How to Make Healthy Infused Water ~ we all know it’s important to drink lots of water, but it’s not always easy. I’ll show you how to make your own flavor-infused water that will keep you deliciously hydrated from summer through flu season!
STRAWBERRY JALAPENO INFUSED WATER
Today’s post is all about the wonderful world of infused water –
When you think about it, water is the common denominator of everything I do here at TVFGI, so it’s about time I gave it some attention. It runs through the veins of all the fresh fruits and veggies I eat every day, but rarely do I enjoy water for water’s sake. I’ve never found it pleasurable to drink, and I’ve tried everything from fancy water filters, to leaving a giant glass out on the counter to remind me. A few weeks ago, though, two things happened that have totally changed all that.
First, I purchased a new water bottle.
I was drawn in by the pretty colors and the feel of the silicone sleeve hugging the curvy glass. I brought it home, washed it, filled it, and fell head over heels in love. I drank more water in the following days than ever before in my life! I don’t know if it’s the glass, the flip up straw, the way it cradles in the grip of my hand, or what, but this bottle makes plain water a pleasure to drink. There’s no plastic ‘taste’ or worry about chemicals leaching into it, and it goes right in the dishwasher. This is the one I bought, the 16 oz size with the straw top, in lavender, and I think it’s just perfect. I carry it with me everywhere, we’re inseparable 🙂
STRAWBERRY JALAPENO INFUSED WATER
Then I discovered that water doesn’t have to taste like…water!
Water can still be water, but so much better, and I’m not talking about adding sugar, or juice, or additives…I’m talking pure flavor. Flavor that comes from infusing the water with various combinations of fruits, herbs, and other natural ingredients. Keep in mind these aren’t sweet like we’re conditioned to expect from flavored beverages, but they do have pleasant subtle flavor that helps make plain water so much more interesting.
LEMON BLUEBERRY MINT INFUSED WATER
To make infused water all you need to do is fill a glass jar or pitcher with fresh water, and then add your flavor enhancers.
Fruits, veggies, fresh herbs and spices are all possibilities. It’s important to cut or slightly crush the ingredients in order to allow the flavors to mingle with the water. I mix them up, let them sit in the fridge for as long as I want, and then strain them into my glass or water bottle.
WATERMELON AND MINT INFUSED WATER
Glass doesn’t interact with the water or leach anything into it to spoil the taste.
It’s healthier for the planet, too. I used 1 litre glass juice bottles from Weck. They’re elegant enough to serve from, and there’s nothing prettier than a lineup of jars filled with different flavored waters. Every time I pour myself a drink, I top off the jar and I can keep the infusion going for a few days in the fridge.
GRAPEFRUIT ROSEMARY INFUSED WATER
There are endless flavor combinations for infused water so get creative!
You’ve probably had plain lemon or cucumber water before, but I like to push the envelope just a little bit. One of my favorite discoveries is Strawberry Jalapeno Water. You can customize the amount of heat by how much of the pepper you add, but oh my word it’s a delicious experience! To make it, slice up a few ripe strawberries, you can leave the stem end intact, and slice up a jalapeno pepper. Leave out the seeds if you’re timid. Add it to your water and let it infuse for a couple of hours either in the fridge or at room temperature. Serve it over ice for a fascinating sensation of cooling heat.
You can get double duty out of your water if you freeze flavor right into your ice cubes! I like to use flexible silicone ice cube trays for this, the cubes come out perfect every time. My jumbo King Cube Tray is big enough for whole strawberries.
Another unusual infused water combo — rose and cardamom, a classic Middle Eastern duo.
Use the petals from un-sprayed roses (they can be right from your garden) and whole cardamom pods. Roll over the pods with a rolling pin to crack them open and release the seeds. There are no set recipes for infused water, add as little or as much of the flavoring ingredients as you like. Allow at least an hour in the fridge for the flavors to develop. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it will be, but be aware that the ‘pretty factor’ will diminish over time. Fresh fruit and herbs, etc. will look their best in the first few hours.
CARDAMOM ROSE INFUSED WATER
Lifefactory’s Wine Glasses make it possible to serve your water outdoors, around pools and patios, without resorting to plastic. The perforated silicone sleeves make the glasses safe and secure, and gives them such a great feel in your hands.
I made a Cinnamon Pear and a Persimmon Clove water to prove you don’t have to give up on infusing once fall rolls around. You’ll find lots of ways to keep it going year round, think apples, cranberries, and warm spices.
PERSIMMON CLOVE AND CINNAMON PEAR INFUSED WATERS

flavor suggestions…

Healthy Fruit Infused Water
Equipment
- a glass container
Ingredients
- 16 ounces filtered water
Fruit of your choice, washed
- strawberries, halved
- watermelon, or any other melons, cut in chunks
- fresh pineapple, cut in chunks
- jalapeños (yes, they're a fruit!) sliced
- any citrus fruit, sliced, no need to peel
- stone fruit such as peaches or plums, cut in wedges
- cucumbers, sliced
Herbs and whole spices of your choice
- mint leaves
- basil
- cinnamon stick
- whole cloves
- cardamom pods
- star anise
- fresh ginger
Instructions
- Fill a glass container with water and add the fruit and/or herbs and spices of your choice. Refer to the post for suggested combinations.
- Let the water infuse for at least an hour or up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator. Strain and serve.
notes and variations
31 Comments
Shruti
March 15, 2020 at 12:32 amI totally need to try this! I’ve never made infused water, but it’s so freakin’ simple. Love these flavour combos!
Brandie Izatt
November 24, 2019 at 6:03 amI found this Healthy infused water on line last nite. Is there a book i can order on these?
Leslie
June 22, 2017 at 8:03 pmUsing a seltzer is a great option to still water…gives it a little fizz and brings out the flavors. Love, ??
Sandy
June 21, 2015 at 3:44 pmThese infused waters look so refreshing! Have to get one of these bottles!
Sue
June 21, 2015 at 4:29 pmNo kidding, I’ve sipping on mine right now as I answer this, I have it with me 24/7!
Christine
June 17, 2015 at 5:57 pmLove all the flavor combos! My hands-down one though is frozen raspberries, muddled lemon slices and tarragon. Sometimes frozen strawberries find their way in too. So refreshing.
Charlotte Silvia
June 14, 2015 at 6:34 pmOk, Just saw the list off flavors. I have ordered a new water bottle and too many ice cube trays. I have strawberry & mint in the refrigerator now (but I am now drinking red wine no fruit). This is just what I need so do not drink so much wine. Thanks.
Charlotte
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June 11, 2015 at 9:35 pmMy daughter first introduced me to these about 5 years ago when she wanted glass baby bottles for her baby daughter she was weening. Glass is just the best way to go (old style). These look great.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
June 11, 2015 at 4:58 pmWe have a hot weekend ahead and I want to live by the pool/sip on these refreshing and gorgeous waters!
Charlotte Silvia
June 11, 2015 at 2:27 pmHi,
I have been over the top busy and trying to get back to this post. It is really great and hope to join your water ways this evening. I could use a new bottle too.
Maria|PinkPatisserie
June 11, 2015 at 2:06 pmWhat a fantastic post! I will admit to suffering from plain water fatigue on a daily basis around here. I just love these recipes and that rose and cardamom combination so totally floats my boat!
Susan
June 11, 2015 at 12:22 pmI can see how that beautiful bottle would help you drink more water every day, Sue! I love all of your infused waters. They look so beautiful and refreshing. I can’t help staring that the gorgeous ice cube with the strawberry in it!
Toni | BoulderLocavore
June 11, 2015 at 8:26 amI love this company and agree completely on infusing water to make it more drinkable. Great post and giveaway Sue!
Guy23
June 10, 2015 at 5:33 pmAmazing pictures! The essence of refreshment. Brava!
Sarah
June 10, 2015 at 12:41 pmI have two of these bottles in green – love them!
grace
June 10, 2015 at 11:34 amthese are breathtakingly beautiful pictures, and of water! you’ve given me some great ideas!
Tara
June 10, 2015 at 10:55 amThe photos are gorgeous and I especially love the strawberry in the giant ice cube. On my way to check out the glass Weck bottles–thanks!
Lezlie Pascoe
June 10, 2015 at 10:44 amWhat a great way to motivate us all to drink more water. I know I NEVER drink enough!
And getting off the sugary drinks is good for everyone!
Thanks for these great ideas.
md white
June 10, 2015 at 10:26 amI love my WaterFactory water bottle!! I’d love to try a set of the wine drinkers. And I love natural flavored waters too! Great post!
[email protected]+Riffs
June 10, 2015 at 10:04 amI actually like to drink water — am sipping on a glass of it as I type this! Still, it does get a bit boring sometimes, doesn’t it? So I love the idea of infusing it with flavor. Some terrific ideas — thanks so much.
Chris Scheuer
June 10, 2015 at 9:43 amThis is a great, motivating post Sue! I’m like you and tend to not drink much water but I’m getting my water bottle right now and filling it to the brim!
Judith
June 10, 2015 at 9:42 amBeautiful post….and I love water but never drink enough. Great ideas Se! Love rejecting that plastic taste too.
Diane Keyser
June 10, 2015 at 8:54 amWhere can you go to purchase a bottle?
Sue
June 10, 2015 at 9:40 amFollow any of the links to MightNest, Diane, here it is: http://mightynest.com/shop/reusable-bottles/water-bottles/glass-water-bottles/glass-water-bottles-with-straw-top-16oz I think you’ll love them!
Jane
June 10, 2015 at 6:40 amLove this. I am going to try this today since I already have the ingredients. Thanks for posting this.
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June 10, 2015 at 6:32 amMy house is a million degrees right now, so I’m dying for this!
Sue
June 10, 2015 at 6:40 amI hear you! The other day here in Los Angeles it was over 100!
Gretchen
June 10, 2015 at 5:55 amI love infused water. I introduced it to my office by bringing in two jugs of water I infused overnight. My favorite flavor is blackberry, lime, and basil.
Sue
June 10, 2015 at 6:00 amThat is a great flavor, the color must be awesome, too!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
June 10, 2015 at 5:32 amSo pretty and such a great way to stay hydrated! Can’t decide which one I want to try first 🙂
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
June 10, 2015 at 4:47 amWonderful post Sue! I shared and pinned and love it!