Staying hydrated can be quite a chore, especially if you’re not a huge fan of the flavor of water. It’s boring and blah, and that sweet coffee is so much more delicious. However, with a little bit of creativity and a couple minutes of chopping, you can have water that is both flavorful and colorful and will quickly become your new drink of choice. Flavored water is great for your waistline, ups your daily vitamin intake and keeps you away from those terrible commercial waters that offer nothing more than a sugar rush. Here are 20 of the most refreshing flavored waters to delight your tastebuds and keep you hydrated.
Raspberry Lime Water
The raspberries will give this drink a beautiful color and the lime adds a little tartness.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. Frozen or Fresh Raspberries
- 3 Limes
- Ice
- Water
Instructions
- Pour raspberries in to the container
- Slice limes and add to raspberries
- Muddle the fruits with the end of wooden spoon
- Fill with ice
- Top it off with water
Lavender Lemonade
Lemons are incredible for boosting metabolism and helping with weight loss. By adding a touch of honey to this lemonade, you will get an extra kick of vitamins and minerals.
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup agave nectar (or honey)
- 3 Tbsp dried lavender
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Over medium heat, combine two cups of water and sugar, bringing to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in agave nectar and dried lavender. Cover for about 15 minutes, allowing mixture to steep. Strain lavender, making sure to release all juices and syrup.
- In a large pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, lavender mixture and water. Feel free to add a drop of blue coloring and a drop of red to mixture to give it a lovely purple color. Chill for at least 2 hours and serve over ice. Enjoy!
Cucumber Herbal Water
Adding rosemary and mint gives this infusion a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 10 thin slices of cucumber
- 2 lemon slices
- 2 sprigs of fresh mint
- 3 sprigs of rosemary
Instructions
Put water in pitcher and add lemon slices and cucumber slices. Crush mint and rosemary to release flavor, then add to other ingredients. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
Very Berry Lemon Water
If you’re a fan of Starbucks Passion Tea, you’ll love this berry lemon water that costs about a fifth of the price!
Instructions
- Cut up 3 lemons and add to bottom of pitcher (I got my refrigerator container at Walmart)
- Purchase 1lb bag of Berry Medley (contains strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and red raspberries) – and add to pitcher.
- Fill with water.
- Let sit overnight.
- Wake up, and enjoy a fresh ice-cold glass of goodness!
Watermelon Basil Water
Adding basil to the mix adds an amazing freshness, and watermelon lends a light, sweet flavor that is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of watermelon, cut into thirds or quarters
- Small handful of basil, scrunched
- Ice and cold filtered water
Instructions
- Fill your juice pitcher to the top with ice and fruit.
- Slightly scrunch up the basil so it releases it’s flavor. Cover with cold filtered water.
- This water is best if you let the water infuse at least 1 hour. If you’re inpatient, poke a few holes in your fruit with a fork for instant flavor.
Lemon Mint Water
There is no added sugar to this lemon water, but the mint adds a touch of natural sweetness and lemons oxygenate the body so it feels refreshed and revitalized.
Ingredients
- 4 lemons, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh mint or basil leaves
- 6–8 cups water
- 6–8 cups ice cubes
- Fresh mint or basil sprigs
Instructions
- Place lemon slices in a large pitcher. Rub the mint or basil leaves between the palms of your hands to bruise the leaves slightly. Add to the pitcher with lemon and pour in the water. Cover and chill 1–8 hours.
- Strain lemon–water mixture and discard herbs. Divide lemon slices and additional fresh mint or basil sprigs equally among 6–8 glasses. In each glass, add 1 cup of ice cubes, then fill with lemon water.
See Next Page…
