This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through those links (at no extra cost to you).
Stay hydrated with these easy infused water recipes. If you find plain ol’ H2O to be boring, consider making a pitcher of infused water that scores a hint of flavor from fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
The human body is about 60 percent water, and I, for one, tend not to drink enough water to stay well-hydrated! The average female is supposed to aim for around 91 ounces, while males should shoot for 125 ounces. (Yes, tea, coffee, and hydrating foods can count toward that quota.)
I used to have a habit of falling short on my daily hydration goal. Let’s face it: Plain water isn’t exactly exciting. But one trick I’ve found that actually works to motivate me to drink more water: drinking water that’s infused with fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
To make any of the infused water recipes below, simply float your favorite ingredients freely in water or use an infusion pitcher.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- The Flavor Bible is an encyclopedic listing of ingredients and the flavors that pair best with them as decided by a group of chefs. So it’s one set of opinions, but it’s a good set of opinions (at least in my opinion). If you need culinary inspiration beyond Culinary Hill, it’s a solid place to start. Citrus, berries, melons, fresh ginger, and mint are all good choices.
Do you need a water infuser pitcher?
To make infused water, I recommend using a great infuser pitcher. I tested and researched a bunch of water infuser pitchers available from top retailers and found the best one to be Hiware’s Glass Water Infuser Pitcher. The pitcher is not only stylish, but it’s the perfect size and is safe for boiling water! It’s what I use in my own kitchen, and I can’t recommend it enough. You can buy the Hiware pitcher for $21.50 on Amazon.
If you want more information about the infuser pitchers we recommend, check out our guide to the best water infuser pitchers!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large pitcher, place the desired combination of fruit or herbs. Add ice and fill container with water.
- Add additional fruit or herbs to garnish, if desired. Remove any fruit, vegetables, or herbs after 24 hours. The infused water can be refrigerated for up to 3 more days (4 days total).
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: Each of these infused water recipes makes four 10-ounce servings of water.
- Storage: You can leave the fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs in the water for up to 24 hours. After that, remove them and store the infused water in the refrigerator for up to 3 more days (4 days total).
- Make ahead: Infuse water the night before a party so it has plenty of time to flavor and chill the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You might be disappointed in the flavor, though. As the fruit infuses the water with flavor, the fruit itself has less flavor and more water, so it might taste watery and less sweet than what you’d expect.
In addition to storing infused water in the refrigerator, consider creating ice cubes using juice, lemonade, or the same (or a different!) flavor of infused water. This will keep the flavor of the infused water nice and strong.
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Pretty, pink, and refreshingly sweet, Watermelon Agua Fresca makes drinking water feel like a party! The watermelon version is perfect during the summer months when watermelon is in peak season. Low in calories and high in flavor, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation with every sip!
View Recipe
More refreshing drink recipes
Drink Recipes
Raspberry Lemonade Fizz
Drink Recipes
Fruit Punch
Breakfast Recipes
Blueberry Smoothie
Drink Recipes
Arnold Palmer
Join Us
8 Infused Water Recipes
Equipment
- Water infuser pitcher (I own and recommend the Hiware pitcher on Amazon)
IngredientsÂ
For All Options:
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup ice cubes optional
For Strawberry, Basil and Lemon:
- 1/2 cup strawberries stemmed and sliced, fresh or frozen
- 5 large fresh basil leaves torn
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
For Honeydew, Cucumber, and Mint:
- 1/2 cup honeydew cubes
- 1 cucumber thinly sliced
- 10 fresh mint leaves torn
Blackberries, Orange, and Ginger:
- ½ pint blackberries
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
Blueberry, Lemon, and Rosemary:
- 1/2 pint blueberries
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Pineapple, Coconut, and Lime:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup coconut chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 lime thinly sliced
Watermelon, Kiwi, and Lime:
- 1 cup watermelon cubes
- 1 kiwi diced or cut into circles
- 1 lime sliced into circles
Grapefruit, Pomegranate, and Mint:
- 1 grapefruit thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 10 fresh mint leaves torn
Mango, Raspberry, and Ginger:
- 1 mango peeled and cubed
- 1/2 pint raspberries
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
InstructionsÂ
- In a large pitcher, place the desired combination of fruit or herbs.
- Add ice and fill container with water. Add additional fruit or herbs to garnish, if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- The Flavor Bible is an encyclopedic listing of ingredients and the flavors that pair best with them as decided by a group of chefs. So it’s one set of opinions, but it’s a good set of opinions (at least in my opinion). If you need culinary inspiration beyond Culinary Hill, it’s a solid place to start. Citrus, berries, melons, fresh ginger, and mint are all good choices.
- Yield: Each of these infused water recipes makes four 10-oz. servings of water.
- Storage: You can leave the fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs in the water for up to 24 hours. After that, remove them and store the infused water in the refrigerator for up to 3 more days (4 days total).
- Make ahead: Infuse water the night before a party so it has plenty of time to flavor and chill the water.
What nutritional value does fruited water have.
How much vitamin content? Does it have enough nutritious content to make it worthwhile?
My apple/orange combo tastes bland, almost sour. .
What can I add that will make it tastier but not too sweet and not
too calorie laden. Some hotels add some kind of syrup, it seems
Cheers
Hi Catherine, all of the nutrition information is at the bottom of the recipe card! I wouldn’t suggest adding a flavored syrup if you are looking for healthier options. Hope this helps! – Meggan
How many ml is 1 serving?
Hi Menestya, 1 serving is 1.25 cups or 295.735 ml. Hope this helps! – Meggan
Thank you for the great recipes. Your article was easy to read, interesting, and gave good tips!
Thank you! – Meggan
Hi! I am writing an article about avoiding artificially flavored or gimmicky waters and would love to feature your recipes as an alternative on our blog. Would that be ok? I will link the original article and include your hashtags! Thank you!
Hi Gianna, yes that’s fine. Thanks for sharing our recipes! – Meggan
Is it possible to preserve or can the water by home canning process?
Hi Colleen, yes you could can it but it would not be safe for long term storage due to the acidity level of the infused water. Hope this helps. – Meggan
your recipes are just FANTASTIC ! ASTOUNDING ! MARVELOUS ! I wish i could pay Culinary Hill Test Kitchen a visit some time!!!
Thank you so much Clare! I really appreciate that! – Meggan
Is infused water always made with a combination of three items or can one make it with just two or more than three? Can one mix and match with any combination of fruits/herbs/spices?
Hey Anamit, you can use as many flavors as you like, there is no correct number. One, two, three or beyond! You can experiment as you desire! I hope you enjoy! – Meggan
I want to try this!
Try it! The strawberry, basil, and lemon is my favorite! – Meggan
Hi Megan,
I am trying to figure out what I can use to infuse my water to help with inflammation and circulation, in my legs and feet. Anything other than grapefruit, only because I can’t have it with my medications . I have read that infused water is very good for you. I have been to three Dr’s and they all say it’s blood flow and circulation but it’s only in one leg and foot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Hi Diann, since we aren’t registered dieticians or doctors, I cannot offer health advice. I’m really sorry about that. Good luck! -Meggan
For recipes with whole berries, wouldn’t they need to be sliced or bruised a bit to bring out their flavors? Thank you so much for sharing these!!
Hi Sara, I find that using the whole blueberries is just fine and they give a nice flavor still. You can slice them if you like, but I find it’s not necessary. Berries like strawberries should be sliced though. I hope this helps and you’re welcome! Enjoy – Meggan