I have to admit – I am a sucker for flavor. I would drink coffee or tea all day simply because it has a taste to it. I know that water is good for us though so I am trying to drink more of it.
I was quite surprised two summers ago when I found out that adding fruits, vegetables, and herbs to water could really kick the flavor up a notch.
At the time it was early morning and we were walking around the farmer’s market. There was a lady there who was giving out samples of basil strawberry water. Both of these items I had in my garden so I thought, why not? I tasted it and bought a cup from her, then promptly went home and made my own.
No matter if you are a gardener looking for interesting ways to use your ingredients or just looking for a way to drink your water, this is it.
Favorite Infused Water Thirst Quenchers
Here is a list of some of my favorites:
1. Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber, and Mint
Cassie over at Wholefully came up with this thirst quencher and it’s on my list first for a reason. One, I am a big fan of strawberries, especially during the beginning of the summer when they come right from my garden.
I also love the other flavors she has added to this recipe. Mint? Um, yes. Especially if you can find the smaller chocolate mint. I could eat those as they come. Cucumber? One it’s mostly water anyway, and two it really enhances this water. Delicious!
2. Vitamin Water
This recipe, created by Karen over at Soup Addict, has oranges, watermelons, and grapefruits in the drink to name a few.
What I really like about her post is that she guides you through what each of the added ingredients will do for you. For example, the watermelon is “rich in vitamins A and C, plus phytonutrients including anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatories, and cucurbitacins”. Not to mention it tastes better and it looks beautiful.
Like cucumber, watermelon is named after its main ingredient – water. Adding these ingredients gives us a tart flavor that really makes me think it’s not water and yet still satisfies my thirst.
3. Pressure Cooker Infused Water
Marci over at Tidbits came up with this interesting way to make infused water. Most of us here are canners, so what could be easier?
What makes this article even better is she gives us ideas for more unique ingredients such as Blueberry Lime, Mango Ginger, Apple Cinnamon, and Peach Raspberry Lemonade.
Plus it only really needs to cook for about five minutes and then frozen which, depending on the size of the ice cube tray you use, could only take about an hour.
Then you can pop them into any water and make a delicious, cold treat for your self and your loved ones. Added bonus? There is more for later.
4. Orange Basil Infused Water
Julia over at Happy Foods Tube came up with this delicious early morning thirst quencher. I guess it doesn’t have to be in the morning but I see orange as a morning thing.
She gives some great tips on how to make infused water as well, including to squeeze the softer fruits in order to get the most flavor out of them.
She also talks about how much she likes adding ginger and turmeric. I don’t know about turmeric but I am really beginning to see the benefits of using ginger in so many different aspects.
Be sure to check out her post for a great recipe and some equally great tips.
5. Lemon, Thyme, and Rosemary Infused Water
If you are a gardener you know that rosemary grows like crazy. This recipe is delicious and does a good job of using up a plant you will probably never run out of.
Lemon is a good ingredient in many different infused water recipes. People often ask for lemon in their water at a restaurant and there is a reason for this. Many of the recipes I have will include lemon in the water simply because it’s probably the most used and the most loved, though don’t give up on the others- they are pretty good themselves!
Sarah over at Very. Sarie came up with this recipe.
6. Blackberry and Sage
Blackberries are one of my favorite fruits. They have a tartness that cannot be beaten with something a little sweeter. Delicious.
Sage has a bit of a sweet taste to it since it is in the mint family.
Evermine Occasions came up with this delicious recipe. There are several others on the site as well, as seen in the picture.
I chose this one though because it has the hint of color that is added to the water, making it look pretty. Sometimes we eat with our eyes and nose before we ever take a bite.
This drink gives you the opportunity to enjoy several different senses in one cold mug!
7. Cherry Lime Infused Water
Sara at Budget Savvy Diva makes me wonder if I can create my own cherry limeade without the sugar.
You could do one of two things here- add purified water into a soda maker and make bubbles or pick up club soda. I would choose the first of the two because with a good soda maker, you can determine how many bubbles you want.
How great is it to taste a healthier version of what is seen as an American classic? To know that your family and friends are enjoying the healthier alternative is such a great feeling. Try this beauty for try!
8. Apple Cinnamon Spa Water
Chris Johns over at Fruit Infused Waters wrote this recipe and I love it because it is the only one that really screams fall.
I think you could make this drink hot or cold. Perfect for a day when it’s cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon!
They note that both apples and cinnamon boost our metabolism and that if you want more flavor out of the apples, cut them smaller and add more to the drink.
Added benefit? You can refill the water two or three times before throwing away the fruit and cinnamon! Getting to use the ingredients means saving money and getting a delicious drink. Win-win.
9. Tangerine and Strawberry Infused Water
The founder of this recipe, Lose Weight by Eating, did a great job coming up with another early morning winner in my opinion. Tangerines are a good option for infused water because the fruit has a stronger taste and is considered sweeter than oranges.
Another thing that she notes, which I have never thought of, is using dried fruit in the water in order to be able to use fruits all year round. She came up with this when seeing dehydrated strawberries.
She chooses to use a coffee filter or strainer in order to keep them from falling apart in her drink, though I would be okay with that. It’s a matter of personal preference.
10. Kiwi Blackberry Infused Water
Angie over at The Country Chic Cottage developed this recipe and made it extra cute! I love the use of the mason jar and the background being very rustic.
It just goes to show that not everyone reading this is a bodybuilder. Instead, we are regular people looking to get more water in our system because we know it’s better.
She also opts to mash her fruits up a bit to give them more flavor. This is a good idea if you are wanting to drink the recipe sooner than a few hours from now or if you are wanting more flavor.
11. Lemon Blackberry Infused Water
I’m getting excited already. I told you all how much I love lemons and blackberries. Combining the two sounds delicious! I think this is another recipe that would do well with carbonation.
Britonalo.com also encourages you to mush some of the ingredients to get a richer flavor. Also, towards the end of the post, she has a recipe for a pineapple jalapeno recipe. I guess if you like spicy, you could give that one a try!
12. Ginger Lime Infused Water
The crew over at Fabletics came up with this recipe. If the taste of this water doesn’t get you going- the Instagram pictures just might!
This reminds me of ginger ale and sprite being fused together… with a light, refreshing taste it is perfect to quench someone’s thirst and give them the energy boost they need!
Not to mention that ginger gives an energy boost and helps relieve motion sickness. Limes help even our body’s pH balance, making for a happy, healthy human being all around.
13. Tropical Pineapple and Orange Infused Water
Yet another one from Chris over at Fruit Infused Waters this tropical drink will take you by storm. The feel of the sand touching your toes almost happens if you close your eyes.
I like the fact that it is supposed to help with your immune system as well. I have an auto-immune disorder so I am always looking for a way to give my body a boost. Here’s one way that fulfills many different qualities that are needed: helps my body stay hydrated, helps my body stay healthy, and helps me get a tasty drink.
14. Recovery Drink
This drink was created by Zain and is found on Zain Saraswati Jamal. She gives several different recipes for if you need water to do something beyond hydrate you- like recovery after a workout.
I chose this one because she has so many different flavors in one drink: cherries, pomegranate, and blackberries make up this tasty drink. She also adds glutamine which promotes athletic performance.
15. Watermelon Mint Infused Water
Stephanie over at Eat Drink Love created this tasty recipe, though she doesn’t get into too much detail. Instead she says to play with it and have fun. Which has been my theory all along. I’m just easing you into this wonderful transition.
16. Blueberry Lavendar Infused Water
You can find this recipe over at Melissa’s which also has a stock of different produce you can purchase.
I chose this one because it breaks out of the norm by adding flowers to the mixture. There are also people who swear by drinking rose water as well. I have had lavender coffee and didn’t care for it much but I think lavender water might be better. The flower has a nice, sweet taste to it but a hint that just didn’t work with the coffee vibes.
17. Chia Seed Infused Water
Made by Katie over at The Casual Craftlete, this water is definitely unique. The lime would go good with the chia seeds. Just be sure to shake up the water and let it sit for ten minutes in order to get full impact. Ten minutes sure beats the several hours, so there is a plus to that too!
18. Blueberry Cilantro
First off, I don’t like very spicy food. Second off, I think cilantro is one of the best herbs there is out there. It is a bit spicy but well worth it. Having lived in Texas long enough, I feel cilantro has become a good friend of mine.
Add to that the arms raised, all-mighty greatness of lemons in water and fresh blueberries off the vine and you might now have one of the best drinks on this list.
Super big shout out to Tasty Yummies for channeling my inner spice girl.
19. Lemon Lime Infused Water
I think of the song, “You go and save the best for last”. Lene from House of Treats thought of adding the hint of flavor into her water. This is the hint that is sitting right next to me at the moment. Yet, mine is carbonated.
Another aspect I will attribute to my love of all things Texas is how I have fallen for carbonated water with a hint of flavor.
This brings it all out and brings this post to a close. I hope you’ve enjoyed the recipes and are not afraid to mix and combine as you see fit.
Until next time, stay hydrated!