Make Your Own Flavored Water

As the weather warms up it is important to stay hydrated and this year making your own flavored waters seems to be quite popular. I have included my top five recipes (from Southern Living & Eating Well) and top five tips to making your water stand out in the crowd. 

Top Five Recipes

1. Citrus - Cucumber Water (6-8 Servings)

- 1 Large Lime - Sliced

- 1 Large Lemon - Sliced

- 1 Large Orange - Sliced

- 1 Large Cucumber - Sliced

- 1 Half-Gallon of Water

2. Cucumber - Melon Water (6-8 Servings)

-1 Large Cucumber - Sliced

- 1/4 Cantaloupe - Cubed

- 1/4 Honeydew - Cubed

- 1 Half-Gallon of Water

3. Herb - Berry Water (6-8 Servings)

- 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries - Lightly crushed (skin fully pierced)

- 2 Sprigs of Rosemary 4" - Bruised

- 1 Half-Gallon of Water 

4. Lemon - Lavender / Basil / Mint Water (6-8 Servings)

- 4 Large Lemons - Sliced

- 1/4 Cup Lavender or 1 1/2 Cup Mint Leaves or 1 1/2 Cup Basil Leaves - Bruised

- 1 Half-Gallon of Water

5. Fruit Water (6-8 Servings)
- 1 Granny Smith Apple - Sliced
- 1 Lemon - Sliced
- 1 Pear - Sliced
- 1 Orange - Sliced
- 1 Cup Raspberries - Lightly crushed (skin fully pierced)
- 1/2 Cup Mint Leaves - Bruised
- 1 Half-Gallon of Water

Top Five Tips

1. Bruising Herbs
This water is PRETTY! Keep it that way by bruising herbs and not slicing them into 'sip' size choking hazards. Lightly rubbing herbs between your hands prior to incorporating them allows their flavors to be expressed while looking lovely!

2. Piercing Semi-Permeables
Sometimes its good to have a thick skin, but not when attempting to infuse water. Fruits such as blueberries and  raspberries should be lightly muddled and others such as apples, pears and citrus should be sliced.

3. Flavored Ice
Pour your flavored water into ice trays and freeze to keep beverages from losing flavor as your party progresses. (Another bonus is to add these cubes to iced tea, lemonade or even sodas for a fruity kick.)

4. Mandolin Trick
If you have one of these your prep time is going to be a breeze. Set your mandolin to 1/4" to 1/2" (depending on the fruit) and slice away! The greater the surface area exposed the more tasty your water. Keep in mind, though, that you want your fruit to hold it's structure and not disintegrate.  

5. Patience is a Virtue
In this fast paced culture of instant gratification we want it and we want it now! Make your water before you go to bed. It will be perfect in the a.m.

xOxO - M