Though you can always find a new trendy health drink today, there’s nothing better than plain old water. H20 provides a number of benefits to our body while boosting overall health. It increases energy, improves skin complexion, flushes out bodily toxins, boosts immune system, promotes weight loss, helps digestion, prevents headaches,… And the list of health benefits goes on. Therefore, you should drink enough water and keep your body hydrated.
There is one problem, though. How to resist those sugary drinks, such as lemonade, sodas, and iced tea, when they are more inviting and much tastier than water. Well, you can add some flavor in a glass of water and infuse it with a pleasant taste. Some fragrant herbs, vegetables, and fresh fruits can do the trick. That will make it more enjoyable and encourage you to drink more water.
Thirsty yet? The following 15 tips and tricks can make the taste of your water even better.
1. Fresh Herbs
Make use of the certain herbs in fresh condition to amplify the taste of water you drink. It will not only spice your water up but also enhance antioxidant and nutrient content. There are a handful of options to do so. Rosemary and fresh mint are considered to be the best herbs for flavored water. For instance, you can add the mint leaves and crushed basil to upgrade your water taste. That’s much the same as a mojito cocktail, but it’s free of alcohol and sugar. You should leave it overnight and drink in the morning to punch up water flavor.
2. Cinnamon Stick
Add a cinnamon stick (or two for a stronger taste) in a cup of water and simmer it for about 30 minutes. The resulting liquid will serve you as an aromatic concentrate. Then mix that liquid with cold water. You can even add a cold ice for better taste. The flavored water doesn’t only look great, but also promotes health benefits that come from cinnamon. Among others, it lowers blood cholesterol and sugar.
3. Bubbly Seltzer
Plain old water doesn’t inspire you? if so, try a naturally-effervescent mineral water and get the health benefits of minerals. That said, you can try a carbonated water – the bubbly seltzer with a sparkling effect. It will inspire you to drink water for sure. You can find a whole lot of seltzers with a variety of natural flavors at most of the local markets. Otherwise, you can make a seltzer by yourself adding natural juice flavors or fresh fruit in a cup of water. Perhaps it will make you a seltzer devotee.
4. Fruit Juice
No need to pile a ton of sugar into your beverage. Instead, consider adding a touch of fruit juice. Go for all-natural juices that are free of sugar. Pouring a small amount of 100% fruit juice into the glass of water can make better color and flavor as well. What juice to use? Any fruit juice could be a great base flavor, so it’s hard to go wrong. But tart fruit juices, such as grape, pomegranate, apple, and cranberry juices are especially yummy. Keep in mind that fruit juices don’t merely all flavor but also benefit your health since they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
5. Tea and Tea Bag
Another great way to get flavored water is to use tea. There is a broad range of teas to choose from – fruit, herbal, oolong, Pu-erh, white, green, red, and so on. Avoid using black tea because it contains caffeine. You can buy these teas at your local health food store or market. Are you looking for more sophisticated teas that boast exotic flavors? Luckily, it’s possible to purchase the majority of specialty teas online; even those that come from the most remote parts of the world. Once you find the ‘right’ flavor, mix it with water and get the better taste. You can also cool it down and get the effect of ice tea.
Likewise, you can go for tea bags. There are a plethora of spices and herbs into tea bags, which notably ignite the flavor. Make use of these small bags! Pour hot water into a cup of tea and put your favorite tea bag. Wait for a few minutes and enjoy drinking. You can also drink it cold during the hot days. If you’re feeling motivated and creative, make your own tea bags!
Are you tired? If not, let’s proceed with fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are the most common water enhancers. But it doesn’t mean you should not try out other fruit flavors, too. For example, try adding crushing watermelon, strawberry slices, or fresh raspberries into your water. As for the vegetables, you may consider cucumber and tomato as they are proven to have great refreshing flavors. Let us see some fruit- and vegetable-based recipes for flavored water.
6. Citrus Galore
Instead of standard lemon water, you can make a citrusy concoction and get even better taste. The ingredients of this refreshing drink include squeezed lemon, oranges, and fresh lime. Top it with spritzer or tap water and enjoy the ultimate summer refresher with your loved one.
7. Mint-Pineapple-Ginger Water
Pineapple is one of the most exciting tropical fruits, whilst ginger and mint are the great stomach soothers. The combination of these three components is just magical when added in the water. This revitalizing drink is easy to make and brings the tropical taste. Here’s how to make it. Place 4 cups pineapple (thinly sliced), 8 smashed slices ginger, and 5 lightly-crushed sprigs mint in a pitcher. Then add two quarts of water and serve it cold. You may also add one quart of a seltzer during preparation, as well as another quart of a seltzer immediately before serving, for sparkling water.
8. Apple Pie Water
You will need cinnamon and sliced apples for this healthy beverage. Soak them in the glass of water and leave for a couple of hours. Furthermore, you can steep it with a tea bag that features an earthy spice for a unique aromatic flavor. It can be served either chilled or warm.
9. Orange-Raspberry Water
Fresh, bright fruit that tumbles around in the glass of cold water is just what you need in summer. Before infusing, make sure to crush the raspberries and slice a fresh orange; then pour in the water. This way you will get the so called orange-raspberry water.
10. Peachy Keen
For this beverage, you need to mix fresh/frozen peach slices and a drizzle of honey with the naturally sweeten water. Some people like to garnish this drink with basil and/or mint.
11. Tomato-Basil Water
Try this infused water in the summer for the ultimate enjoyment. It captures the combination of basil and tomato flavors in your glass of water. All you need to do is place three lightly-crushed sprigs basil and a 10-ounce beefsteak tomato in a pitcher. Then add about two quarts of water and refrigerate it for 3-4 hours to let the ingredients completely infuse with the water.
12. Cucumber-Flavoured Water
Infuse your water for a couple hours, using crunchy, fresh cucumber slices. Yes, it works! What you need to do is to place a thinly-sliced cucumber in a pitcher. Then infuse it with two quarts of water and refrigerate for a few hours. That’s all!
Are you still there? Here are another three tricks to try.
13. Flavored Ice Cubes
Whether you want to freeze pineapple, pureed raspberries, pomegranate arils, coffee, or water, utilize flavored ice cubes for that purpose. Those cubes add refreshing, cool burst. By the way, they look so pretty. Another option is to use ice cube trays. They are available in different fun shapes, such as circles, stars, and hearts. Add fresh herbs, chopped fruits (preferably some tropical fruits), and small berries to the cube tray. Thereafter, fill it up with water and then freeze it out. Pop the ice cubes into a glass of water and relish.
If you a searching for a fast flavor booster, consider using flavor cartridges or drink mixes free of sugar. This is a great quick-and-easy solution. You can also use sugar-free water flavorings.
14. Consommés, bouillons, and broths
These savory and hot liquids perfectly get along with the water. Be sure to pick out a low-sodium and/or low-fat version to get health benefits. After all, consommés, bouillons, and broths are actually the water-based fluids. So, it would count as a cup of hot soup.
15. Water Filter
The last tip is more about the quality of water than its flavor. Your body instantly absorbs water without digesting it first. This way the water tastes great and feels refreshing. However, that is not the best choice for your health. For optimal health, you should consider a water filter like residential water vortex filter. You can also use an under-sink filter at home to ensure safe drinking water and avoid waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. Such a device can soften the water, up the amount of dissolved oxygen, reduce mineral deposits, and eliminate bacteria build-up.
As you can see, there are many ways to upgrade the taste of plain old water. Mix and match these tips and tricks, and get the most out of your water!