Infused Water: Transform Your Hydration

The Benefits of Infusing Water Go Beyond Hydration

Water by itself is truly a natural marvel: it hydrates us, helps keep our bodies performing at their peak and plays an essential role in so many aspects of our lives. Then, after a simple infusion of fruits, vegetables, and herbs such as mint , water reaches a new level.

Infusing isn’t confusing.

You “infuse” water when you add fruits, herbs or other ingredients. Historians note our ancestors were fond of adding flowers and plant leaves to water¹. Today, infusing water with a unique range of ingredients—from lemons and limes to exotic herbs and berries—is a great way to hydrate, quench your thirst and add something special to your day.

Get your vitamins in the mix

There are two benefits to infusing water with fruits, vegetables and herbs. First, added flavor might help you drink more water and improve your hydration levels, which in turn can help you maintain a healthy digestive system as well as prevent you from feeling bloated². Second, you can receive added health benefits from the water-soluble nutritional additions from your infusions, as in, for example, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C³, depending on which ingredients you use.

Here’s how to start your water-infusing journey in five easy steps:

Grab a glass. You don’t need a fancy infuser to make great infused water. Any tall glass or pitcher you have on hand will suffice.
Select your ingredients. Pick the fruits, herbs and vegetables that will blend to make an infused creation that’s refreshing and delightful.
Prepare your ingredients. Wash and rinse your ingredients well, then slice them to get the most flavor. A good rule of thumb: the harder the fruit, vegetable or herb, the thinner your slice. Remember to remove fruit rinds and piths as they may add bitter flavor. Add your ingredients to your glass.
Choose and add your water. Now for the final ingredient, add water. Select from a wide variety of spring water, purified water or your own filtered tap water. Use room-temperature or cold water for best results.
Infuse. Cover your mixture and let it “infuse" or “permeate” the water for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator. Infusion times vary depending on the ingredients you choose but avoid infusing for longer than 24 hours to avoid decomposing ingredients. After infusion, strain the ingredients and keep the infused water refrigerated. Enjoy your infusion for up to three days.

Now it’s your turn. Try the following recipe to enjoy a refreshing, delicious new infusion.

Citrus Cucumber Mint Ingredients

2 quarts water

1 lemon, sliced

2 limes, sliced

½ cup sliced cucumber

Splash of grapefruit juice

½ cup mint leaves

Directions

Pour water into a pitcher. Start with room temperature water to encourage infusion.
Squeeze a splash of grapefruit juice into the pitcher.
Slice the lemon, lime, cucumber and mint. Mix to combine.
Add the fruit & herb mixture to the pitcher and stir.
Refrigerate for at least one hour and up to one day (flavor will intensify the longer it sits, taste over time, strain the ingredients when flavor is to your liking).
Serve in a tall, ice-filled glass. Garnish with mint, if desired.

Combinations That Will Tantalize Your Tastebuds

Visit our infusions recipe page to see some mix-and-mash flavor combinations. Discover ways to change up your infusion according to the season. Enjoy the spring and summer months with a fusion of apricot and berries. Or dazzle your tongue with a blend of lemon, mint, ginger and cucumber. Warm up your fall or winter days with a cider mix of apple, orange, cinnamon and clove. And remember, you can always mix and match ingredients for the perfect infusion made just for you.

¹ The Origins of Flavored Waters >

² National Library of Medicine: Water, Hydration and Health

³ To Infuse or Not to Infuse? ; What You Should Know About Water-Soluble Vitamins