cranberrie, lemon and Orange
Cut orange and lemon into slices. Put orange, lemon, and cranberries into a pitcher and add about two liters of water. Let fruit “steep” for about 15-20 minutes.
4. Kiwi and Cinnamon
Use cinnamon sticks because they produce a nice flavour and stay solid. Ground cinnamon will float to the top and you’ll end up with a cinnamon mustache!
5. Clementine camomile lavender water
It is as mouth-watering as it sounds! Steep some chamomile tea in about 8 ounces of water and then add about 1/4 cup to each glass before filling with ice, clementines, and fresh lavender. If you are using dried lavender – use twice as much… or even try lavender oil!
To keep your waters from tasting bitter, always remove the rind from citrus. It will maintain the citrus flavour without the bitterness.
Cheers!