It is time to talk about our latest obsession: natural flavored water. Now we don't feel the need to lecture about how bad sports drinks, soda, and other "fruit" juices are, there are enough articles on the internet that can explain the dangers for you. We just want to highlight the joys and benefits that come with making your favorite flavored water at home.
We have a Brita Water Filter Pitcher because the water from the tap, at least here in California, is not great. No point in adding to all the water bottle pile up,the Brita Water Filter Pitcher works well and makes the water have a nice crisp flavor.
Flavored water can be subtle or packed with the flavors infused into it. It all depends on what you want to use and how long you let it sit or seep.
What is needed:
Fruit: whatever kind you like (except bananas, too mushy). Make sure it's good and ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor, especially if using berries. The most popular flavored waters use citrus. Fresh vs. frozen fruit. When in season, use fresh fruit. If out of season, use frozen, frozen is picked at the peak of ripeness.
Herbs: Many herbs are a surprising complement to fruit flavors. Mint, basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, and tarragon.
Something to put it in: We use mason jars, the larger the better, primarily because they look nicer and keep it colder, but any 2 quart pitcher will do.
Here are some amazing pictures from a fellow flavored water enthusiast over at The Yummy Life blog.
Here are some of our favorite combinations!
Raspberry Lime: Start with 2 limes; with your hands, squeeze the juice into the jar, then throw in the squeezed lime quarters. Add how ever many raspberries you would like. Take a spoon, preferably wood, and press the ingredients down to release some of the juices (don't pulverize the fruit). Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Tip: You can also add mint leaves to this one for an extra flavor.
Mint, Cucumber, Lime: slice up 1/2 a cucumber, 1/2 a lime squeeze the juice into the jar, then throw in the squeezed lime quarters,1/4 cup fresh mint leaves. Take a spoon, preferably wood, and press the ingredients down to release some of the juices (don't pulverize the fruit). Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Strawberry, Lemon Baisl: 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 a lemon, sliced, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves. Take a spoon, preferably wood, and press the ingredients down to release some of the juices (don't pulverize the fruit). Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Watermelon Mint: 1 cup cubed watermelon, 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves. Take a spoon, preferably wood, and press the ingredients down to release some of the juices (don't pulverize the fruit). Fill the jar with ice, then add water to the top. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Health Tip! Mint: Mint leaves are loaded with antioxidants and keep stomach cramps and acidity at bay. They have anti-inflammatory properties, and mint juice acts as an excellent skin cleanser.
For more amazing presentations and in depth instructions on how to do even more water flavors hop over to The Yummy Life!
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