10 Insanely Easy Infused Water Recipes for When You’re Feeling Fancy

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If there’s one thing we’re always told to do for better health, it’s to drink more water. The problem? Plain old water is just plain boring. But never fear; there is a better way to get your eight glasses a day – infusion! Steeping cold water with fruits, herbs and other goodies is a great way to add a little flavor and flair. Whether you’re doing a little summer entertaining or just need something to help keep yourself cool when the temperatures start to rise, infused water is the way to go.

How to Make Infused Water

Lucky for us, the steps for infusing water are as easy as one, two, three. Grab some H2O and your favorite container and let’s get started.

Step 1: Combine your favorite ingredients in a pitcher of water

There are countless combinations for infused water. Mix and match your favorite fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Feeling uninspired? Start with our foolproof recipes below.

Pro tip: Be sure to use fresh ingredients, and always wash produce before use. And for best results, forget about plastic. Use glass containers instead.

Step 2: Cover the container

Pop on the lid to your pitcher or cover with plastic wrap. This will prevent any risk of contamination and keep pesky food odors from creeping in.

Step 3: Refrigerate

It’s important to keep your water cool to prevent spoilage. Many people prefer to infuse overnight, but be sure to remove solids after 12 hours. Once ingredients have been strained out, you can keep your infused water up to three days – assuming it lasts that long, of course!

Pro tip: Not all infusions are created equally. Certain ingredients like pear and apple benefit from a longer steeping period while others, like citrus fruits, get the job done instantly.

Now that you know how to infuse water like a pro, here are a few extra-refreshing infused water recipes to get started with.

Summer Fruits Medley

Make the most of summer’s bountiful berries by infusing your water with a gorgeous blend of strawberries, blackberries and raspberries – or mix and match your favorites to suit your tastes.

Pro tip: Hull your strawberries before slicing them.

You’ll need:

½ cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ cup whole raspberries

½ cup whole blackberries

2 quarts of filtered water

Citrus & Cucumber

If you’ve ever enjoyed cucumber and citrus in a drink before, you know how beautifully they go together. Skip the soda and try this instead for the ultimate in infused water refreshment.

You’ll need:

½ cup of cucumber, sliced

½ lemon, sliced

½ lime, sliced

½ orange, sliced

2 quarts of filtered water

Lemon, Ginger & Turmeric

This is a fantastic pick-me-up when you’re feeling a little under the weather or find yourself in need of a health boost. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisines, and studies indicate it’s chock full of antioxidants.

You’ll need:

1 tbs. turmeric powder

4 slices peeled fresh ginger

½ lemon, sliced

2 quarts of filtered water

Lavender & Strawberry

A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out your lavender and enjoy this anytime.

You’ll need:

½ cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

3 sprigs organic lavender

2 quarts of filtered water

Apple, Rose Petals & Chamomile

For anyone who prefers a more lightly flavored infusion, this one is for you. Added bonus? The flowers make lovely garnishes to boot.

You’ll need:

½ Granny Smith or Fuji apple, thinly sliced

1 handful fresh, organic rose petals

1 handful fresh, organic chamomile

2 quarts of filtered water

Fig, Rosemary & Fennel

There’s something almost magical about fig and fennel when they’re used together. Black Mission figs are definitely the way to go here. They’re sweet, juicy and widely available.

You’ll need:

½ cup of Mission figs, halved

5 sprigs rosemary

½ fennel bulb, thinly sliced

2 quarts of filtered water

Lemon Verbena & Blueberry

Lemons are great for infusions, but if want to take things to the next level, why not try lemon verbena? This herb has a gorgeous lemony flavor without the tartness.

You’ll need:

½ cup fresh blueberries

6 sprigs lemon verbena

2 quarts of filtered water

Blood Orange, Star Anise & Clove

This one is perfect for fall and winter, the seasons that are synonymous with lovely warming spices.

You’ll need:

1 blood orange, sliced

5 clove buds

5 star anise pods

2 quarts of filtered water

Cantaloupe, Mint & Lemon

Nothing beats fresh melon. You can also play around with this recipe and swap cantaloupe for honeydew or watermelon, or go ahead and use all three.

You’ll need:

5 sprigs fresh mint

½ lemon, sliced

½ cup cantaloupe, cubed

2 quarts of filtered water

Nectarine, Basil & Clementine

Nectarine and basil may sound a little strange, but trust us, this combination is a real winner. A few slices of clementine seal the deal.

You’ll need:

8 slices of nectarine

6 fresh basil leaves

3 slices of clementine

2 quarts of filtered water

These recipes are just a jumping-off point to get you started. There are endless combinations you can experiment with to help keep you feeling refreshed and perfectly hydrated all year round! Keep the thirst-quenchers coming with our favorite mocktail recipes.