One of the keys to preventing dehydration is drinking plenty of fluids, including water. While water is almost always the best drink choice, a lot of people complain that they get bored drinking plain water. While you can add purchased flavored drink mixes to water, you can also make your own flavored water by infusing it with different fruits and herbs.
Infusing water with a little flavor is really simple. Fill a pitcher with water, add thinly sliced fruits, herbs or spices, and chill in the refrigerator. You also can add sliced fresh fruit to a reusable water bottle. The combinations are endless. Some fruits work better than others. Berries tend to break down faster than hardier citrus fruits like lemons or limes. For stronger flavored water, prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight before drinking.
Health Benefits of Infused Water
A great benefit of infusing water with fresh fruits, herbs, and spices is that you can get some added nutritional benefits. Lemons, lime, oranges, grapefruit, and berries are all excellent sources of vitamin C. Fresh ginger and fresh mint are both refreshing flavorings as well as good for upset stomachs.
Making your own flavored water is also a good way to avoid the unnecessary added sugars, preservatives or chemicals that often are added to drink mixes or commercially available flavored waters. Eager to get started? Check out the simple infused water recipes below!
Cucumber-Infused Water
What you will need:
- 1 cucumber
- A strainer
- Water and ice
For slightly flavored-infused cucumber water, cut a cucumber up into small slices or chunks, add it to your water and cover, and let sit in the fridge overnight. Strain the mixture before drinking.
For a more flavorful cucumber-infused water, blend the cucumber and pour it into a strainer and let drip overnight. In the morning, mix the cucumber juice with a pitcher of water.
Grapefruit, Orange and Lime-Infused Water
What you will need:
- 1/2 a grapefruit thinly sliced
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1/2 a lime thinly sliced
- A few mint sprigs (optional)
- Water and ice (1 quart)
Chill for a stronger flavor or serve right away for a nice light refreshment.
Pineapple, Ginger and Mint-Infused Water
What you will need:
- Pineapple slices (6-10)
- Thinly sliced ginger (5 slices)
- Mint leaves (14)
- Ice and water (1 quart)
Chill for a stronger flavor or serve right away for a nice light refreshment.
Fruit-Infused Iced Tea
What you will need:
- Fruit-flavored herbal tea, such as Celestial Seasonings Red or Lemon Zinger or Tazo Passion
- Cubed pineapple
- Sliced tangerines
Add 1 tea bag for every 6 ounces of water and fruit to taste. Allow to stand 1 hour at room temperature, then chill overnight.
To mix things up, try other fruit and herb combination ideas.
There are numerous health benefits to staying hydrated, including fresher, younger-looking skin and mental and physical energy. Hydration also helps reduce the chances of developing ailments such as the flu, arthritis, and other health irregularities.
Feel free to share any or all of these delicious infused water recipes and the health benefits of proper hydration with your loved ones.
Cheers to your health and wellness!
If you like the recipes above, here’s a list of other recipes for wellness.
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