Drink More Water - Flavored Water Recipes
Getting my family to drink enough water every day can be really challenging. Over the warm summer months, extra hydration is super important with all of our outside activities. Sometimes I have to shove a cup in my 5 year old's face and stand there making sure he drinks. Can anyone relate?
I came up with a list of delicious infused water ideas to tempt even the least hydrated member of your family. These make great substitutions for sugary drinks and juices, so drink up guilt free! AND it's an opportunity to get everyone into the kitchen together for an easy project! Get your kids involved in chopping fruit and herbs and have fun creating your own flavor combinations!
Don't miss my full list of infusion gear at the bottom, whether you're hosting a large party or want a little extra flavor on the go! Consider this your complete hydration destination! :-)
Hydration 101
Drinking enough water each day is super important for a whole list of reasons. In case you needed a little extra motivation (or education) here's what water does for you:
regulates body temperature
keeps joints lubricated
prevents infections
delivers nutrients to cells and keeps organs functioning properly
improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood
increases energy and relieves fatigue
since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you think, focus and concentrate better and be more alert
promotes weight loss
flushes out toxins
improves skin complexion
maintains regularity
Now that you're in the know, are you ready to get drinking?
Flavored Water Ideas
Some of these might seem a little wild for you. My friend Seth, who inspired this post, requested some recipes with a little kick, so there's lots of choices for any palate. And I tried all of these combinations personally, so I know they're amazing! (side note, If you're thinking these would all make really great starters for cocktails, you're not wrong! Most of these were inspired by favorite margarita and beer recipes!)
Ginger Peach
Peaches and ginger make a lovely combination with lots of natural sweetness and a bit of zing! It certainly doesn't hurt that ginger is also great for detox and digestion!
2 ripe peaches - pits removed and quartered
1 tsp grated or pureed ginger (feel free to add more for a more powerful punch!)
2 quarts water
Let infuse 12-24 hours refrigerated.
Lemon Basil Peppercorn
You might think this sounds completely bizarre, but this is inspired by one of my husbands most popular home brew beers that he makes almost every summer. The bright sour lemon pairs so well with herby basil and a little heat from the pepper corns. Note - WHOLE peppercorns are key here. Crushed will be too overpowering.
3-4 sliced lemons
handful of basil leaves - crush and tear them with your hands to release the oils
20 whole peppercorns
2 quarts of water
Let infuse 12-24 hours refrigerated.
Pineapple, Lime, & Cayenne
Another one with a touch of heat, but honestly, this is my absolute favorite combination out of all of them! The pineapple and lime are so bright and sweet, and at the end of each sip comes a small wave of heat that is just lovely! This combo was inspired by my favorite margarita! You could easily add a little tequila if you're looking for that kind of party!
2 cups chopped or ringed pineapple - canned works as well as fresh!
2 limes, sliced
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper - feel free to add more but a little goes a long way!
2 quarts of water
Let infuse for 12-24 hours refrigerated. This one was perfectly delicious after 12 hours!
Lavender Grapefruit
The bitter grapefruit pairs so well with flowery lavender. I found that I enjoyed this combination more when I peeled my grapefruit and removed the pith instead of just slicing it.
1 large grapefruit peeled and segmented
4-5 lavender heads, crushed or 1 tsp dried culinary lavender
2 quarts of water
Let infuse for 12-24 hours refrigerated.
Watermelon Mint
Another one of my favorites in the bunch! The watermelon so beautifully sweetens the water and the addition of mint is just heavenly!
2 cups cubed watermelon
a handful of mint leaves, crushed and torn
2 quarts of water
Let infuse for 12-24 hours refrigerated.
Strawberry Basil
If you've never enjoyed a salad full of fresh strawberries and basil over the summer, you are missing out! The sweet and herby combination is refreshing and smells wonderful!
2 cups strawberries hulled and chopped - you can also muddle them for a stronger flavor
a handful of basil leaves, crushed and torn
2 quarts of water
Let infuse for 12-24 hours refrigerated.
Of course you can throw all of your fruit and herbs into a pitcher of water and let it infuse, but here are some great options if you'd like to keep your infusers separate! I'm so excited for the large 3 gallon dispenser for my summer parties AND the Soda Stream for flavored bubble water!
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soda stream - make your own seltzer or healthy sodas!
3 gallon dispenser - great for entertaining!
I hope you found some inspiration here to get your family or yourself drinking more water! Got any tips for staying hydrated? Let me know in the comments so we can all help each other! And don't forget to subscribe at the bottom of the page so you never miss an opportunity to be inspired! Cheers!
xoxo, L
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