There is nothing more thirst quenching in the summer than water! But why settle for plain water when you can have something a little more special so easily? One option is fizzy water - my daughter returned from Europe with a new found affection for seltzer water since it was the most common beverage there.

But an even simpler way to elevate your water beverage, is the option of infused water. These can be such a pleasure to look at as well as to taste! They are infinitely flexible, require no special equipment, AND you never have to worry about them going flat.

Experiment with different combinations of flavors. Use herbs, fruits, spices, and even vegetables! It’s fun to experiment with it, and dinking flavored water feels like a miniature indulgence instead of just a way to stay hydrated!

Sometimes these are referred to as “spa water” or “detox water”, but really, infused waters are just a nice little boost to elevate the everyday into something special. Just a pitcher of water, some ice, and your imagination using whatever you have on hand, and you can pour a pretty glass and feel fancy. Extended pinkie finger optional :).

Strawbery kiwi infused water and pitcher.jpg

While you will get the benefit of pretty water and a faint hint of flavor immediately, the longer it infuses, the stronger the flavor. I like to plan for mixing it at least a couple of hours before serving or overnight if I’m feeling particularly organized and have space in the fridge! A word of caution: when using certain citrus slices, especially lemons, the water can turn bitter if they are left in it for too long. A few hours is fine, but if your are storing any leftovers overnight, you will want to remove the lemons.

Some of our favorite infused water combinations

For a hint of sweetness and playful color: kiwi and strawberries
For a refreshing and fresh taste: cucumber and mint
The most classic combo, because we ALWAYS have these in the house: lemon and lime* (this can get bitter if you leave the lemon in too long, so I like to add it only an hour or two before serving and then remove the lemons before storing any leftovers)

And some combinations we are thinking of trying

raspberry and lime
orange and basil
pear and ginger with cinnamon sticks
grapefruit, honeydew, and mint
blueberry and peach
pineapple and blackberry
watermelon and lime

Bonus tip: try freezing grapes or berries to use as extra “ice cubes”. OR freeze berries or fresh herbs in ice cube trays for prettier ice cubes that will infuse your beverages as they melt!

fruit and herb flavored fancy ice cubes.jpg

I’m growing mint, basil, thyme, sage, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, and cilantro in pots right outside my kitchen door and we have a farm box of fruits and vegetables delivered every other week, so we always have new combinations to try!