We all know that water = life. We need to drink between 1.5 to three liters of H2O a day to keep us healthy and happy. After all, water makes up over two-thirds of the human body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins and keeps our skin healthy.
But you can be forgiven for finding that water can sometimes be, well, a little bit tasteless. You’re not the only one – even celebs find it hard to stomach. Take Florence Pugh, who was heard talking about how boring she finds drinking water. Making water taste better has even trended on TikTok, with ‘WaterTok’ promising to help us stay more hydrated. However, some of those recipes (water infused with birthday cake?!) add unnecessary calories and are best avoided.
So how do we infuse some healthy oomph into our daily hydration? It’s actually really easy, and coming up with ideas for new water infusion recipes and combinations is super fun. Just grab a large pitcher, fill up with water and add some fruit, veggies, herbs and even spices to jazz up your H2O.
The result after a few hours left in the fridge? A subtly flavored beverage that you actually want to drink, but with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Here are 10 ways to make your water taste better. Bottoms up!
#1 Infuse with fruit
Get sweet and juicy fruit flavors – without the sugar. Fresh juices contain more nutrients than sodas, but they also have naturally occurring sugars that can push you over your recommended daily sugar allowance. Juice can also contribute to tooth decay.
Fruit-infused water will hydrate with zero calories. Try water infused with lemon for a cleansing morning drink or orange infused water for a more mellow citrus flavor. Grapefruit paired with jalapeno makes for an unusually spicy combination.
Watermelon infused water, with strawberries, peaches and mint, is the perfect pick-me-up in the summer months. Or try blueberry infused water for a hit of sunshine on a drab and dull day.
#2 Don’t forget veggies
Cucumber infused water has been imbibed for its refreshing, calming and detoxing properties since forever. But did you know that the humble cucumber is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients that might help prevent everything from cancer to diabetes? It’s the perfect addition to make your water taste yummy and keep you healthy.
For a more earthy flavor, try carrots, or add a hint of spice with radishes.
Feel free to eat all the fruits and veggies after drinking your water infusion recipes. They’re full of water themselves, and the added fiber is great for your digestion. It’s far healthier than drinking sugar-laden fruit or vegetable juices.
#3 Just add herbs
Drinking more water can help to prevent health conditions such as migraines, frequent headaches and kidney stones. Adding a few simple herbs can elevate that H2O even further. Not only do fresh herbs taste amazing, but they have their own potent health benefits.
Rosemary infused water
Drink this when you need a boost. This everyday kitchen herb has antioxidant properties, is antibacterial and has a stimulating effect on the brain, especially with memory, mental alertness and focus.
Mint infused water
Refreshing mint is perfect after meals as it helps to reduce symptoms of inflammation like pain, bloating and indigestion.
Chamomile and lavender infused water
Try chamomile and lavender infused water when you’re winding down at the end of day. Both herbs induce restfulness and sleep.
#4 Spice it up
Infused with delicate sweetness and spice, cinnamon infused water is both earthy and sophisticated. It’s good with fizzy water, too. Drink cinnamon water to:
- support weight management – drinking cinnamon water on an empty stomach helps to boost metabolism and burn fat.
- improve your digestion
- regulate your menstrual cycle by balancing hormones.
#5 Experiment with ice
The chill factor immediately makes the humble glass of water more appealing. Just add ice for instant cool.
Or get creative with your ice cubes. Try adding small pieces of fruit, berries and even edible flowers, such as pretty purple borage – to your ice cube trays before freezing. Then pop the colorful ice cubes in your glass or water bottle and enjoy.
Kids will love glugging their water if you crush ice cubes into “slush” or use trays that make interesting ice cube shapes, like stars, spheres or fish. They’ll also adore these fruity water-based popsicles.
For a delicious summery treat, try these ice-cold beverages you’ll want to drink all summer long.
#6 Use a filter
Good old H2O is the very best beverage around. It has no calories, zero sodium and is devoid of sugar and saturated fat. If you don’t have a problem drinking water, know that it tastes far better when it’s filtered.
A filter removes the chlorine and other chemicals added to tap water that give it that unpleasant aftertaste. You’ll be surprised at how filtering out impurities improves water’s appeal. Anything else you add after that is a bonus.
#7 Go bubbly
Sparkling water is just as hydrating as still water. It’s calorie free and the pleasant bubbly sensation makes it more fun to drink. It may also enhance your digestion by improving swallowing ability and reducing constipation.
Make it even more fun for children by adding a fancy straw!
#8 Steep some iced tea
Depending on how and when you drink it, homemade iced tea can be as hydrating as regular water. Unsweetened, tea has zero calories and packs a punch when it comes to antioxidants.
But don’t sip caffeinated blends all day. Tea is a diuretic and makes you go to the bathroom more often, while the caffeine could impact on your sleep.
#9 Make your own electrolyte drink
Water is the best way to hydrate, but when it's hot out, you’re doing a lot of exercise or you’re recovering from illness, your body may need a little extra energy. Avoid sugary and additive-laden sports drinks in favor of your own healthy homemade recipe.
Simply blend together and enjoy:
- a cup of water
- two tablespoons of lemon juice
- a pinch of salt
- a drop of stevia, agave or maple syrup or honey to taste.
#10 Brew kombucha
Kombucha has been enjoyed for thousands of years and is revered for its health benefits. The fermented drink is rich in probiotics and antioxidants. It’s great for helping your gut flora to thrive.
The foundation of kombucha is dechlorinated water. Chlorine can have a negative effect on the microbes you want to propagate. Filtering water will strip out that chlorine, leaving you with the best start to brewing your own kombucha.
Water infusion recipes are the best way to make drinking water fun and get all the hydration you need to stay healthy, refreshed and focused.
Keep cool when the temperatures rise with Brio’s convenient water coolers and coffee maker with water cooler.
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