Nothing quenches our thirst better than a refreshing chug of ice water on a blazing summer day. If you’re outside mowing the lawn, washing the car, or shooting hoops with the kiddos in the driveway, water is your ultimate sidekick when the heat is on.
It’s true that water may have lost its competitive edge over the years compared to heavily marketed sodas and sports drinks, however, it still outranks them in terms of overall hydration, health, and well-being. Further, water doesn’t contribute to obesity, hypertension, and tooth decay the way sugary colas and jitter-inducing energy drinks will.
Still feeling ho-hum about water? Don’t worry! Read on to discover some cool ways on hot days to give water a tasty makeover that are fun, fresh, and family-friendly! In this article, we’ll show you some of the basic, better, and best ways to enhance water’s refreshing and revitalizing qualities.
At Home
Designate a permanent spot in the fridge for a pitcher of fresh water and keep it topped up throughout the day. No need for fancy filters or special containers—just make it a habit to have it there. When you’re slicing a lemon for a recipe, drop a few slices into the pitcher. Making fresh-squeezed orange juice? Toss those peels in there too. Got some extra cucumbers from a salad? Slice them up and add them to the mix. Let these refreshing flavors infuse for a day or two before composting them. In the meantime, enjoy your citrusy sipper with a sprig of mint, basil, or rosemary fresh from your garden. It’s a chic way to feel like a spa day at home!
On The Go
Take your jugs of water and water bottles on a flavor-packed adventure! Pack them full of colorful slices of lemons, limes, oranges, and/or cucumbers.
Not only does citrus help boost nutrient absorption from food, it doesn’t spike blood sugar and won’t attract pesky insects if (and when) it’s spilled like soda and sports drinks will.
Another effortless way to flavor water is to freeze the juice from canned fruits into ice cubes for a subtle, natural sweetness and nothing goes to waste. Don’t forget to add a few mint leaves to the juice before freezing and for an extra boost of flavor.
Entertaining
Now that we’re all yearning for crisp, refreshing water, why not ‘zhuzh’ it up a little more? This delightful and fruity take on ice water is a hit at countless brunches and bridal showers, but it’s so simple and stylish that it’s perfect for gatherings and holidays all year round. Here’s how to do it: thread fresh strawberries, blueberries, grapes, watermelon chunks, or pineapple onto 6-inch wooden skewers, then freeze them overnight before your summer soiree. Or, add the fruit to an ice cube tray and fill with water before freezing. When the time comes, pop these eye-catching frozen treats into water pitchers and add one or two to individual cups with each pour. It’s a surefire way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to any occasion!
Combine sweeter fruits with citrus slices and fresh herbs to create a delicious flavor profile and an Insta-worthy presentation. For example, try a combination of blueberries, lime slices, and sprigs of thyme, or opt for strawberries, lemon slices, and chopped basil leaves. You can also pair sweet chunks of cantaloupe or honeydew with tart pineapple tidbits and slices of ginger. The flavor combinations are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
PRO TIP: To clean citrus fruits and berries, soak them in a solution of water mixed with baking soda (using a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part baking soda) for 5 minutes. This helps remove any harmful pesticides. Additionally, gently scrub lemons, limes, and oranges to eliminate any wax they may have been sprayed with during transport.
Finally, let’s not forget that water is still the most accessible, cost-effective and healthy way to hydrate year-round. We hope you’re inspired to taste the rainbow of fruit-infused water ideas here and come up with some of your own.