10 Delicious Infused Water Recipes That Make It So Easy to Stay Hydrated

Best Infused Water Recipes — Photo: Getty.com

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, yet most nutritionists agree, we're just not drinking enough water. Our bodies are composed of about 60 percent water, and it's essential that we maintain this balance to stay healthy and keep our organs functioning properly.

Flavored waters or seltzers that don't contain added salt, sugars, or preservatives can help you meet your daily water intake. Another way to stay hydrated is with homemade infused waters, which are a healthy—and affordable—alternative to plain water and require no kitchen skills. All you need to do is add the ingredients to a pitcher of water!

A pitcher of infused water is great at home, but not when you're on-the-go. Nutritionist Janine Whiteson recommends using an infusing water bottle that makes flavored water easy to take with you to work, the gym, or wherever you're going. "They're fairly inexpensive and most hold at least 32 ounces of water, are easy to clean, and are super user-friendly," she says.

Here are some of our favorite infused water recipes to try next time you want to give your H2O a little flavor boost.

01 of 10

Rosemary, Strawberry, and Ginger

A combination of herbs and fruit can make your water truly unique. "This infused water recipe tastes incredible, and the combination of rosemary and strawberry adds a touch of sweetness without any sugar," says Neda Varbanova, founder of Healthy with Nedi. "Rosemary and ginger improve digestion and reduce nausea. They both have anti-inflammatory properties. Strawberries are very high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps to produce more collagen."

To make: Combine 3 to 4 branches of rosemary, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, and ginger chopped into chunks in a pitcher of water.

02 of 10

Grapes and Rosemary

Not only does this combo taste great, but there are some added health benefits to sipping grape-infused water. The polyphenols in grapes may contribute to heart and immune health. Plus, the grapes can be fresh or frozen (like natural ice cubes!).

To make: Combine 1 cup of red, black, or purple grapes with 3 sprigs of rosemary in a pitcher of water.

03 of 10

Blueberry, Lime, and Thyme

This is another nutrient-packed infused water recipe. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, limes are high in vitamin C and may improve immunity, and thyme (part of the mint family) is like natural aromatherapy.

To make: Combine 1 cup of blueberries, 1 thinly sliced lime, and 3 sprigs of thyme in a pitcher of water.

04 of 10

Mint, Cucumber, and Lemon

Spas have been adding these ingredients to water for decades. "This is a classic and always refreshing combination," says Varbanova. "Fresh mint improves mood and energy levels. Cucumber is known to boost hydration, and lemon aids digestion."

To make: Combine a handful of fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced, and the juice of 1/2 lemon in a pitcher of water.

05 of 10

Mint, Lemon, and Grapefruit

This ingredient combination is all about freshness. "I call this my de-bloat water," Whiteson says. "This combination will flush toxins out of your system, fill you up, and release excess salt from your cells. Mint eases digestion, helps with mental awareness, and helps your metabolism. Lemon is a great antioxidant for heart health, prevents kidney stones, and helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Grapefruit reduces appetite, is great for your heart, helps lower blood pressure, and reduces the risk of stroke."

To make: In a pitcher, add the fresh juice of one grapefruit and one lemon or lime, a large cucumber cut into slices, and a large handful of mint.

06 of 10

Hibiscus, Lemon, and Honey

The healing properties of tea and honey are front and center in this water infusion recipe. "This is an incredible antioxidant-fighting combination that will work to control blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and help with liver function," says Whiteson.

To make: Steep hibiscus flowers for a few minutes in boiling water, and add a few slices of lemons and a few teaspoons of raw honey.

07 of 10

Citrus and Cucumber

Hit the produce section of your grocery store for lemons, limes, and oranges. "This is a hydrating combination that also aids digestion and skin quality," says Whiteson.

To make: Combine 1/2 large cucumber, a medium lemon, a medium lime, and a medium orange in a pitcher.

08 of 10

Turmeric

This trendy spice has earned its healthy reputation. "Turmeric decreases inflammation, may protect against cancers, and boosts the immune system," says Whiteson.

To make: Boil 4 cups of water, add 2 teaspoons of turmeric and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Pour into a large container and add 2 teaspoons of raw honey and lemon.

09 of 10

Berry Vinegar, Berries, and Tarragon

Our food editors are big fans of fruit-forward vinegars like apple cider vinegar and Kosterina's Crushed Strawberry and Crushed Blueberry vinegars, and for good reason—there is evidence that vinegar has positive metabolic effects on the body, possibly helping to lower blood sugar. And the berry variations are perfect for summer!

To make: Mix a 1/4 cup of fruity vinegar into a pitcher of water and add more to taste as needed. Add 1 cup of your choice of berries and a couple sprigs of tarragon.

10 of 10

Apple Cider Vinegar, Apple, and Cinnamon Sticks

This is another yummy vinegar-forward option that's basically fall in a cup. Plus, ACV is linked to better blood sugar management, brain health, and a health gut microbiome, among other health benefits.

To make: Mix 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar in a pitcher of water and add more to taste. Then, add one sliced apple and a couple cinnamon sticks.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Sources

Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.

Bonnefont-Rousselot D. Resveratrol and cardiovascular diseases. Nutrients. 2016;8(5):250. doi:10.3390/nu8050250