Creative Infused Water Ideas That Go Beyond Cucumber and Lemon

Hydration can be a struggle, but it's important—especially in the intense heat of summer. We're open to any opportunity that makes getting those eight glasses a day easier. Whether you're hosting a party or are just looking to add some intrigue to your daily water intake, infused water made with fruits and vegetables is a delicious, creative, and visually beautiful way to quench your thirst.

Infused water has also regained popularity recently as both a healthy alternative to sugary beverages and a more exciting non-alcoholic alternative to fruity cocktails. Ready to try it? Here are some creative infused water flavor combinations, which range from citrus-forward to herbal—plus a few tips for making and storing this refreshing drink.

3 Different Ways to Prepare Infused Water

Depending on the fruits and vegetables you're using, there are a few techniques to employ for the best results when infusing water. Whichever technique you try, let your fruits, vegetables, or herbs infuse for at least two hours in the refrigerator for the best, most flavorful results.

Sliced Infusions

An ideal method for citrus, thinly slicing your additions exposes the flavorful fruit without bruising the peel and pith, which would make your water bitter. Strawberries and spicy chiles, like jalapeño and serrano, should also be sliced.

Muddled Infusions

If you happen to be a mojito aficionado and have a muddler at home, use it to lightly crush and bruise some sturdier ingredients, such as cherries, olives, rosemary, grapes, or bell peppers. The handle end of a wooden spoon works, too!

Filtered Infusions

To keep your water free of debris, you can use special water bottles or pitchers with built-in infusing compartments. These compartments hold all desired ingredients, allowing the flavors to infuse the water without any particles floating around.

9 Infused Water Flavor Combinations You Should Try

Infused water flavors are only as limited as your imagination. Endless combinations of citrus, berries, melons, herbs, and even savory flavors like cucumber and peppers await preparation. Try these combinations—and then riff on them with your own creations.

• Sliced strawberries, basil, and lemon slices 
• Sliced jalapeños, lime, and cilantro
• Lemon slices, blueberries, and mint 
• Orange slices and muddled raspberries
• Watermelon and basil or mint 
• Bell pepper, cilantro, and lime slices
• Cherries, orange slices, and sliced peaches
• Muddled pineapple, lime slices, and a splash of coconut water
• Halved or sliced grapes, rosemary, and olives
  

Storing Infused Water

To determine how long a particular batch of infused water might last in your fridge, it's useful to consider the heartiness and the existing water content of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs you've chosen for your infusion. Tender, porous berries like raspberries and strawberries will grow soft and mushy quickly while sitting in water. Watermelon, as its name might suggest, will behave similarly. 

Tender and temperature sensitive herbs like cilantro and basil might grow soggy or brown quickly, while woodier herbs like rosemary and sage will be sturdier submerged in water. Citrus holds up well, but in general, the best time to drink infused water is either immediately after making it or after two or three hours of infusing in the fridge. 

Room Temperature vs. Refrigeration

Temperature is also an important factor when considering the shelf life of your infused water. Research shows that after four hours, infused water at room temperature might begin to grow bacteria. Alternately, infused water stored in the fridge is safe to consume within 24 hours. After one day has elapsed, however, you should drain the fruit solids; you can continue to drink the remaining flavored water for two to three more days.