If you float wedges or slices of citrus in a large pitcher of water, take the citrus out after 4 hours—any longer than this and the rinds can make the water taste bitter.
Pro tip—if you want to float whole berries in your glass, put them into your cup first. Then, drop in ice cubes and fill the glass with water. The ice stops the berries from floating up and into your mouth when you drink.
For flavored-water inspiration, walk through the produce section at the grocery store and see what catches your eye. Cherries? Dragon fruit? Pomegranates?
Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or a wedge of lemon to complete this spa-like drink.
For example, try strawberry-basil water, watermelon-mint water, or lemon-thyme water. If you don’t want a strong herbal flavor, put the loose herbs into a tea infuser and drop it into the water instead of muddling the herbs first.
Try apple juice, grape juice, orange juice, or fruit cocktail for sweetness, or add green, black, or herbal tea to add a delicate taste to your water. Use tomato juice or vegetable juice if you prefer a slightly savory drink. You could even add slices of fresh tomatoes—a great source of lycopene. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Since peels and skins can accumulate pesticides, reach for organic produce to use in your water. Store your fruit- or vegetable-infused water for 2 to 3 days in the fridge. You can keep adding water during that time, but discard the produce after 3 days because it will lose its flavor and texture.
In addition to seltzer water, try mineral water, club soda, or tonic water.
Most water flavor enhancers are sweetened with artificial sweeteners like sucralose. If you’re trying to avoid artificial sweeteners, look for natural sweeteners like cane sugar or stevia in the ingredients list.
Cinnamon contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so you can feel good about adding it to your cup. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you like the look of berries or fruit floating in your glass of water, fill an ice cube tray with water or juice and add a few fresh berries like blueberries or strawberry slices. Then, stick them in the freezer until you’re ready to drink some water.
If it’s unsafe for you to drink your tap water or you don’t have a filtration system, fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil for 1 full minute. Then, cool the water before you drink it. [15] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If you have a hard time getting powdered greens to dissolve in the water, blend it briefly.