Fancy and Fun Infused Water Recipes for Any Occasion

What Is Infused Water?

Infused water is what you get when you soak or muddle fresh fruits, veggies, spices, and herbs in water until the water takes on the subtle flavors of your chosen mix-ins.  

Infusing water can be so much more than just cucumber water or adding a slice of citrus fruit (although that works too!). These Insta-worthy infused water recipes incorporate a variety of ingredients. They can be as simple or complex as you want them to be and it takes very little prep work to make it happen.  

Many people now drink infused water in place of making their own cocktails but the real benefit of infused water is that it encourages you to drink more water. Being well-hydrated can do wonders for your health.

How Long Should You Infuse Your Water?

It depends on the fruit you use and the amount of flavor you want in your water. The longer you keep your fruit in water, the more flavor you’re going to get, up to a point. As a general rule, it's a good idea to keep the soaking under 12 hours. After 12 hours, many fruits will start to decompose, which can add funky flavors to your water.  

Some fruits will last more time than others. Hearty fruits like citrus can stay in for the full 12 hours. Melon, strawberries, or other soft and fleshy fruits will break down after about 4 hours. 

Some mixers like cucumbers or muddled fresh mint leaves will impart flavor on your water almost immediately. Others, like blackberries, will take more time. Most should be added for at least 3 hours for good flavor.  

If you’re using a fruit with a rind like a lemon or lime, keeping the rind in for longer than 4 hours can give your water a bitter flavor. 

What Is the Healthiest Fruit to Put in Water?

The healthiest fruit to add to your fruit-infused water recipes is whatever will make you reach for another mason-jar-full. Any fruits or veggies you put in your drinking water will likely provide health benefits as the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals leach into it. We think the biggest benefit to drinking infused water is better hydration and the happiness you’ll find in each serving.  

With that said, you can’t go wrong with some low-sugar, high-nutrient options. Additions like blueberries, blackberries, sprigs of fresh rosemary, fresh basil leaves, and other fresh herbs to your water combinations can certainly boost your antioxidants just as much as it does your enjoyment.  

How Long Does Infused Water Stay Good For?

Refrigeration is key. If water is kept at room temperature, letting it sit for more than a few hours may encourage bacteria growth — especially if the fruit is left in it. With refrigeration, infused water keeps for about three days. It is certainly best when consumed the same day.  

Preparing a batch the night before and then sipping on it throughout the day gives you the ultimate freshness, with nice strong flavors. Finishing the pitcher by the end of the day is a great way to keep to your water drinking goals.  

Is It Healthy to Drink Infused Water?

Yes! As long as you don’t have any food intolerances or allergies to what you put in your water, that is. Infused water is just water with a boost of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes from the mix-ins you use. Many fruits and vegetables are known to be rich in important vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Choosing infused H2O drink recipes instead of sugary drinks like fruit juice and smoothies can help you cut back on the carbohydrates while improving how your water tastes.  

Checking the nutrition information on your chosen mix-ins can help you make the healthiest choices.  

Is Infused Water Good for Weight Loss or a Detox?

Infused water recipes are a low-calorie way to encourage higher water intake and add some nutrients to your diet. Proper hydration, decreasing the kcals, and good nutrition are all commonly known to be beneficial for people attempting to lose weight and improve some markers of health.  

If weight loss or a detox is your goal, talking to your doctor or a nutritionist is your best bet.  

Should I Wash the Fruit I Add to My Water?

It’s always a good idea to wash the fruit, veggies, and fresh herbs before you add them to water. This is especially true if it's not organic or comes unwrapped. Produce can have pesticide residue, fertilizers, or have just been handled by dirty hands before it gets to you. You don’t want that icky stuff transferring into your refreshing drink. 

Can I Use Frozen Fruit or Dried Fruit?

You can use frozen fruit but you’ll get a tastier and prettier result with fresh, in-season produce. If for some reason you have an abundance of fruit sitting around that’s just going to go bad, freezing it for use in your next colorful water and fruit combo will still create a worthy treat.  

Dried fruit is not recommended.  

Should I Use Filtered Water for My Infused Water Creations?

We think so. Infused water is about celebrating the subtle flavors. These flavors can be covered up or made far less pleasant by chlorine or the taste of your old pipes. For the best experience when drinking your fruity water mixtures, use pure, filtered water and make clear ice cubes.