The Best Of: Water Infusions

Hydration 101 is a pretty simple concept: drink more water. Period. It’s easy in theory, but only 22% of American adults drink the recommended 8 cups of water a day. Recommendations can vary on the ideal amount to drink, and we get hydration from some other beverages and from water contained in our food. (Watermelon, anyone?) But it’s important to stay on top of your water intake early and throughout the day. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already partially dehydrated. As we welcome the warmer weather, we are more likely to spend time outside, walking, hiking, and being active, which increases your body’s water needs.

If you’re like me, though, it can be difficult to stay on top of it all. I’ve tried large water bottles, daily goals, timers, trackers, and the like. About a dozen misplaced water bottles later, and I definitely need something else. That “something else” just might be infused water. A favorite trick of many, you can use fresh herbs and fruits to flavor your water into something you just can’t wait to have a sip of. Plus, you get the added benefit of extra vitamins, minerals, trace nutrients from the fruits, along with fiber if you eat them at the end!

So I set out to find some delicious flavor combination for you to try this season. Rest assured, these recipes are office-tested, office-approved.

The number one hit was Nectarine Berry (even better with some plain seltzer water in lieu of flat water), followed by Cucumber Lemon Lime, Strawberry Basil, and Orange-Grapefruit Rosemary.

To make these (or your own unique recipe) at home, place your herbs and fruit in the bottom of a glass jar. Pour to fill the jar with flat or sparkling water, cover, and let infuse in the fridge. For porous fruits and delicate herbs, infuse for 5 minute to 2 hours. For more robust fruits, let infuse for 4-6 hours or overnight. The longer you infuse, the stronger the flavor! Be cautious with leaving herbs too long, though; they’ll begin to brown after a few hours. Then—enjoy!