How to Make Infused Water + 15 Tasty Flavor Combinations

This year, I've made it a goal to drink more water. It’s because I realized that sluggish, headachy, a little "off" feeling seemed to hit me whenever I wasn't properly hydrated. To make the resolution stick, I've had to go beyond 'trying to remember' to drink more and take specific actions to make it a habit.

First, I bought my own special water bottle and started carrying it with me wherever I go. Then I found a way to make drinking water a bit less tiresome and more like a spa treat. In this blog, I'll share my favorite fruit infused water ideas so you can share in the fun.

Making your own infused water is practically calorie free and gives you a refreshing and healthy way to stay hydrated. So if you avoid drinking water because it's boring, this is for you! 

Infused water is a refreshing and healthy way to stay hydrated. It's easy to make and there are endless flavor combinations to try. One popular variation is fruit infused water, which involves adding slices of fresh fruit to cold water for a subtle burst of flavor. Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange are a great choice for this, as are berries like strawberries and blueberries.

To make fruit infused water, simply slice your fruit of choice and add it to a pitcher or mason jar of cold water. For best results, let the water sit in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to infuse. You can also add fresh mint or lime slices for an extra kick.

If you're looking for some recipe ideas, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some suggested fruit combinations include strawberry and basil, cucumber and mint, or watermelon and lime. You can also try using frozen fruit instead of fresh for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

To take your infused water to the next level, consider adding some ice cubes to keep it extra cold and refreshing. This is particularly great on hot summer days or after a workout. Plus, with the added bonus of subtle flavors, it's a great way to make drinking water more enjoyable.

Benefits of Drinking Infused Water

Infused water is a refreshing and healthy beverage made by infusing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs into plain or sparkling water. Infused water recipes are becoming increasingly popular because of their numerous health benefits, and they are a great way to stay hydrated without consuming sugary drinks.

One of the biggest benefits of infused water is that it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruits such as citrus fruits, berries, and watermelon are packed with nutrients that help support the immune system and promote healthy skin. Adding fresh mint, basil, or ginger to infused water also provides additional health benefits. These herbs contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Infused water is also a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking water can sometimes be boring, but adding fresh fruits and herbs to it can make it much more enjoyable to drink. Infused water is a great alternative to sugary drinks that are loaded with calories and can lead to weight gain.

Infused water is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. There are many fruit infused water recipe ideas available online, so you can experiment with different flavors until you find your favorite. Some popular combinations include cucumber and mint, citrus fruits and berries, and watermelon and lime.

To make infused water, simply slice fresh fruits and vegetables and add them to a mason jar or water bottle. You can also add fresh herbs and ice cubes to the jar or bottle to enhance the flavor and keep the water cold. Fill the jar or bottle with cold water and let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to infuse. Infused water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

Infused water is also a great way to add subtle flavors to your drinks. Adding citrus rinds or thin slices of lime or lemon to your water can provide a refreshing burst of flavor without adding any calories. Infused water can also be a great way to get all the benefits of drinking water without the bitter flavor that some people dislike.

Infused water is a healthy and delicious beverage that is easy to make and customizable to your liking. With so many fresh fruit infused water recipe ideas available, it's easy to find a flavor combination that you'll love. Infused water is a great way to stay hydrated and get all the benefits of fresh fruits and herbs without consuming sugary drinks. So next time you're feeling thirsty, try making a refreshing mix of infused water and enjoy all the health benefits it has to offer!

We know sugary drinks aren't good for us because they are high in calories, and they don't really hydrate us all that well. Caffeinated beverages like soda and coffee can actually leave us more dehydrated.

Infused waters have been on the market for years, and quite often, what you find on store shelves contains additives and "natural flavors." Well, I don't know exactly what natural flavors they put in there, but I prefer the natural ones I can select from my fruit bowl.

Infused water can offer quite a few health benefits, depending on the fruits, vegetables, and herbs you use. Besides providing an array of nutrients, antioxidants, and bio-available compounds, infused water can also:

Protect against aging. Many fruits are loaded with antioxidants, which protect our cells against free radical damage and boost their longevity. 

Control bloating and aid digestion. Things like excess salt, hormones, and a sub-optimal diet can encourage water retention and bloating. But some foods, such as ginger and cucumber, may help reduce swelling and prevent water retention.

Boost relaxation. If you're feeling stressed, you can infuse your water with herbs that promote relaxation, such as sage, lavender, and chamomile [source].

How to Make Infused Water

Believe it or not, you really can infuse water easily with fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices.  This goes beyond the classic ubiquitous lemon slice in a glass of water. It's one of those things where you can get super creative and think outside the bottle. The possibilities are endless! We'll share some fruit infused water recipes later on. 

Here are some fruit infused water ideas:

Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, mint, basil, cilantro, parsley

Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, fresh ginger, cloves, vanilla bean

Edible flowers: Rose, lavender, citrus blossoms, hibiscus, pansies, violets (just make sure they're 100% pesticide-free)

Fruit: Berries (fresh or frozen), melon, tropical fruits, citrus, apples, pears

Vegetables: Cucumber, celery, fennel, carrots

Water: Filtered water is great, but if you don't have a filtration system, tap water is fine too.

Gather ingredients

I like to make infused water using large glass pitchers or jars with lids. Give the add-ins a good wash or rinse. You can leave the fruits or veggies peeled or unpeeled. That's up to you.

Try to use organic if you can, and avoid any fruit that's bruised or overly ripe or herbs that don't look fresh. Cut it into thin slices or small cubes because the flavor will infuse more quickly. Add the fruit, herbs, spices, or whatever you want to use into a bottle and then fill it up with fresh water.

Be patient

Let the water sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to infuse. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the water will be.

Some fruits or herbs will infuse more quickly than others. Citrus is pretty instant. Herbs take a little longer. Berries take a few hours and will also release color into the water.

I immediately put the infused water in the fridge after I make it, but it doesn't hurt to let it sit at room temperature for a little while (just like when making sun tea, sunlight can help extract the flavors). However, you should keep it in the fridge or add ice if you aren't planning on using it right away.

Drink + refill

Pour a glass and enjoy! If you don't like the feeling of seeds or pulp in your infused water, filter it through a few layers of cheesecloth or a fine sieve before drinking. You can refill the water a few times and let it infuse again, but the flavors won't be as pronounced.

Here are 5 of my favorite flavor combinations:

1. Blueberry Lemon Mint

Rich in antioxidants, blueberries are known to fight inflammation and lower the risk of some cancers [source]. Meanwhile, lemon is rich in vitamin C, and mint helps to freshen breath.

2. Citrus Cilantro

Not everyone is a fan of cilantro, I know, but citrus and cilantro go so well together that you might not even know it's there. Cilantro is often used in detox diets because it stimulates digestive enzymes and juices, which helps with certain gastrointestinal disorders [source]. It also has antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects [source].

Also, lemon, orange, or grapefruit slices add a dose of vitamin C while promoting hydration. If you don't have cilantro, then use mint or basil instead.

3. Green Apple Raspberry Rosemary

Because they're both tart and sweet, green apples tend to pack a more flavorful punch than other fruits. Combine them with raspberries (antioxidants and vitamin C) and rosemary (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial [source]), and you have a double-duty hydration booster.

4. Pineapple Cucumber Mint

Cucumbers are a spa water superstar—and for good reason. They're said to help cleanse the body by getting rid of “accumulated pockets of old waste materials and chemical toxins" [source]. They also have a cooling effect on the body and boost hydration.

Pineapple is loaded with micronutrients and bioactive compounds such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, and B vitamins. And the volatile oils in peppermint can help improve conditions such as acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and kidney stones [source].

5. Kiwi Blackberry

Kiwi fruit is rich in polyphenols, a potent antioxidant, and helps stimulate the immune system [source]. And blackberries provide high levels of vitamins C, A, E, K, and D. 

10 more tasty fruit infused water recipe ideas

Looking for more fruit infused water recipe ideas? Try these!

1. Orange Chai Spice Fruit Infused Water: sliced oranges, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, allspice

2. Vanilla Basil Strawberry Fruit Infused Water: vanilla bean (remove seeds first), a handful of fresh basil, 1 cup of sliced strawberries

3. Fennel Pear Fruit Infused Water: thinly sliced fennel bulb plus a few green fronds, and thin slices of ripe, but firm pear

4. Basil Melon Fruit Infused Water: sliced or cubed melon, handful of basil leaves

5. Ginger Lime Fruit Infused Water: sliced fresh ginger, sliced limes

6. Blueberry Cucumber Basil Fruit Infused Water: a handful of fresh blueberries, sliced cucumber, a small bunch of basil leaves

7. Lemon Lavender Fruit Infused Water: slices of lemon, a few teaspoons of lavender (tied in cheesecloth)

8. Raspberry Rose Fruit Infused Water: a handful of raspberries, organic fresh rose petals

9. Mango Pineapple Mint Fruit Infused Water: slices of firm-ripe mango, slices of pineapple, a handful of fresh mint leaves

10. Apple Cinnamon Fruit Infused Water: slices of green or red apple, a few cinnamon sticks

Infused Water FAQs

Can I eat the fruit when I'm done?

Sure! Assuming the fruit hasn't gotten too soft (it's still edible, it just might be less enjoyable), feel free to eat the fruit as you drink your water. You can always add it to a smoothie if it gets a little too soggy, and you don’t feel like eating it.

Can I infuse water with frozen fruit/citrus peels/dried fruit?

Yep, you can use dried fruit, frozen fruit straight from the freezer, and any fruit and vegetable peels you like to add more flavor to your water. But just like with fresh fruit, I recommend choosing organic, if you can, and thoroughly washing peels before making an infused water. 

Can I just squeeze fruit juice into the water rather than diffusing it?

Sure, if you're in a hurry, feel free just to squeeze the juice directly into your water. It might turn out sweeter than if you had steeped it, but it won't hurt anything. 

How long can I leave the water on the counter while it steeps?

I recommend only letting your spa water sit out on the counter for 2–3 hours at most. Any longer and you run the risk of having bacteria begin to set up shop in your water.

How can I keep the fruit from disintegrating in the water?

Over time, the fruit will start to soften and get pulp, seeds, and oils in your water. Some fruits do this more than others. You can either use a diffuser pitcher (or a good portable diffuser bottle) to keep the fruit somewhat contained or you can strain the water through a few layers of cheesecloth to remove pulp and debris before drinking.

What if some of my fruit or herbs turn brown? Is it still safe to drink the water?

A little oxidation (think cut apples sitting on the counter for an hour) is perfectly safe to drink. But if your fruit turns brown after a prolonged period of time (like after sitting in the fridge for a few days), it's kind of iffy. In that case, I recommend tossing the whole batch and starting fresh.

How long will a batch of infused water stay good for use?

Try to drink your infused water within 48 hours. After that, the fruit gets waterlogged and may start to break down, so it's best to toss it out and start over.

Can I reuse the same fruit a few times before throwing it out?

Sure! Feel free to reuse the same fruit 2–3 times within 48 hours. After that, it's best to make another batch with fresh fruit. 

What's the best fruit to water ratio to use?

For the most flavor, I recommend a 1:3 ratio of fruit to water. That means you'll use 1 cup of the combined fruit, veggies, and herbs to 3 cups of water. Scale that ratio up or down depending on the size of your container.

We're curious, what are your tips for upping your water intake?

P.S. See more infused water ideas perfect for summer right here!

Our favorite infused water recipes can also be found: 

Infused Water Recipes For Glowing Skin

Infused Water Recipes For Hydration

Infused Water Recipes For Florida Water

Infused Water Recipes For Making Perfume

Infused Water Recipes For Cleaning Your Home

Infused Water Recipes For Detoxing

Infused Water Recipes With Your Favorite Ingredients

Enjoy these infused water recipes and let us know which one is your favorite! 

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

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