When you go to someone’s house, they likely offer you a drink. Typically, these offerings are standard options — water, soda, coffee, etc. And while there is nothing wrong with the classics, why not take things up a notch when you have guests?
People want to eat and drink healthier, but many don’t know where to begin. You can inspire your guests to get creative by making simple infused drinks.
Ready to ‘wow’ your guests with healthy drink options that look and taste great?
Here are some fruit-infused beverages to get started.
Why Make Fruit-infused Beverages?
Fruit-infused beverages look nice. That’s one plus. However, the benefits don’t end there. Here are some reasons why you should drink more infused drinks.
- Hydration benefits: Using quality water as a base will increase your daily water intake. If you like flavored beverages but are trying to avoid sugar and other unhealthy additives, these drinks are for you.
- Added nutrients: When you muddle berries, citrus fruits, and other nutrient-dense fruits into your water, you benefit from all they offer. Consume more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants without much thought. It’s a low-effort (delicious) way to get more nutrients into your diet while hydrating.
- Detoxifying effects: Drinking more water with fruit can help support your body’s detoxification system. If you drink more infused water, this new routine may also inspire you to eat more detoxifying foods too.
What You’ll Need: Main Ingredients
Time to make some creative beverages. Here is what you need.
- Fruits: Select a classic choice (lime, lemon, grapefruit, or berries). You can also choose something less expected. Who wouldn’t want pineapple-infused water? Especially one that has blueberries and mint added to it.
- Liquids: Depending on your preferences, choose from flat or sparkling water. You can also brew herbal tea, allow it to cool, then use it as your base liquid. The quality of your water matters, so filtered water can be key.
- Additional ingredients: Spices, herbs, and natural sweeteners are great additions. Ginger is a great-tasting ingredient that aids upset stomachs. If you have guests around the holidays, cinnamon sticks and cloves are great additions. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup. You can also make your own fruit puree.
Essential Fruit-Infusing Tools and Equipment
Invest in the following to up your fruit-infused hosting game.
- Infusion pitchers and dispensers: Whether you’re looking for pitchers for hot tea, lemonade, or strawberry-infused water, there is one for every style and budget. Choose one that’s easy to clean.
- Muddler and fruit slicers: If you want to get fancy and impress your guests, invest in specialty fruit-slicing tools and a muddler. They will help extract the most flavor from your ingredients, especially mint.
- Serving glasses and straws: Sometimes, a drink's presentation makes it most inviting. Consider the right glassware and reusable straws for your creation.
Related: Do Water Filter Pitchers Remove Contaminants?
Top Fruit-Infused Water Recipes
Ready to test your fruit-infused beverage-making skills? Here are some of the top recipes to get you started.
Lemon Cucumber Mint-Infused Water
This classic drink requires just four ingredients (including water). At around just five calories a glass, your guests will be happy to ask for seconds — or thirds.
What you’ll need:
- ½ a cucumber (peeled and sliced thin)
- ½ a lemon sliced thinly
- 4-5 mint sprigs
- 8 cups of filtered water
To make:
- Combine all four ingredients in a large pitcher.
- Allow to sit for an hour before serving — or overnight. The longer it infuses, the stronger the taste.
To serve:
- Place ice in glasses with a lemon wedge or twist garnish and pour the flavored water. It’s that simple.
Berry Basil Sparkling Water
What you’ll need:
- 5 cups of club soda (per drink)
- 5-6 fresh blueberries (per drink)
- 2 basil leaves (per drink)
- ½ lemon juiced
To make:
- Multiply the amount above based on the number of drinks you’re making. Add all ingredients (except the club soda) to a large cocktail shaker.
- Muddle the basil and blueberries and mix with the lemon juice.
- Add the club soda, shake, and distribute evenly into glasses. Add the muddled basil and blueberries — or strain if you prefer.
To serve:
- Serve in a highball glass or mason jar with ice.
- Add a fresh basil leaf and a slice of lime for garnish.
Watermelon Rosemary Infusion
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup of cubed watermelon
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 10 cups of water
To make:
- Add all ingredients to a pitcher and leave overnight.
To serve:
- Pour into the glasses of your choice, offering a sprig of rosemary as a garnish and stirrer.
Other options include:
- Peach Lavender Lemonade Spritzer
- Strawberry Coconut Water Lemonade
- Lemon Ginger Tea (served warm or cold)
Time to Hydrate!
Your creative side will take over once you make one or two infused drinks.
Whether you want to drink more water or impress your guests, fruit-infused beverages are a great way to do both — but remember, the quality of your water matters.
Are you interested in a home filtration system? If so, contact the Brio team to find the best option.
And in the meantime, be sure to check out these other great drink resources:
Deja un comentario