There's an H20 revolution going on. Are you part of it? Health experts advise drinking a copious amount of water each day to flush out the waste from the body, lubricate the joints and keep temperatures normal. It's not unusual to see people walking around with a bottle of water in hand, but plain water is not appealing to everyone. Enter infused water. Suddenly, a plain beverage takes on a whole new dimension. Adding fruits, herbs, or vegetables to water can boost the appeal and make it easier to drink the recommended amount. The added ingredients also give an extra healthy boost to the daily intake of necessary hydration. Supermarkets offer a dazzling display with flavors such as cucumber lime and strawberry blackberry, but it's economical and easy to make infused water at home. In the beginning, not much more than a container is needed to put in the refrigerator, but as enthusiasm grows so does the need for a bigger dispenser. Read on for some of the most delicious concoctions.
1 - Strawberry Infused Water
When the strawberry season arrives, it's time to make delicious strawberry-infused water. For the best flavor, it's important to use seasonal fruits and choose only the best berries. Don't use hard or mushy berries. Organic berries will provide the very healthiest water, and homegrown the best. Place the cut strawberries into a pitcher-the amount is up to individual taste. Add ice cubes and pour in water. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator. The longer the time, the more flavor. The pitcher may be refilled with water using the same fruit which can be eaten afterward.
2 - Grapefruit Infused Water
This is a very simple option as well. All you need is a 32ox mason jar with the lid and one red grapefruit that has been sliced. Place the grapefruit slices in the jar with 32 ounces of water. Cover with a lid and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. The jar may be refilled during the day allowing at least 30 minutes to infuse.
3 - Blueberry Infused Water
Blueberry-infused water has a big following because of its antioxidant properties. It's very easy to make using the ripest, plumpest berries. Get 1 - 2 cups of blueberries and 20oz cold water. Cover the fruits with water in a mason jar or pitcher and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. May refill using the same fruits.
4 - Watermelon Basil Infused Water
Wonderfully tasting infused water can be made using a combination of fruits and herbs. Watermelon basil looks especially tempting when seen through the clear glass of a mason jar. Ingredients include 1/3 cup seedless watermelon cubes, 4 - 6 fresh basil leaves and 4 cups cold or room temperature water. Place all ingredients into a mason jar or pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. The longer it is infused, the stronger the flavor will be.
5 - Cherry Lime Infused Water
Another delicious combination can be put together when the cherry season arrives. Using fresh cherries and lime produces a beautiful concoction. Put together 1/4 cup pitted cherries with 4 slices of lime (no seeds) and 4 cups of water. Simply refrigerate from there and enjoy incredible flavor.
6 - Mint Infused Water
Some people prefer the taste of vegetable-infused water which is sometimes referred to as spa water. For a very simple, seriously refreshing water, try making mint-infused water. Take 1/4 cup mint leaves and 1 cup boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the mint leaves and steep for fifteen minutes. Then add two ice cubes and allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm. Add the cold water and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
7 - Cucumber Infused Water
Cucumber infused water is often seen in large glass dispensers in health spas. It's not only delicious but looks beautiful also. You'll need the English-style cucumbers for this recipe. All you need to do is take a thin sliced English cucubmer. Add to the cucumber a couple of quarts of nice cold water. Place the ingredients in a pitcher. From there, move it to the refrigerator and keep it cold for around 2 to 4 different hours. Cucumber-infused water may be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.