We all know that water is essential for a healthy body – hydration is the key to vitality and energy. But water can get a little boring and with sugary drinks bad for your health, the challenge is finding healthy and delicious alternatives! Luckily, there is now an exciting way to mix things up and get your body the hydration it needs – infused water and beverages. Let’s take a look at some of the tasty and beneficial drinks you can make with minimal ingredients!
1. Quench Your Thirst with Healthy Infused Water and Beverages
Staying hydrated is important to your physical and mental health. Keeping your water intake levels up is even more important during the summer months. Unfortunately, plain old water can be boring. But with infused water and other beverages, you don’t have to sacrifice health for flavor.
Fruity Water:
Fruit water is a great way to add a little flavor to your water that packs in a lot of natural nutrients. You can combine about 2 cups of any fresh or frozen fruit with 4-6 cups of cold water. Let the mixture infuse in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 hours before drinking for a sweet and flavorful sip. Alternate ideas include:
- Strawberry, lime, and mint
- Lemon, cucumber, and orange
- Grapefruit, raspberry, and basil
Herbal Tea Alternatives:
Herbal teas, including green, chamomile and black tea, are traditional favorites that provide plenty of health benefits. Still, steeped tea can be heavy on your stomach. To create a lighter and tastier beverage, try cold-brewing these flavors. Add freshly chopped herbs, like lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, and mint, to a container of cold water and let it steep overnight. The following day, strain the tea before drinking. You’ll always have a refreshing drink at your fingertips!
Sparkling Coconut Water:
Nothing beats a cold glass of coconut water, especially during the summer. To bring an extra spark to your drink, consider adding carbonated water. Coconut water’s unique flavor pairs nicely with a hint of sparkling bubbles. Blend 1 and half cups of coconut milk with 2 cups of carbonated water in a pitcher or container. You can addcitrus slices to the mix for an extra zing.
A Boost of Suchi:
Give your beverage a unique and trendy upgrade by adding some suchi. Suchi is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from seaweed and other natural ingredients. All it takes is adding a few spoonfuls of suchi to 6 cups of water or sparkling water. Mix it in and let it rest for a few minutes before enjoying a subtly salty and sweet flavor. Be careful with how much you add, as too much could overwhelm the drink.
For even healthier options, consider adding kefir and lassi to your infused drinks. With a wide variety of flavors and ingredients to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect drink for any occasion.
Enjoy!
2. Benefits of Drinking Infused Water and Beverages
Infused Water and Beverages Can Boost Energy
If you’re looking for a way to stay hydrated and energized, then infused water and beverages can be the answer. The added nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can give your body the energy it needs to power through your day. With infused water and beverages, many of the beneficial ingredients are packed into an easy to drink and delicious beverage.
They Can Help Boost Your Immune System
With all its vitamins and minerals, drinking infused water and beverages can help give your immune system the boost it needs. The nutrients and vitamins present in these drinks can help you stay alert and ready to take on the day.
It Can Improve Mental Clarity and Focus
Some studies have shown that drinking infused water and beverages can improve mental clarity and focus. The minerals and vitamins present in these drinks can help you stay focused and alert for longer periods of time.
They Can Help Cleanse Your Body
Infused water and beverages can be a great way to cleanse your body. The antioxidants present in these drinks can help flush out toxins from your body, leaving you feeling healthier and more energized.
They Are Delicious and Refreshing
The best part about infused water and beverages is that they often taste delicious. With the variety of flavors and recipes, you can find one that fits your taste. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, infused water and beverages provide a refreshing drink that will satisfy your taste buds.
3. Recipes for Refreshing and Flavorful Infused Drinks
Are you looking for something special to serve your guests that packs an extra flavor punch? Try your hand at making refreshing and flavorful infused drinks! Here’s a roundup of recipes that will kick up your summer drinks:
1. Beet and Peach Cooler
This enticing cooler is a delicious balance of the earthy taste of beets, the sweetness of peaches and the crispness of ginger. It’s also loaded with vitamin C! To make this recipe, add a halved, peeled fresh beet to a blender with a cup of peeled, chopped fresh peaches, the juice of one lemon, a teaspoon of minced ginger, and a teaspoon of honey. Blend until it is smooth, strain through a fine-mesh sieve, and mix with three cups of cold water. Done!
2. Cucumber Mint Tea
This thirst-quenching tea is ideal for hot summer days! To make this recipe, add a handful of fresh mint leaves and one peeled, sliced cucumber to a tea infuser. Boil one quart of water and pour it over the infuser. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and serve chilled with a wedge of lime for extra flavor.
3. Basil-Infused Vodka
This smooth and flavorful vodka adds a special twist to any cocktail. To make it, add a handful of fresh basil leaves to a large container and pour a liter of vodka over it. Cover the container and let it sit for 12 hours. Once it’s ready, strain out the basil leaves and store the vodka in the fridge.
4. Jalapeño-Infused Tequila
This spicy and flavorful tequila will give a bit of kick to any of your favorite cocktails! To make it, slice two jalapeños in half and de-seed them. Add them to a large container, pour a liter of tequila over it, cover, and let it sit for 12 hours. Strain out the jalapeños, store the tequila in the fridge, and enjoy!
- Beet and Peach Cooler
- Cucumber Mint Tea
- Basil-Infused Vodka
- Jalapeño-Infused Tequila
4. Tips for Making and Enjoying Infused Water and Beverages at Home
1. Start Simple
Infused water and beverages are a great way to make a refreshing and healthy drink without having to buy sugar-filled store options. To make your own at home, start simple with just one fruit or herb. For a healthy and delicious option, try adding a few slices of fresh ginger and some lemon slices to your water. For something a bit more exotic, infuse your water with fragrant rose and lavender petals. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
2. Add Natural Sweetness
For those of us who prefer drinks with a hint of sweetness, you can easily add a natural sweetener such as honey or agave syrup. Start by adding a small amount and then taste the infused water to see if you need more. Making infused beverages can be a fun and creative way to experiment with different flavors, and adding a touch of sweetness can be a great way to make them even more enjoyable.
3. Keep it Fresh
It’s best to use fresh fruits and herbs when making infused water, as this will ensure you get the full flavor and health benefits. Also consider the type of water you use, as this can dramatically affect the flavor. If possible, use filtered or spring water, as it will provide the crispest flavor. If you want to add a bit of carbonation, you can add sparkling water or a splash of soda.
4. Make it Festive
Making infused beverages can also be an opportunity to get creative and make something special. Add edible flower petals or a sprig of fresh herbs to your glass, or use herbs and spices such as cloves and cinnamon sticks to give it a seasonal flavor. For added texture, you can also add some fresh or frozen fruit.
5. Enjoy!
When it comes to infused water and beverages, the most important thing is to simply enjoy them. Take the time to appreciate the beautiful colors, the delicate aromas, and the unique flavors. Invite friends and family over for a special treat when you make them, or simply relax and enjoy them at home. Have fun and savor every sip!
Adding infused water or beverages to your hydration routine is a great way to put the “fun” in “functional.” Plus, with so many delicious options, why not mix it up? Keep your body happy and healthy — and your taste buds pleasantly surprised!
