Love sipping on a flavorful beverage, but hate all those extra calories and chemicals? In this article, my friend and health blogger Melissa Gundersen shows us 11 delicious infused water recipes and steps us through how to make them!
Every morning I wake up, stumble to the kitchen, and make myself a pitcher of infused water. Some mornings I’ll add apples to my water, other days it’s strawberries, cucumbers, or oranges. Since I avoid soda and other sugary drinks, infused water gives me a burst of flavor without any refined sugars or added calories. Plus, drinking infused water has been linked to a boosted immune system, weight loss, and much more. That’s because as the ingredients soak, their powerful nutrients release into the water.
Here are 11 of my all-time favorite infused water recipes and how they benefit health! When making infused water it’s important to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours before drinking. This will allow the nutrients and flavor to seep into the water.
Apple Cinnamon
Add a thinly sliced apple (without the seeds) and one cinnamon stick to a pitcher of water. There’s really no right and wrong when it comes to measurements, so if you want a stronger flavor then add less water. On the flip side, if you simply want a hint of flavor then use more water.
This drink is often referred to as a flat belly drink. Plus, the apple in this recipe offers good-for-you nutrients that boost immunity and fight cancer.
Watermelon Mint
Cube one cup of fresh watermelon and add it to a pitcher of water. Then, stir in between four-six mint leaves. If you don’t want your water to have a powerful mint flavor then only use about four leaves (or even less if you prefer). Remember, you can always add more mint flavoring, but once the leaves have infused into the water you can’t take the taste away.
Strawberry Mint
Cut one cup of strawberries in half and add them to a pitcher of water. Then stir in about four mint leaves. This is perhaps my favorite infused water recipe. It’s the perfect refreshment! Plus, the mint leaves help to settle an upset stomach and the strawberries are rich in disease-fighting antioxidants.
One recommendation – always use organic produce when making infused water. You don’t want to drink a bunch of pesticides!
Cucumber Mint
Thinly slice one cucumber and add to water. I leave the skin on because that’s where many of the vitamins and minerals live. Then, add about four mint leaves. When you drink this water close your eyes and imagine you’re at the spa!
Lemon Cucumber
Thinly slice half a cucumber and one lemon. Then, add the slices to a pitcher of water. This is a great morning drink since it can help beat belly bloat and boost your energy!
Strawberry Lemon Basil
Cut one cup of strawberries in half, thinly slice one lemon, and mix five basil leaves into a pitcher of water. Along with its unique flavor, the basil leaves provide anti-bacterial properties.
Strawberry Kiwi
Cut one cup of strawberries in half, thinly slice one kiwi, and add to a pitcher of water. Since kiwi is considered a prebiotic food, this infused water is extremely beneficial for digestion.
Blueberry Kiwi
Add half a cup of fresh blueberries, two thinly sliced kiwis, and three mint leaves to a pitcher of water. Aside from the deliciousness, there are plenty of health benefits packed into this drink. The blueberries are a great “brain food” and the kiwis and mint leaves support digestive health.
Orange Blueberry
Load up on vitamin C and antioxidants with this drink. Simply add half a cup of fresh blueberries and a thinly sliced orange to a pitcher of water.
Raspberry Lemon
Add half a cup of fresh raspberries, a thinly sliced lemon, and three mint leaves to a pitcher of water.
Lemon Grapefruit
If you like citrus fruits then you will love this! Add half a cup of halved strawberries, a thinly sliced lemon, and a thinly sliced grapefruit to a pitcher of water.