In continuation of all-things natural, how about a refreshing natural drink? And what can be more refreshing and good for you, too? Water! Simply water, with a touch of fruity goodness is sure to quench your thirst in a most satisfying and guilt-free way…
Ingredients:
- Fruits — whatever kind you like (except bananas); make sure it’s good and ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor. Citrus, berries, pineapple and watermelon work well for flavoring water. Many grocery stores sell small containers of pre-cut fruit if you do not want to buy whole fruits. Frozen ones are okay, especially if you are wanting a fruit that may be out of season.
- Herbs — these are optional, but many herbs are a surprising complement to fruit flavors; almost any herb will work depending on your personal preference. Mint is the most obvious herb choice. I have fresh basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, and tarragon from my garden which I found to be all good.
- Jars or pitchers — I used my favourite milk and juice glass bottle (as pictured) but 2 quart mason jars and/or any 2 quart pitcher will do.
- Fruit infusion pitcher–This is optional if you think you’ll be making infused waters regularly; a very easy, tidy way to strain fruit from water
- Muddler or wooden spoon for mashing fruit and herbs
- Ice
- Water — I personally prefer filtered water, but regular tap water is fine, too!
**Directions:
WASH FRUIT THOROUGHLY! The citrus and berries need to be really, really clean to keep contaminants and bacteria out of your flavored water. I recommend organic fruit, if it isn’t going to be peeled.
Supplies needed: 2 quart pitcher or jar with lid; muddler or wooden spoon
General formula for whatever fruit/herb combo you desire.
1. If using herbs, add a sprig of fresh herbs to jar/pitcher; press and twist with muddler or handle of wooden spoon to bruise leaves and release flavor; don’t pulverize the herbs into bits.
2. Add approx. 2 cups of fruit to jar/pitcher; press and twist with muddler or handle of wooden spoon, just enough to release some of the juices
3. Fill jar/pitcher with ice cubes.
4. Add water to top of jar/pitcher.
5. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Suggested flavor combinations**
ALL CITRUS (no herbs) — Slice 1 orange, 1 lime, 1 lemon into rounds, then cut the rounds in half. Add to jar and proceed with muddling, add ice & water.
RASPBERRY LIME (no herbs) — Quarter 2 limes; with your hands, squeeze the juice into the jar, then throw in the squeezed lime quarters. Add 2 cups raspberries. Muddle, add ice & water.
PINEAPPLE MINT — Add a sprig of mint to the jar (you can throw in the whole sprig; or, remove the leaves from the sprig, if you prefer to have the mint swimming around and distributing in the jar). Muddle the mint. Add 2 cups pineapple pieces, muddle, add ice & water.
BLACKBERRY SAGE — Add sage sprig to jar and muddle. Add 2 cups blackberries; muddle, add ice & water.
WATERMELON ROSEMARY — Add rosemary sprig to jar & muddle. Add 2 cups watermelon cubes; muddle, add ice and water.
As pictured above, the combinations that I made are:
STRAWBERRIES, LEMONS & MINT — 1 small basket of thoroughly washed, stems removed strawberries, 1 lemon into rounds & wedges, 1 sprig of mint. Add to jar and proceed with muddling, add ice & water.
BLACKBERRY, RASPBERRY, LIME & SAGE — 1 small basket of thoroughly washed blackberries and raspberries, 2 limes, quartered (with your hands, squeeze the juice into the jar, then throw in the squeezed lime quarters). Add sage sprig to jar and muddle. Add the blackberries; muddle, add ice & water.