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Over the years I’ve realized that I can fill my body with the best whole food plant-based recipes out there and yet I’m not helping myself out much if I don’t hydrate properly. Since drinking plain water has always been a struggle, I started creating some fruit-infused waters that add incredible flavor without any weird ingredients. Now I look forward to drinking water every day!
No matter what season it is, I always need a reminder to drink more water. Adding some fruit and fresh herbs makes it fun. These fruit-infused water ideas are super easy to put together and add a little extra flavor to something you drink daily anyway.
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Now I can customize my beverage to whatever my mood is (or what’s in my fridge!). This way of drinking water keeps it fun and interesting.
Recipe Ingredients
For this recipe, I chose grapefruit and rosemary for a bright, citrusy, herbal flavor.
- Grapefruit: Rich in antioxidants and high in vitamin C, with a tangy-sweet flavor. You might also like my Paloma Mocktail or grapefruit smoothie if you like grapefuit.
- Rosemary: A fragrant herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that adds an earthy, piney note.
Ultimately, the main goal of fruit-infused water is to drink more water.
The body needs water, and most people only give it enough to survive, not thrive. Imagine only eating enough to stay alive, versus fueling your body with the proper nutrients to chase your goals.
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Fruit-Infused Water Recipe
View this recipe as your template for a variety of infused water ideas. You can definitely use the ingredients in this recipe or you can get creative with your own combinations.
- Thoroughly wash and rinse the grapefruit. Cut into chunks or slices, leaving the skin on. Add the prepped grapefruit to a pitcher or 4 separate drinking containers.
- Press the fresh rosemary between your fingers or palms to help release the natural oils. Place rosemary into the pitcher or drinking containers.
- Fill the pitcher/containers with water and place it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 48 hours. Enjoy the fruit-infused water throughout the day and refill your container as needed. Eat or compost the fruit and herbs once you are done.
If you use sparkling water instead of still, note that it will start to go flat the longer it is left in the fridge after pouring it into the pitcher. The fruit or vegetables will start to break down the longer they sit in the water, so discard them after a day of use.
Why I Drink Fruit-Infused Water
Sure, you could save some time and just chug straight water. Yet chances are you’re not going to if you’re anything like me. I first tried infused water while doing a 21-Day Cleanse. I was amazed at how much better I was at staying hydrated when I added fruit flavors.
Fruit-infused water (sometimes called “detox water”) is simply water with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices added for flavor. It is not some miracle elixir, yet replacing soda, juice and other sugary beverages with fruit-infused water is an easy swap.
Staying hydrated feels good, and flavored water makes it easier to drink enough. By making a habit of drinking water, you’re doing something nice for yourself.
7 Other Fruit Combinations
Not a fan of grapefruit? No problem! Citrus of any kind is easy to add, berries are fun (smash before adding to release the flavor). Or just head in a different direction and toss in some bell peppers and chives, or cucumbers and mint.
Here are a few of my favorite combos:
- Strawberries + lemon
- Orange + cinnamon
- Cucumber + mint
- Lemon + cayenne
- Watermelon + rosemary
- Apples + cinnamon
The possibilities are endless. I love making a giant batch of a fun combo and bringing it to summer parties. It always adds a festive pop of color to the food table. Which one of these pairings sounds like a winner to you?
Fruit-Infused Water FAQs
Water by itself is vital to life. Infusing it with fresh fruits, vegetables and/or herbs not only makes it taste better but also provides a few more nutrients than would be in a regular glass of water. Stick to whole food and avoid any additional sweeteners or processed flavors for the best results.
For the flavor to come through, you want to add your fruit/vegetables/herbs in the water for at least 15 minutes. I like to refrigerate mine during that time so that it’s cold when I drink it. You can keep it refrigerated for up to 48 hours, just know the fruit will start to break down the longer it’s in the water.
Wash the fruits, vegetables and/or herbs you plan to use well. Slice, keeping any peels/skins on then place in a glass jar with any herbs you want. Add water, either sparkling or still and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes for the flavor to infuse the water. Then enjoy! You can keep the produce and herbs in the water all day and keep adding water to it throughout the day for a deliciously infused beverage.
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More Delicious Beverages
If you liked these fun, fruit-infused water ideas then I’ve got some other hydrating beverages for you to try! Depending on the day or event, feel free to use any of these festive recipes to give you tasty beverages made from real, whole food ingredients:
- Italian Soda: A better version of “soda” the whole family can enjoy.
- Homemade Strawberry Lemonade: My naturally sweetened way to enjoy a summer classic.
- Dairy-Free Milk Recipes: Five different recipes to help you enjoy milk without the side effects of dairy.
- Non-Alcoholic Berry Sangria: A festive party beverage that looks as incredible as it tastes.
- Chia Fresca: Great for a pool-side gathering or an after workout rehydration drink.
- Matcha Latte: Natural energy in a delightfully drinkable form.
Drop a comment and let me know how you like to drink your water and don’t forget to rate this recipe once you’ve tried it!
Fruit-Infused Water
Jen HansardIngredients
- 4 cup water
- 1 grapefruit
- 3 fresh rosemary 3-4″ long
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and rinse the grapefruit, then cut into chunks or slices, leaving the skin on. Add the grapefruit to a pitcher or into separate drinking containers.
- Press the rosemary gently between fingers or palms of your hands to help release the natural oils. Place rosemary in the pitcher or drinking containers.
- Fill with water and place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 48 hours. If you're using sparkling water, keep in mind that the sparkling quality will wear off with time.
Recipe Notes
- Can use sparkling water in place of still water for an extra bit of zing; look for unsweetened versions.
- Feel free to use the fruit/vegetables + herbs/spices of your choice, just make sure you wash the produce well (skin and all) since you won’t be peeling them before adding.
- You can eat the fruit/vegetables after the water is gone, or just refill and continue using throughout the day.
- Here are some more great combos:
- Strawberries + lemon
- Orange + cinnamon
- Cucumber + mint
- Lemon + cayenne
- Watermelon + rosemary
- Apples + cinnamon
I love this refreshing cooler. It’s another great drink to help with getting my water in for the day. I used fresh rosemary from my garden, so that was fun. I didn’t use a filter. I just dumped my grapefruit into my pint mason jar with the rosemary and let it sit for the day. I drank it after my workout using a straw. It was cold, refreshing, and had flavors that were not too overpowering. Don’t forget to eat the leftover grapefruit in the jar when you’re done drinking your water.
Yesss! Eat the fruit. Lol.
Hello. Please recommend favorite glass pitchers etc for infused water. Thank you. I have removed my plastic pitchers.
Hi Karyn! I don’t really have a preference on glass pitchers. Love that you’re getting rid of plastics!