Summer may not be in full swing yet, but the heat sure is! Here in Houston, the temperature is already in the mid-90s, and on the courts, it is at least 10-15 degrees hotter. That is why maintaining proper hydration is crucial.
The most crucial nutrient is water, bar none. Water makes up roughly 60 to 70 percent of the human body and is necessary for every single bodily function, including digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. So it makes sense to choose water as your beverage of choice.
But what if you don’t like the flavor? Without using any processed powders or artificial sweeteners, flavoring your water with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices is a great way to add flavor. And as a bonus, you’ll be adding vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants too.
Here’s how to make 5 flavorful waters that are infused with health bennies and deliciousness, and I can’t wait for you to try them out! Grab a pitcher, some fruit, and a crazy straw, and let’s do this thang! And FYI – these will not taste like Kool-Aid. The flavors are subtle yet unbelievably refreshing!
Awesome Flavor Combos:
Pineapple | Orange | Basil: If you’re only going to try out one of these, make it this one! This is the one that a favorite brunch joint serves up. I honestly thought it wasn’t going to be my sort of thing but peeps, THIS. STUFF. ROCKS. In fact, I’m putting together a pitcher the minute I’m done typing this. The citrus + basil flavors pair beautifully with the pineapple:
6 wedges of pineapple
6 orange slices, quartered
A few sprigs of basil.
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Grapefruit | Rosemary: This one is definitely more of a sophisticated flavor. The grapefruit provides a slightly bitter, slightly sweet flavor while the rosemary adds a piney, almost tea-like taste to the infused water. This is what I think of when I think fancy spa water! If you’re hosting a shower or a spa party, make this your go-to infused water recipe:
6 grapefruit slices, quartered
A few sprigs of rosemary.
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Strawberry | Orange: This one is a staple in my house…especially when it’s my turn to host the end-of-Spring-season team party. Every time I’ve put a bowl of this stuff out, it’s gone in a flash! If you’re a newbie to flavored waters, this is the one I think you should try first:
6 large strawberries, sliced
6 orange slices, quartered
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Blueberry | Lemon | Mint: Lemons are pretty much what you think about when you think about water. I mean, they’re only just hanging off of every glass of water that you’re ever served at a restaurant, right? A sprig of mint helps give it some natural sweetness and blueberries add a nice boost of antioxidants to your diet:
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
6 lemon wheels, quartered
A few sprigs of mint
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
Lime | Strawberry | Cucumber: Elevate your cucumber water game! The lime adds brightness and the strawberries help boost your metabolism:
6 lime wheels, quartered
6 large strawberries, sliced
8 cucumber slices
Combine in a pitcher with 64 oz. water, stir briskly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Add ice and serve.
