Do-It-Yourself Flavored Water

Simple, do-it-yourself flavored water is a great way to up your fluid game. Many folks know they should drink more water every day, but they just don’t dig plain water. It’s too blah, too unexciting, just too…watery.

I get it. But you and I both know that including enough fluid your daily diet brings all kinds of benefits. Being well-hydrated prevents headaches, improves skin, keeps your digestive machine running smoothly, and helps your kidneys do their job of flushing out all the by-products of digestion and absorption. Increasing water intake can also help you curb excess intake of calorie- and sugar-laden beverages and aid your efforts to cut back on caffeine. Essentially, a healthy dose of water daily can do wonders.

I often enjoy the cucumber-mint water at the spa where I get my middle-aged athlete massage, and I recently glutted myself on a melon-berry water while vacationing in Puerto Rico. But until now I hadn’t made the effort to make it at home.

It’s time to perk up our water game. How?

The concept is really quite simple.

Take some water. Add your desired fruit, veggies, and/or herbs. Let it chill for a few hours in the fridge, then voila! Do-it-yourself flavored water. All you have to do is sip and enjoy.

My favorite: Cucumber-Basil Water

There are ENDLESS combinations you can try. There is no secret tip, and no rules. If you like the taste and aroma of the ingredients, you will likely enjoy the essence they add to your water. While amounts are completely arbitrary and are up to you, here is a general rule of thumb for those who would like it.

Half-gallon of water
About 2 cups of fruits/veggies
Herbs, if using — small handful (about 1/4 cup)

Cover and chill in refrigerator for 3-4 hours.

Proportions for single servings are below.

DRINK UP AND ENJOY!!

Yesterday I made 3 different kinds of flavored water, thanks to an overabundance of cucumbers coming in from all directions. Being one of my favorite salad companions, I knew I would love cucumber in water as well. Basil has been coming by the bunches from the farm share, we always have melon around, and the last of the blackberries from the yard were ready to be picked.