What’s the secret to losing weight, staying hydrated, and boosting your energy? Water, water, and more water! But whether you try to follow the “eight glasses a day” rule, or go by your own method, drinking enough water is sometimes easier said than done — especially when sugary drinks like soda, lemonade, and iced tea are around. That’s why we’re kicking plain old H2O to the side in favor of delicious, hydrating, fruit-infused water.
Gather Your Ingredients
Believe it or not, you can infuse almost anything in water. Some of our favorites are:
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, mint, or cilantro.
- Spices: Cinnamon sticks, ginger, or vanilla bean.
- Edible flowers: Rose, lavender, hibiscus, or violets (just make sure that whatever you choose is 100% pesticide-free).
- Fruit: Berries (fresh or frozen), melon, apples, or pears.
- Distilled or filtered water.
Start Infusing
When it comes to infusing water, there’s almost no way to go wrong. That being sad, there are a few things you’ll need to get the most out of your drink.
- A large glass or bottle with a lid. Some people prefer to use fruit infuser water bottles because they prevent seeds, pits, and small pieces of fruit from floating into your water.
- Your favorite spices, herbs, and fruits.
- If you’re infusing fruit, don’t use any pieces that are bruised or overly ripe.
- When infusing herbs, don’t choose ones that are dry or don’t look fresh.
Not sure where to get started? These are a few of our favorite combinations:
Lavender and Lemon
Everyone loves a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, but all those artificial sweeteners and colors can leave you feeling more dehydrated than before. Make your own natural lemonade by placing a few slices of lemon in a large pitcher of water. Add a few stems of lavender for a sweet twist on this classic drink.
Watermelon and Strawberry Mint
Looking to cool down, while boosting your immune system this summer? Watermelon can help lower blood pressure, improve your body’s insulin response, and reduce muscle soreness. With just four cups of watermelon, half a pint of strawberries, and six pieces of crushed mint, you’ll be able to enjoy this antioxidant-packed drink all summer long.
Blueberry and Orange
Combine a few slices of orange, water, and a handful of frozen blueberries in a large pitcher and stir it for about a minute. To get the most out of your mixture, leave it to sit in your refrigerator for a full 24 hours before serving.
Strawberry and Lemon
Cut four large strawberries in half (vertically) and throw them into a pitcher with a few slices of lemon and a small handful of basil. For the best results, layer your pitcher with fruit and ice first, then pour the water in — this will ensure that every flavor is distributed evenly.
Watermelon and Basil
Not sure what to do with those few left over pieces of watermelon? Pick the seeds out, throw them in a jar of ice water, and add in a few pieces of mint for an easy-to-make, poolside drink.
Another way to stay hydrated this season? Eat plenty of fruit! Whether you’re having a few friends over for a backyard barbecue, or are entertaining a crowd of 50, Fruit Bouquets makes the perfect, shareable summer snack.
