Knowing that you need to have healthy habits and having healthy habits are two entirely different things. Drinking enough water is one of those healthy habits that are hard to master! But, when I started to drink fruit-infused water, I noticed a huge difference in my ability to meet my daily water intake.
Why make Fruit and Herb Infused Water
There are more than a few reasons to make Fruit infused water for you and your family. I have listed a few of those benefits below, but there are more for sure.
- Helps you get your required water intake daily
- Tastes amazing
- A better substitute for adults, kids, and teens than soda or juice
- Natural – no artificial flavors or additives (like sugar substitutes found in diet soda)
- Has minimal calories when comparing eating a whole piece of fruit
- improves mood level
- increases metabolism, which can potentially aid in weight loss – studies show water alone does this, it is just easier to drink when it tastes good
How to Make Fruit and Herb-Infused Water
Supplies
- cold or room temperature distilled or filtered water (I use my soda stream to make unflavored, sparkling water)
- fruit and herbs of your choice
- knife
- something to muddle the more fibrous items
- large glass jar or pitcher enough to hold 32 oz of water (quart size mason jar is perfect!)
Directions
- Choose the fruit and herb combo you want to make. If you can use organic so that there are fewer pesticides and make sure to wash them well with veggie and fruit cleaner.
- Depending on the fruit you use need about ½ – ¾ cup of berries and a 1/2 of citrus fruit desired. For more potent things like ginger or herbs, a small bit is needed. With these flavors, a little goes a long way. Experiment and see what you like, if it is too strong you can cut it with plain filtered water!
- Drain and if possible pat the fruits dry.
- Chop, half, or quarter fruits like
- strawberries,
- blueberries,
- blackberries,
- cherries, or
- cranberries
- Thinly Slice (if you plan to use citrus in your recipe and want to infuse overnight, take the peel off first).
- lemons,
- grapefruit,
- limes, or
- oranges
- Muddle things like ginger before adding.
- Roll or tear herbs to release their oils.
- Take a large glass jar or pitcher. I use a 32 oz glass mason jar (quart size jar). This makes 4 servings and makes it so I can make more than one flavor if I would like. Just make sure what you use will fit in your refrigerator.
- Add the fruit and herbs to the bottom of the jar, then pour over your filtered water.
- To infuse more quickly, leave on the counter for 1 – 2 hours. Then place in the fridge for an extra 2 hours to overnight. If you leave it overnight, make sure to remove the citrus from it!!
- Take out of the fridge and strain out any remaining fruit.
- Now it is ready to enjoy, add to a water bottle or glass with ice.
- Store in the fridge without the fruit for up to 3 days!
How Long do you Leave Fruit in Infused Water
Fruit Infused Water can take anywhere from 4 hours to overnight. To infuse more quickly, leave on the counter for 1 – 2 hours. Then place in the fridge for an extra 2 hours to overnight. If you leave it overnight, make sure to remove the citrus from it!!
What is the Best Fruit to put in Fruit Infused Water
IMHO the best fruit to put into Fruit Infused Water is Lemon – Lime, Cucumber – Mint, and Lemon – Ginger! Of course, if none of those flavor combinations appeal to you, do not worry there are a ton more ideas below.
How Many Times Can You Use Fruit to Infuse Water
I have reused fruit to make infused water three times. Just make sure that you take the fruit out as soon as you are done infusing it and place it into the next jar and the refrigerator right away! I would not recommend using it more than three times. This works best with citrus and more durable fruits and herbs. Raspberries, which are delicate for example, would not be good to use multiple times. However, this comes down to preference!
Another great option is to take the cut-up fruit after infusion and add it to a smoothie or freeze it for one! That way there is a ton less waste.
50+ Fruit and Herb Infused Water Combinations to Add Energy to your Day
Lemon – Lime
This is one of the most classic flavors out there. I use sparkling water and it reminds me of Sprite or 7-up. To start, cut 1 / 2 limes and 1 small / medium lemon into slices. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, up to 6 hours total. The time is shorter because of the citrus, which you should remove from the infusion. This is only if you did not remove the rind when cutting it.
Lemon – Blueberry
One of my favorite flavors is blueberry and lemon. I especially love muffins of this flavor. This fruit-infused water is highly refreshing. Cut 1 small / medium lemon into slices and half about 1/2 a cup of blueberries. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, up to 6 hours total. The time is shorter because of the citrus, which you should remove from the infusion. This is only if you did not remove the rind when cutting it.
Cucumber – Mint
Cucumber always reminds me of the spa, where I spend my time relaxing and recharging! This super refreshing fruit and herb infusion will do just that. Cut about 1/2 of a cucumber into slices and take a stalk or two of mint and remove the leaves. Roll or tear the mint leaves so they will release their oils into the water. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, overnight at most.
Lemon – Ginger
If you want to put a bit of pep into your step, then Lemon Ginger Infused Water is for you. It has a wonderful bite for sure. If you want to take it a step further, you can add a pinch of Cayenne too! And, if you have never tried it, make this one a hot drink and you will be wanting to drink it daily.
For the Fruit and herb-infused water, you will need to cut 1 small / medium lemon into slices and about slices of ginger root. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, up to 6 hours total. The time is shorter because of the citrus, which you should remove from the infusion. This is only if you did not remove the rind when cutting it.
Strawberry – Basil
Summertime is one of my favorite times, and this fruit and herb-infused water taste just like summer. This fruit-infused water tastes ahhh-mazing. Take about 3/4 of a cup and either half or cut into slices. Then, take about 5 – 7 basil leaves and tear or roll them to release the oils. This is called bruising. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, overnight at most.
Lemon – Thyme
Looking for a satisfying twist on a classic fruit infusion? Then adding Thyme to Lemon is the way to go. I use sparkling water and it has the most amazing and invigorating taste. To make this classic twist, cut 1 small / medium lemon into slices. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, up to 6 hours total. The time is shorter because of the citrus, which you should remove from the infusion. This is only if you did not remove the rind when cutting it.
Blackberry – Sage
Blackberry and sage may sound like an odd combo, but the pine citrus flavor of the sage complements the bittersweet flavor of the blackberry. They are unlikely partners that work well together! This fruit-infused water is rejuvenating, to say the least. Take about 1/2 a cup of blackberries and about 3 sprigs of sage. Remove the leaves from the sprig and bruise or roll them to release the oils. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, overnight at most.
Lemon – Cucumber
If classic were your name, then lemon with cucumber would be your game. This is one of the most refreshing waters on a hot summer’s day. Plus it is so easy to make. First, cut about 1/2 of a cucumber into slices. Then, take a small / medium lemon and cut it into slices. Place the cut-up fruit at the bottom of your pitcher or jar. Take 32 ounces of filtered water and pour it into the jar. Allow to infuse for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature and then place into the refrigerator to continue to infuse, overnight at most.
Looking for other ideas?
If these classic flavors are not enough, you can try any one of these other lovely flavors listed below! They are sure to quench your thirst and help you meet your daily water intake without any problem. Fruit Infused water is the way to go!
- Lemon – Raspberry – Rosemary
- Lemon – Lime – Orange
- Honeydew – Cantaloupe
- Watermelon – Honeydew
- Watermelon – Peach
- Pineapple – Orange – Strawberry
- Blueberry – Blackberry – Raspberry
- Blueberry – Blackberry – Strawberry
- Blueberry – Pomegranate
- Lemon – Cucumber – Mint
- Lemon – Lime – Cucumber
- Lemon – Raspberry
- Lemon – Cherry
- Lemon – Blackberry
- Lemon – Cranberry
- Orange – Cranberry
- Orange – Blueberry
- Orange – Mango
- Kiwi – Mango
- Kiwi – Strawberry
- Kiwi – Raspberry
- Mango – Strawberry
- Blackberry – Melon
- Blackberry – Tangerine
- Blackberry – Lime
- Blackberry – Nectarine
- Blackberry – Peach
- Blackberry – Raspberry
- Blackberry – Strawberry
- Blackberry – Mango
- Blueberry – Lime
- Blueberry – Peach
- Blueberry – Raspberry
- Blueberry – Strawberry
- Blueberry – Apricot
- Blueberry – Mango
- Lime – Orange
- Lime – Raspberry
- Lime – Passion Fruit
- Lime – Mango
- Lime – Blackberry
- Lime – Grapefruit
- Lime – Cranberry
- Lime – Kiwi
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Looking for more tips to help you increase your water intake? Look no further: 5 Tips to Drink More Water Everyday
