5 Infusions to Spruce Up Your Water
It’s no secret that maintaining hydration in the human body is a necessary means for staying alive. Good hydration boasts a variety of health benefits including increased cognitive and physical performance, skin hydration, healthier joints, kidneys and digestive system as well as helping to regulate body temperature and deliver essential vitamins and nutrients to the different parts of the body.
Adding fruit to water has been around for quite some time and it’s not just a summertime thing. It’s a brilliant way to encourage water consumption for the whole family, and makes a great alternative to the sugary option of soft drinks. Each mixture can normally last up to 24 hours before the water starts to turn bitter, so make a batch for the entire home to enjoy and there’ll be no wasted water.
These 5 infusions recipes will not only encourage you to drink your recommended daily intake, but will also tingle the taste buds and in some cases offer a little extra nutritional value
Cucumber and Lemon Spritz
A classic yet simple infusions recipe that gives your water a light and refreshing taste. The lemons offer a boost of vitamin C which supports the immune system, helps protect the skin and aids digestion. Cucumber is known for its antioxidant benefits as well as it’s high concentration of vitamins K, C and B.
If you prefer the taste of one of the ingredients more, you may want to include more of that one, otherwise finely slice one large lemon and half a cucumber and place at the bottom of a jug.
Using a spoon, slightly mash the ingredients to help release their flavour and then fill the jug with cold water. To make this a real spritz, try adding fizzy water to the fruit instead!
Leave to cool in the fridge for an hour before decanting into a glass or bottle if you’re on the go! Adding ice will make this mixture even more refreshing!
Strawberry, Lime and Mint Cooler
For this delicious mix, take a handful of strawberries, cut into quarters and place them in a jug with one finely sliced lime. As with the lemons, using a spoon, press the limes in order to release their flavour a little more. Add to the jug a handful of mint leaves and mix.
Fill the jug with water and allow it to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes, adding ice to your glass when decanting if necessary.
Pomegranate Power
One of the simplest of infusions recipes of all the fruit infused waters. Just straight up pomegranate seeds mixed with cold water and ice makes a sweet drink ideal for anytime of the day.
Pomegranate seeds are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins C and K, folate and potassium. As with the previous recipes, mash the seeds with a wooden spoon once decanted into the jar so they can release some flavour. If you fancy infusions of taste, try adding a handful of mint leaves or slices of cucumber!
Orange, Grapefruit and Rosemary Refresher
A beautifully delicate combination of flavours with an extra antioxidant kick about it. Each ingredient complements the other and brings a fragrant mix of immune boosting properties to your taste buds! Rosemary is not only a pleasant scent, it’s an excellent source of anti-inflammatory compounds and is rich in antioxidants just like the grapefruit and orange.
Thinly slice one large orange and one (preferably pink) grapefruit. Be sure to remove the pith from each to avoid bitterness. Also remove the pips for a more smooth drink.
Place the slices at the bottom of a jar and mash them slightly using a spoon. Take 4-5 sprigs of rosemary and place in the jar too along with cold water.
Leave the mixture to chill for an hour and add ice if necessary.
Pear and Cinnamon Spice
Fancy an autumnal flavour? This is the one. Cinnamon is not only a delicious spice, but it also boasts a host of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Pears are highly nutritious and their sweetness complements the cinnamon’s fragrant flavour well.
All you need for this is 2 thinly sliced ripe pears of any kind and 2 sticks of cinnamon. Place all ingredients in a jar, fill with water and place in the fridge for at least an hour. For an extra hit of sweet and smooth, try adding a teaspoon of runny honey to the mixture!
