A Splash of Flavor – Infused Water Basics

How many times have you been told to drink water? We know it’s essential, but sometimes we need some flavor. Thus, infused water (flavored water) is a great sweet beverage substitute – plus, it’s cost-efficient and easy to make!

Infused water is a combination of fruits, herbs, and vegetables mixed into plain old water.  Whichever fruit or vegetable that use can either be sliced or mashed when adding it to the mix.  Below is the breakdown of how to make your own infused water:

1. Pick your produce. You can use one item or a combination of fruit and vegetables.
2. Decide if you want to add a garnish (fresh herbs).
3. Get your water. You’ll need at least 4 cups to every ½ – 1 cup of fresh produce.

• • It depends on your taste! How sweet do you want it? You can add more or less produce to sweeten your water.

4. Then infuse – Infusion takes about 2 hours, depending on the temperature.

• • Warm climates – 1 hour (left on the counter for example)
  • Cold climates – 2 hours (placed in the refrigerator)

Now, some things to consider when making it. Here are the following food safety tips:

• Make sure to use a clean your container (glass) for your infused water.
• Wash your fruits, vegetables, and herbs before making your recipe.
• During the infusion process – decide hot (warm) or cold.
• Whether you place the water in the refrigerator or leave the container on the counter, once infused (done), place in the refrigerator or add ice after to avoid spoilage.
• Chill for later – If you are not going to drink the flavored water right away, put the container in the refrigerator.
• Lastly, if you plan to keep your flavored water for more than a day, strain out the produce before storing it in the refrigerator.

Let’s get creative! Several different combos can be mixed. It just depends on your taste buds. Some combo ideas:

• 4 Mix Combo: Veggie + Citrus + Berry + Herb
• 3 Mix Combo: Citrus + Berry + Herb
• 2 Mix Combo: Citrus + Melon

Honestly, mix what you like and get creative!  Other ways to splash flavor is to do the following:

1. Squeeze fresh lime or lemon wedge in the water (classic)
2. Add a splash (like a tablespoon or teaspoon) of juice to a glass of water.
3. Make ice cubes using 100% juice – then add one or two cubes to a large glass/bottle of water.

For a full pdf handout version download the Infused-Water-Basics-Handout.pdf

Infused-Water-Basics-Handout.pdfReferences:

• Rethink Your Drink BLT Walk N Talk Curriculum Lesson 3
• https://www.allrecipes.com/article/fresh-ideas-for-making-infused-water/
• Onufrak SJ et al., The relationship of perceptions of tap water safety with intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and plain water among US adults. Public Health Nutrition, 2012.
• Onufrak SJ et al., Perceptions of Tap Water and School Water Foundations and Association with Intake of Plain Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. Journal of School Health, 2013.