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Stay hydrated with these easy infused water recipes. If you find plain ol’ H2O to be boring, consider making a pitcher of infused water that scores a hint of flavor from fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
The human body is about 60 percent water, and I, for one, tend not to drink enough water to stay well-hydrated! The average female is supposed to aim for around 91 ounces, while males should shoot for 125 ounces. (Yes, tea, coffee, and hydrating foods can count toward that quota.)
I used to have a habit of falling short on my daily hydration goal. Let’s face it: Plain water isn’t exactly exciting. But one trick I’ve found that actually works to motivate me to drink more water: drinking water that’s infused with fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
To make any of the infused water recipes below, simply float your favorite ingredients freely in water or use an infusion pitcher.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- The Flavor Bible is an encyclopedic listing of ingredients and the flavors that pair best with them as decided by a group of chefs. So it’s one set of opinions, but it’s a good set of opinions (at least in my opinion). If you need culinary inspiration beyond Culinary Hill, it’s a solid place to start. Citrus, berries, melons, fresh ginger, and mint are all good choices.
Do you need a water infuser pitcher?
To make infused water, I recommend using a great infuser pitcher. I tested and researched a bunch of water infuser pitchers available from top retailers and found the best one to be Hiware’s Glass Water Infuser Pitcher. The pitcher is not only stylish, but it’s the perfect size and is safe for boiling water! It’s what I use in my own kitchen, and I can’t recommend it enough. You can buy the Hiware pitcher for $24.98 on Amazon.
If you want more information about the infuser pitchers we recommend, check out our guide to the best water infuser pitchers!
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large pitcher, place the desired combination of fruit or herbs. Add ice and fill container with water.
- Add additional fruit or herbs to garnish, if desired. Remove any fruit, vegetables, or herbs after 24 hours. The infused water can be refrigerated for up to 3 more days (4 days total).
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: Each of these infused water recipes makes four 10-ounce servings of water.
- Storage: You can leave the fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs in the water for up to 24 hours. After that, remove them and store the infused water in the refrigerator for up to 3 more days (4 days total).
- Make ahead: Infuse water the night before a party so it has plenty of time to flavor and chill the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You might be disappointed in the flavor, though. As the fruit infuses the water with flavor, the fruit itself has less flavor and more water, so it might taste watery and less sweet than what you’d expect.
In addition to storing infused water in the refrigerator, consider creating ice cubes using juice, lemonade, or the same (or a different!) flavor of infused water. This will keep the flavor of the infused water nice and strong.
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Pretty, pink, and refreshingly sweet, Watermelon Agua Fresca makes drinking water feel like a party! The watermelon version is perfect during the summer months when watermelon is in peak season. Low in calories and high…
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8 Infused Water Recipes
Equipment
- Water infuser pitcher (I own and recommend the Hiware pitcher on Amazon)
Ingredients
For All Options:
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup ice cubes optional
For Strawberry, Basil and Lemon:
- 1/2 cup strawberries stemmed and sliced, fresh or frozen
- 5 large fresh basil leaves torn
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
For Honeydew, Cucumber, and Mint:
- 1/2 cup honeydew cubes
- 1 cucumber thinly sliced
- 10 fresh mint leaves torn
Blackberries, Orange, and Ginger:
- ½ pint blackberries
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
Blueberry, Lemon, and Rosemary:
- 1/2 pint blueberries
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Pineapple, Coconut, and Lime:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup coconut chunks, fresh or frozen
- 1 lime thinly sliced
Watermelon, Kiwi, and Lime:
- 1 cup watermelon cubes
- 1 kiwi diced or cut into circles
- 1 lime sliced into circles
Grapefruit, Pomegranate, and Mint:
- 1 grapefruit thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 10 fresh mint leaves torn
Mango, Raspberry, and Ginger:
- 1 mango peeled and cubed
- 1/2 pint raspberries
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, place the desired combination of fruit or herbs.
- Add ice and fill container with water. Add additional fruit or herbs to garnish, if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- The Flavor Bible is an encyclopedic listing of ingredients and the flavors that pair best with them as decided by a group of chefs. So it’s one set of opinions, but it’s a good set of opinions (at least in my opinion). If you need culinary inspiration beyond Culinary Hill, it’s a solid place to start. Citrus, berries, melons, fresh ginger, and mint are all good choices.
- Yield: Each of these infused water recipes makes four 10-ounce servings of water.
- Storage: You can leave the fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs in the water for up to 24 hours. After that, remove them and store the infused water in the refrigerator for up to 3 more days (4 days total).
- Make ahead: Infuse water the night before a party so it has plenty of time to flavor and chill the water.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
I was always curious about this, but now I actually enjoy warm water, drinking room, temperature water
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Richard! – Meggan
How would you do this for a 3 gallon decanter for a wedding
Hi Regina, thank you for your question. I would choose one of the fruit options, and then increase the recipe (possibly around 30 servings for the fruit and herbs). To the dispenser, add the ice, fruit, and fill with water, refilling as needed. I hope this helps! – Meggan
Meggan,
These combinations sound tasty. I checked out the pitcher, and am wondering if you could recommend something similar you tested that is not glass.
Thanks!
Diane
Hi Diane! I can! I like the Primula from Target. Here’s a post we have on several different ones, if you would like to check it out! https://www.culinaryhill.com/best-water-infuser-pitchers/ – Meggan
What nutritional value does fruited water have.
How much vitamin content? Does it have enough nutritious content to make it worthwhile?
My apple/orange combo tastes bland, almost sour. .
What can I add that will make it tastier but not too sweet and not
too calorie laden. Some hotels add some kind of syrup, it seems
Cheers
Hi Catherine, all of the nutrition information is at the bottom of the recipe card! I wouldn’t suggest adding a flavored syrup if you are looking for healthier options. Hope this helps! – Meggan
How many ml is 1 serving?
Hi Menestya, 1 serving is 1.25 cups or 295.735 ml. Hope this helps! – Meggan
Thank you for the great recipes. Your article was easy to read, interesting, and gave good tips!
Thank you! – Meggan
Hi! I am writing an article about avoiding artificially flavored or gimmicky waters and would love to feature your recipes as an alternative on our blog. Would that be ok? I will link the original article and include your hashtags! Thank you!
Hi Gianna, yes that’s fine. Thanks for sharing our recipes! – Meggan
Is it possible to preserve or can the water by home canning process?
Hi Colleen, yes you could can it but it would not be safe for long term storage due to the acidity level of the infused water. Hope this helps. – Meggan
your recipes are just FANTASTIC ! ASTOUNDING ! MARVELOUS ! I wish i could pay Culinary Hill Test Kitchen a visit some time!!!
Thank you so much Clare! I really appreciate that! – Meggan
Is infused water always made with a combination of three items or can one make it with just two or more than three? Can one mix and match with any combination of fruits/herbs/spices?
Hey Anamit, you can use as many flavors as you like, there is no correct number. One, two, three or beyond! You can experiment as you desire! I hope you enjoy! – Meggan
I want to try this!
Try it! The strawberry, basil, and lemon is my favorite! – Meggan
Hi Megan,
I am trying to figure out what I can use to infuse my water to help with inflammation and circulation, in my legs and feet. Anything other than grapefruit, only because I can’t have it with my medications . I have read that infused water is very good for you. I have been to three Dr’s and they all say it’s blood flow and circulation but it’s only in one leg and foot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Hi Diann, since we aren’t registered dieticians or doctors, I cannot offer health advice. I’m really sorry about that. Good luck! -Meggan
For recipes with whole berries, wouldn’t they need to be sliced or bruised a bit to bring out their flavors? Thank you so much for sharing these!!
Hi Sara, I find that using the whole blueberries is just fine and they give a nice flavor still. You can slice them if you like, but I find it’s not necessary. Berries like strawberries should be sliced though. I hope this helps and you’re welcome! Enjoy – Meggan
can you make the infused water and make ice cubes to use later to add to ice tea?
Hi Linda, you totally can! That sounds delicious, let us know how it goes! -Meggan
It’s definitely easier to drink water with these recipes. My favorite is the strawberry-lemon-basil combo. Anyone reading this, you have to give it a try.
I am catering a reception for my coordinator and I want to make the infused water. I see that strawberry lemon basil is a favorite. There’s only about 20 people coming. Would I just take the basic recipe x 5? Also how much time ahead should I prepare it to get the flavour good?
Thank you for your help in this matter.
Dianne Smart
nsmart@hanover.k12.va.us
Hi there Diane, you can adjust the serving size on the recipe by sliding the bar and it will give you the exact measurements you need. Hope this helps! – Meggan
These sound like great recipes! I am planning on trying this soon. Can you infuse these in a water bottle?
Yes! Absolutely! 🙂
I tried the berry, mint and ginger combination it was delicious and refreshing!
Thanks for the recipes – will definitely try at least a few! And very glad to find another skeptic about “flushing toxins” from your body ☺️ There’s so much hype out there about this, based more on hopeful thinking than science.
Great information, thanks so much. I use kiwi a lot in some of our infusions – being from NZ, maybe that’s why. We used a great infusion pitcher by home ikon from Amazon. Works a treat, even with the kids 🙂
without healthy water and healthy fruit, would the drinks be healthy?
I have loved infused waters from the first time I was introduced to cucumber with mint water when it was offered to me at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort Spa about 20 years ago. I love cucumbers in anything. So the cucumber and mint combination is in my fridge most of the time; however, another good one is just some lemon wedges and torn basil.
In addition when time is short, I will just add some washed basil or mint leaves to my chilled water bottle before heading out the door.
Really refreshing! A nice change from just plain water. The strawberry basil is my favorite.
I’m just using this infused water bottle for the first time.
A gift from my children.
The recipes were really nice.I had some with my family for a movie night
So cool. Very educating. I really love this information.
How do you make the watermelon cubes?
Hi Ashely, here’s how I do it. I cut a watermelon in half, then lay half cut-side down. Then I cut slices through it the width I want my cubes to be. Then I lay those slices down flat. I cut the rind off (following the shape of the rind with my knife). And then I just make straight cuts through the wedge and then cube it off. Does that make sense? And repeat with remaining slices. I hope this helps. I’ll try to add a photo of this to the post for the future. Thanks for your question! -Meggan
It was nice and refreshing can to plan water and easy to make
hello ! I am new to fruit infused water so I had some questions for you if possible… Do you have to have a certain type of pitcher (plain pitcher vs infuser)? Also, how long is the fruit infused water good for? Like just the day or can it be in the fridge for a couple of days? Thank you!!!
If you cant keep it longer then how can we introduce this drink for a restaurant? What’s the minimum serving time .. can we serve like fresh juices instantly?
If you serve the waters immediately, like a fresh juice, they won’t have time to infuse the water with flavor. I would give them at least 30 minutes to an hour, but you should test them to see how much flavor you want so you know your own personal minimum. Thanks!
Love this
One of the best recipes…..
This article has inspired me to get a little more creative with my infused water. My go-to has always been lemon, lime, cuke, mint, and maybe ginger or basil thrown in. Time to think outside the citrus peel!! My son works with a group of people who make infused water daily to share with each other. Yesterday’s water was pineapple, lemon, mint, and jalapeño!! He said it was delicious. Thank you for sharing these recipes.
Thanks so much Cindy! I’m so happy you are inspired by these! I’ll have to try the combination with the jalapeño, that sounds crazy, but amazing! 😀 -Meggan
I would like to know the benefits of each recipe as my husband has many health issues and doesn’t drink water without Crystal lite that doesn’t have any additional health benefits.
Hi Ellen, since I’m not a registered dietician, I am not legally allowed to talk about health benefits on my site. I’m really sorry about that. Good luck! -Meggan
I will be sharing these recipes at work with our wellness team. We are having an infused water day next week and I think these will work great. Hope to print the beautiful pic and recipes to distribute to staff.
Very good information.
Can I keep water in room temperature and not in refrigator.
Advantages / disadvantages ?
Hi Satish, the advantage to infusing the water at room temperature is it works faster than doing it in the fridge. The disadvantage is, you can only let it sit out for 4 hours total (at least according to standard food safety guidelines). You’d have to change the whole thing every 4 hours. So for this reason, I would do it in the refrigerator if you can. Thanks! -Meggan
I just bought an infuser please recommend health receipts. Thank you
Hello I work at a hotel on Romulus, Michigan. I am the Manager of the kitchen and beverage. We have a cucumber water, but would love something sweeter. I was wondering if i can make these in a larger amount…like 2.5 gallons and if you have recipe for that large amount.
Thanks in advance.
Leah
Considering these make around a half gallon (1 cup = 8oz x 5 = 40oz + 1 cup ice (8ish ounces) = 48oz plus space for fruit we’ll say that’s pretty close to a half gallon at 64oz) so this is just a matter of multiplication – multiply the amounts by 5.. You can always try x4 and taste test to see if it’s “enough” – it’s just math.
Do you recommend using a certain type of water for the fruit infusers like alkaline water?
Hi Shatoyia, as far as I can tell, the basis for alkaline water is still just anecdotal. Not enough studies have been done to prove the supposed benefits (I’m not saying there aren’t any, I’m just saying I haven’t seen the science to support it). For most people, at least in the US where drinking water is easily available, drinking ANY water is the kind of water I would recommend. However, if something like alkaline water tastes better to you and means you’ll drink more of it, that’s great! I know I always drink more water when I buy plastic bottles of Smart Water. I hate buying disposable bottles of water, and I’m sure it’s not really any different than other waters, but I just love the taste and sometimes that means I’ll drink more water. So. Whatever you have to do, infusing water or drinking alkaline or whatever the thing is… that’s what you should do! At least that’s my opinion (being neither a doctor nor a scientist, just a girl who likes food and doesn’t drink enough water most days!). -Meggan
I use distilled water, we have a distiller but distilled water is available at most grocery stores. I believe this is the best water. We sometimes add Concentrace minerals drops, too. The Swanson vitamins brand is a little less expensive.
Hi. Thanks for your post. I’m on a keto diet so i don’t use fruit. My recipe right now is celery, cucumber, ginger and cucumber…I have basil and mint still growing so ill use some of that tomorrow. I think this water gave me a blast of energy the lat time I made it…and why wouldn’t it? It’s living water! Infused water was featured on Dr. Oz a few years ago as one of the viewers favorite tips!
Hi Jill, thanks for the nice comment! I love keto, it makes me feel FANTASTIC when I do it. And yes, I’m always looking for more ways to make water taste good! I also find that if I’m drinking anything else, I will never possibly drink enough water. So I just have to make it a priority, you know? Good luck on keto! Here’s a great meatball recipe that I love, it’s not mine, but it’s awesome. It’s not even very keto because it’s not high in fat, but maybe you can do something with it: https://ketogasm.com/keto-meatball-recipe-ground-turkey-garlic-ginger/
Oops, i didn’t proof read my comment in October and wrote cucumber twice. The fourth ingredient is lemons. Juiced then throw the skins in chopped up[Carefully, they are slippery once juiced] The rind is super healthy.
How do I save to a file. How do I save to word so I can print.
Hi Lin! There is a print button near the recipe (right under the photo) which kicks out a PDF that you can save or print. I’ve also emailed the PDF to you. Thanks! -Meggan
I would like recipes for water infusers
I work in a cancer center and wondered if I could have permission to share these infused water recipes inside a water bottle container that we are giving away with the photo you have shown.
http://Www.honorhealth.com/cancer are
Nancy McCutcheon
Community Outreach Manager
480 323 1275
Hi Nancy, yes you certainly may! I sent you an email with my permission and a hi-res version of the photo. If you need anything else, just let me know. Good luck and thank you!
Hello! Infused water only applies when it is cold?
Or can you use heated water too?
Hi Cristina, you can infuse heated water! No problem. It’s sort of like making tea, you know? In Mexico they do that a lot, they chop up lemongrass and add it to hot water on a stove, add sugar. That’s it. Same thing! You could definitely do it with any fruit or herbs that you like. Some things might sound strange heated up (like cucumbers) but other stuff sounds delicious (like berries, citrus, etc.). So whatever you want! Thanks. -Meggan
I love water just plain but these fruit additives are awesome !! My daughter will not drink water for any thing but she is loving your recipes !! Thanks you are heaven sent !