Refreshing Ideas for Making Your Own Fruit Infused Waters at Home

Introduction to DIY Flavored Water

Staying hydrated is important for our health, but drinking plain water can get boring. Infusing water with fruits, herbs, and other ingredients makes it tastier and more enjoyable to drink. The current social media craze of using things like Mio or Crystal Light liquid water enhancers has its drawbacks. While convenient, these products are full of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Luckily, there are many easy and natural DIY ways to give your water an extra flavor punch.

Benefits of Flavored Water

Drinking flavored water has several benefits over plain water:

• Enhances flavor and makes water taste better
• Encourages increased water consumption by making it more enjoyable
• Allows customization with your favorite fruits, herbs, etc.
• Avoids artificial ingredients found in commercial water enhancers
• Provides variation so you don't get bored of plain water
• Can add nutritional value from ingredients like fruit

Making your own infused waters at home lets you control exactly what goes into your drinks. You can create refreshing combinations using natural, healthy ingredients.

Fruits to Add to Water

Fruits naturally impart sweetness and flavor to water. Their juices infuse water while adding vitamins and antioxidants. Try these delicious options:

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit - all types of citrus fruits make tasty additions to water. Citrus juices provide a refreshing zing. For the strongest flavor, squeeze juice directly into the water.

Berries

Choose ripe, juicy berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Mash them up a bit before adding to your water pitcher or bottle. The bursting juices will quickly infuse the water.

Melons

Watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe chunks add both flavor and texture. Watermelon infused water is perfect for summer. The mild sweetness pairs well with mint too.

Stone Fruits

Peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots have flesh that easily releases juice. Cut into wedges or thick slices before adding to water.

Tropical Fruits

Pineapple, mango, papaya, guava, and passionfruit lend tropical flavors. If using pineapple, peel it first to avoid the tingling enzyme bromelain.

Apples and Pears

Add apple and pear slices for milder fruit-infused water. Leave the skin on for an extra nutritional boost.

Herbs, Spices, and Roots for Flavor

For savory, aromatic waters, use fresh herbs, spices, and roots. Their essential oils impart flavor and scent:

Fresh Herbs

Try basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon balm, lemongrass, and lavender. Lightly muddle the tender leaves before steeping.

Fresh Ginger

Add sliced or grated ginger root to water for a spicy kick. It also aids digestion. Adjust the amount to taste.

Cinnamon Sticks

Simmer a stick of cinnamon in water for a warming cinnamon spice flavor. Add a sweetener if desired.

Peppercorns

Whole black peppercorns infuse a bit of savory heat. Start with just a few and increase if you want more punch.

Cloves

Stud oranges or lemons with whole cloves for a festive, mulled cider taste. Or add a couple cloves to plain water.

Creative Flavor Combinations

Mix and match fruits, herbs, and spices for your own signature flavored waters. Some delicious combos include:

• Lemon + Mint
• Lime + Basil
• Watermelon + Mint
• Strawberry + Rosemary
• Peach + Ginger
• Pineapple + Sage
• Orange + Lemon + Cinnamon
• Raspberry + Lime + Lemongrass
• Blackberry + Lime + Mint
• Apple + Cinnamon + Cloves

Making Fruit Infused Water

Infusing water with fruits, herbs, and spices is simple. Here are some tips:

• Use fresh, ripe produce for best flavor
• Wash all ingredients before using
• Cut larger fruits into chunks or slices
• Lightly muddle herbs and tender leaves
• Use filtered or spring water for purest taste
• Infuse flavors in a pitcher, bottle, or mason jar
• Refrigerate for chilled flavored water
• Let infuse for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight
• Give it a taste test and adjust flavors as needed
• Drink within 2-3 days for peak freshness

DIY Flavored Water Recipes

Get inspired by these refreshing infused water recipes:

Strawberry Basil Water

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 14 cup packed basil leaves
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 64 oz cold water

Instructions: In a large pitcher, lightly muddle the strawberries and basil. Add the lemon slices and water. Give it a good stir, cover, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours before drinking. Add ice cubes as needed.

Watermelon Mint Water

Ingredients:

• 14 small seedless watermelon, diced into chunks
• 12 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
• 1 lime, sliced
• Ice cubes
• 64 oz cold water

Instructions: In a large pitcher, gently mash the watermelon chunks to release their juices. Add the mint leaves, lime slices, and water. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice.

Blackberry Sage Water

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blackberries
• 5-6 fresh sage leaves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 64 oz cold water

Instructions: In a pitcher, slightly muddle the blackberries. Add the sage leaves, orange slices, and water. Cover and chill for 2-4 hours before drinking. Add ice as needed.

Grapefruit Jalapeo Water

Ingredients:

• 1 grapefruit, sliced
• 12 jalapeo pepper, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 64 oz cold water

Instructions: In a pitcher, add the grapefruit slices, jalapeo slices, and water. Give it a good stir. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before drinking. Add more or less jalapeo to taste.

Tips for the Best DIY Flavored Waters

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.