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
Gather ingredientsI 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
2. Citrus CilantroNot 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
3. Green Apple Raspberry RosemaryBecause 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
4. Pineapple Cucumber MintCucumbers 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
5. Kiwi BlackberryKiwi 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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Gaffy says
I'm in tears crying from this comment LMAO!!!
Fruity says
You know you can do that with a blender on your own but then it would
be a smothi, also if you prefer to
pay alot of money for a little piece of dried fruit (loose of vitamins already) then keep in mind that those ingredient as well as any kind of smothi will plague your teeth. I mean if you prefer to add those bags you would ned your theets a god shrub after consuming because of fructose and tiny bits that could stick between. while infused water is just water. and if you are going to tell me that the content of his package is dissolved by water then it's not natural ;) and still has bunch of stuff in it you wouldn't want in your body.
easiest way to have both benefits. infuse water at night make a smothi with left ofer ingredients from the water plus some freshly added one and start your day with the smoothi instead of coffee and drink the water trough out the day :P
Cortney Hollingsworth says
Your in serious need of help
Cath says
Admin delete this festy comment!
Xoxox says
I laughed so hard It hurts
Naomi says
I tried this it really works! Thanks!
Courtney says
Can u use a regular jug to do fruit water in and how long it take for the favor
Snidely Whiplash says
A container is a container. Your hold up is figuring out what to put some water and fruit in, really? You may have larger challenges.
Mariyam Sana Salih says
Hi. Will it be okay if i leave the water without ice in room temperature? And for how long can i keep it? I just got a 4 litre dispenser and i wanna know if i could just leave it on my kitchen countertop. And put ice when i need to drink it.
Lindsey Johnson says
I wouldn't leave it at room temperature for too long - a few hours up to a day at most.
Sharon says
Had no clue that you could do this!! But I <3 it, no calories, you can refill multiple times, and have all these different flavors.
CherryL101 says
I have a water bottle that's part juicer, so you can juice the fruit, empty the fruit mush into,the bottom of the bottle and then fill it up.
miriam says
How do u keep the water clean & clear? The fruit seems to make the water dirty & when u drink it u get residues from the fruit in ur mouth.
Melissa A says
I freeze the fruit at least the night before if not longer. That way the water stays cold longer wth the dozen fruits and no soggy fruit. And I still has that fresh fruit taste.
The Boss says
seriously you are asking this question ? You have major food issues.
Unbelievable!!!
Tiffiny Kelly says
You simply purchase an infuser water bottle or container. Mine can hold 24 ounces of water. It comes with a removable infuser; a cylinder with holes in it. You fill the bottle with filtered or sparkling water. Next you add your ingredients to the infuser, then screw the cap on. You place the infuseri back into the water. Then you place the lid on the bottle and you are done. The infuser allows the juices to pass from the fruit to the water without pieces of the fruit getting out. Also, the water passes through the infuser so it acts as a filter too, keeping the pieces of fruit from coming out while you drink the water but also providing even more flavor. They range in price from $12 to $60; at least, that's how much you will pay for a good one. There are cheaper ones but they don't work as well or last as long. You can get them on sale for a bargain at TJMaxx, HomeGoods, or Marshall's. I hope this helps. I love my infuser water bottle.
Crystaline lopez says
I made one with basil leaves yesterday and it was in fridge over night and some of the leaves are brown but not all of them, is water safe to drink?
Sept says
Yes it is safe i guess, cs the leaves got withered. But i suggest u use fresh leaves ?
Me says
Well no?
C Barr says
I put sliced lemon,lime and orange in a pitcher with water. I wonder how many times I can use the same fruit before it goes bad?
Lotus Spirit says
Ever considered using Essential Oils instead? Ive created some very tasty infused water recipes many without having to sweeten with Raw Honey (NEVER sugar)
Fruity says
wouldn't add essential oil to your daily water. Yes it's great if you have something you want to treat. But remeber essential
oils are either based oil or alcohol or both and those are things that don't b long into
daily water. Especially don't advice it if you don't know if the person is trying to get away from alcohol. as a tiny dripple really can be enough to make a person who is years dry carve and giv in to alcohol. I know it from first hand my neighbor had a terrible draw back because of essential oils.
Ezisoul says
They all looked nice! Most especially the Green Apple Raspberry Rosemary. Now I only need an infuser water bottle so that I can take this drink with me wherever I go.
Lindsey says
Pampered Chef just came out with an amazing infusion water bottle! Check it out at my Website Pamperedchef.biz/lchris
Eric V Rodgers says
A peach-basil-lime infusion was popular at my office today. So was strawberry-mint. Hoping to make it a regular thing for my coworkers and myself!
Kinhip says
Yes. Strawberry have a lot of nutrions but to me it where i reside in Malaysia. It cost a bomb
Katie says
Please email me the recipes, would like to all these...
Greatly appreciated...
kinhip says
Residing in Malaysia, fruits like kiwi and raspberry are quite costly. Normally i get fruits that are available locally and infuse it.
pat. says
Natural here is not only healthier without additives but also more dollar friendly. Thanks.
Jennifer says
We use cucumber and mint or strawberry and mint, love this as it gives us a few more ideas! Thanks xx
Alex says
Strawberry and mint is my fave!
Cheryl nahm says
Can you leave the water on the counter to steep or does it have to be refrigerator?
Katrina Robinson says
My husband and I make them and let them chill for 4 hours in the fridge and then we drink them. But we like ice cold water. Leaving it out won't hurt but the fruit only keeps for about 2 days.
Rebecca says
Do you have to use herbs or can you just use fruits?
Ellie says
You can use either or both together.
Laura says
How often should you change the fruits/herbs?
I would like to keep a 2-3 liter dispenser tabletop in my kitchen so I can drink more water and less soda.
But I'm guessing I should change very thing out at least every 3 days?
Cynthia says
I love thyme and lemon!
Lois shaver says
Can I just put cardamom seeds in my cold drinking water
Debbie frey says
How many glasses do you drink if you want to lose weight??
Robert V says
I drink a quart or a little more a day plus the hmr 120 protein shakes and I loose 4-6 pounds a week...3-4 a week if you are just gonna drink the water
Amy Marie says
Once in a while I enjoy a soda but usually prefer water.
One day at the store I saw a fruit flavored water. I could hardly wait to try it but was soon disappointed after I took a drink and tatasted the dreadful artificial sweetener!
The next time I found one with no sweeteners, and it was exactly what I wanted. But wasn't long and I could no longer find it. This scenario happened to me several times.
Now, thanks to this post I can have flavored water ANYTIME and what ever flavor I WANT!
Thank You so very much, I can hardly wait to try this!!!
Lawrence says
Hey Lindsey, Thanks you for sharing with us the great ideas, I have to try some of them later. Thank you again!
Red says
Very good point!
Linda says
Can you use frozen fruit or does it have to be fresh?
Mel says
You can use either frozen or fresh fruit
Nicole Foster says
If you would like a Zinger in Australia try naturalbodybasics.com.au ;)
Latisha says
Great tips and post! I love staying healthy with all natural and easy to prepare recipes. I am sure this will be my new favorite kind of water from now on!
She's Next says
Infused water is the perfect idea for those of us that struggle drinking their daily 8 glasses of water. Basically, you can throw in whatever you have handy and experiment for yourself until you find some recipes that you love. Great combinations, the lemon and lavender one must taste amazing!
Happy Hazel says
Perfect for summer coming up! I've just tried the basic ones like lemon + cucumber + mint.
I want to try them all. <3 Thank you for sharing!!! :)
Dewi says
Hope you can reply Lindsey! Thanks! :)
Dewi says
Hi Lindsey! I was wondering if we could just squeeze the juices out into the water instead of dropping slices of them into the water? Say, lemon juice instead of lemon slices? Would that make a difference? Or matter?
Pieter says
It looks beautifull as well.
Byron says
can you leave it out of the fridge for like 7 hours or so, because i have school and like to do that and i normally put ice in my drinks (hot/warm days) but can u have it without ice and no fridge for that long of a period?
Keshia says
Is there a such thing of putting too much mint where you would have side affects.
Olive says
when using fruit, how much of the fruit juices do you think actually is released into the water? I know you wouldn't know exactly, but any thoughts?
I have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat fruit, except for lemons and limes due to the sugar. I suppose I could just try this and see, but I wondered if you had any thoughts.
thanks for the great ideas!
Lindsey Johnson says
Hi Olive, I don't think the juice actually makes it into the water as much as the flavor, though the fruit does become pretty waterlogged, so some may escape into the water. But when I drink the infused water, I'm not tasting extra sweetness from fruit, if that makes sense. Just the essence. My advice would be to stick to fruits like lemons and limes, and maybe berries that are lower on the glycemic index (I'm pre-diabetic, so I watch it too!). I do think you could make tasty combos using fresh herbs, fruit peels (apples maybe?), and even veggies. Cucumber is one of my favorites, but I think you could do carrots, celery, jicama, beets, bell peppers, etc. Maybe worth a try! Great question though. I wish I had a definitive answer for you on the juice question though!
Olive says
Thanks for your thoughts!! I really appreciate it.
LadyAlison says
I just started and I learned after letting it infuse over 12 hours and taking out the fruit the first time is awsome and last longer. I have two choices in the frige most of tge time and one with me. After reading this I find my choices are limitless...thanks.
Roberta says
I was so excited to try this but all I had in the fridge was lime and cherries. I did cut the cherries in half to remove the seeds. Can't wait to try it.
Barb says
Do you cut or poke the blueberries first?
Lindsey Johnson says
I haven't done that, but you certainly could.
Susan Gremillion says
What is the amt of water to cucumber/mint ratio?
Lindsey Johnson says
I usually use roughly one quart of water plus 1/2 to 1 whole cucumber sliced and a good handful of mint. In the picture, that is a pint jar, so it's half of that.
Nicole says
am currently making the same water, this post gave me lots of inspirations :)
lifevsstyle.com
Naomi says
Thank you for the personal response. I truly appreciate the time and effort you took to do this.
Naomi says
Do you use the rind of the citrus or the actual fruit?
Lindsey Johnson says
You can use either/or. I have done both.
Kerri says
How long does the water stay good in the fridge?
Lindsey Johnson says
Hi Kerri! It kind of depends. I've kept it for two to three days, any longer than that and I worry about mold. Some fruits will last longer than that. Berries only last about a day or so. Cucumbers and lemons will last quite a bit longer. You can also infuse the water, remove the fruit, veggie, or herb, and store it in the fridge for longer. Great question!
Kerri says
I didn't even think to take the fruit out. Haha, so silly of me! I am going to try cucumber and lemon first!
JezComo says
I would never have thought to try most of these ideas, but now I am going to give them all a go :)
Lisa says
I'm partial to Watermelon and Lime infused water, myself. I've heard Blackberry and Grapefruit is also good.
Angela Q says
Love! Right now I put my leftover fixings from making cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, lemon and black pepper hot tea into a glass jar and fill with water and do that several times before switching out the goodies. I also have another with just lemon slices, but I'm definitely going to take a cue from this page and put in some fresh sprigs of herbs from the garden, thanks!