The classic “8 by 8 rule” (8 glasses of 8 fluid ounces of water per day) is easy to remember, but in the dog days of summer, when it’s hot outside and you’re working out hard, it’s even more important to stay hydrated. You get the general concept: the more you sweat, the more you need to step up your sipping.
But what if you’re getting bored with your bottle of plain old H2O? The infused water trend offers a refreshing twist! Spa water with cucumber and lemon is nothing new, but there are so many ways to play with fruit, veggies, herbs, spices, even tea and flower petals. Khloé Kardashian never seems to hit the gym without packing flavor, and a hint of fresh strawberry or mint is definitely a better choice than a sugary sports drink. Infusions are fun, easy to DIY, and a delicious way to trick yourself into drinking more water.
Here’s what you need to know to get started. Plus, seven fresh flavors to try.
Tools: You can buy a special water bottle, with a basket to hold fruit and other ingredients, which makes cleanup convenient. But a regular water bottle, mason jar, or a larger pitcher or carafe for bigger batches works, too.
Ingredients: There are lots of fun fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients that impart flavor and aroma, starting with these general categories. If your budget allows, shopping organic might be a good idea, since you’ll be steeping leaves and peels for a while.
Fruit: Citrus, berry, cherry, grape, peach, melon
Vegetables: Cucumber, celery, fennel, carrot
Herbs: Mint, rosemary, basil, thyme
Spice: Vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom
Flowers: Lavender, rose, hibiscus
Tea: Green, white, black
Tips: Give fruits and veggies a rinse and scrub before they go in, and slice or chop firmer varieties to release more flavor. Thin-skinned raspberries are fine left whole, but slices get more out of a tart apple! And if you’re trying tea, consider the strength and caffeine. You might want to pull the leaves out before they become over-steeped or bitter.
7 Fresh Flavor Combos for Infused Water
Spa water = cucumber + lemon + mint
Very berry = strawberry + raspberry + blueberry
Citrus breeze = orange + grapefruit + rosemary
Cherry crush = cherry + blackberry + vanilla
Pool party = watermelon + lime + mint
Peachy keen = white tea + peach + cinnamon
Green teaser = green tea + lemon + ginger
What’s your favorite way to hydrate when it’s hot during the summer?
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Becky Duffett
Becky Duffett is a contributing nutrition editor for Fitbit and a lifestyle writer with a passion for eating well. A former Williams-Sonoma cookbook editor and graduate of San Francisco Cooking School, she’s edited dozens of cookbooks and countless recipes. City living has turned her into a spin addict—but she’d still rather be riding a horse. She lives in the cutest neighborhood in San Francisco, spending weekends at the farmers’ market, trying to read at the bakery, and roasting big dinners for friends.
Great list! I like to combine lemon and lime for their color mix. I also enjoy kiwi a lot, but it’s a fruit that needs to be pureed first, because the juices just don’t want to come out on their own 😉
I love pineapple with mint, so lovely
Pineapple and mint is brilliant
These all looks exciting and delicious. That green teaser caught me off guard. i gotta try it.
I used to do cucumber mint and lemon lime years ago. But I am open for new
Water infusion combinations.
Thank you for this.