Detox Water Four Ways
Say hello to feeling energized and revitalized with detox water as part of your regimen! Since staying hydrated should be part of our everyday routine, enhancing the flavor and benefits of plain water is just a bonus. I have been creating infused water for years, even as a kid, I used to enjoy it instead of soft drinks, using fresh fruits and herbs from my grandparents’ garden. Now, I have hooked my entire family on it, and we always have a pitcher in the fridge.
Detox Water is trending in health and fitness communities and has been the catalyst for the rise of fruit-infused water bottles on the market. It is primarily water that is flavored with the slices of raw fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. It can be easily made at home and is known to improve mood and energy levels, making it a great way to ensure proper hydration. This is one simple and delicious beverage that you can drink every day. If you are looking for more homemade concoctions, try these healthy versions: Spinach Smoothie, Tropical Smoothie, and Strawberry Banana Smoothie!
Table of contents
As I mentioned before, I always keep a pitcher of infused water in the refrigerator. I think this is a great way to develop in kids the habit of drinking natural water instead of sugary drinks. The best part about making infused water at home is its versatility. I adapt the add-ins based on season, what I have on hand, and what my family loves. I love serving it at barbecue and pool parties, and also filling my bottle before I go to the gym. The kids are impressed by the taste and how vibrant it is, and consume it with pleasure.
Why you will love homemade detox water
- It has many benefits: Drinking plenty of fluids helps our organs function properly, improves digestion and detoxification, enhances skin appearance, has a positive impact on mood, and reduces mental fatigue. Adding high-quality ingredients to plain water can deliver more nutrients to your body and provide a boost in its functionality.
- Effortless and delicious: Detox water doesn’t require much effort to make; mix and match the add-ins in your drink. It is significantly healthier than the sugar-laden, manufactured drinks on the market, and it is also more cost-effective. At the same time, you can control the quality of the ingredients that go in.
- Better than soda: Additionally, if you attempt to break the habit of drinking soda, the natural sweetness of the fruits in the detox drink will help make the transition to healthier options easier. As is known, water, even in its purest form, is good for the body, but it’s even better when enhanced with nutrients that will benefit your mind and body.
Detox Water is good for weight loss…
Many sources point out that detox water is popular for its slimming and cleansing effects. I like it even if it does not have these effects, and it’s not the reason why I enjoy consuming it. It has the same thirst-quenching and refreshing effect as carbonated drinks, but I like that it encourages me to hydrate more.
Drinking plenty of fluids gives the metabolism a boost and also helps with satiety, reducing the chances of overeating. Drinking before eating jumpstarts the metabolism and suppresses the appetite. Therefore, it’s just natural that some healthy weight loss will follow.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health. After all, our bodies are composed of approximately 60% water. The benefits vary depending on the ingredients used. For instance, lemon and lime help burn fat faster, while mint leaves stimulate digestion. Cucumber, on the other hand, contains antioxidants that can aid in detoxification.
What you will need
Citrus water: It’s a great drink to start the day with, as it provides a good dose of Vitamin C and regulates the pH level. Additionally, it supports the immune system and improves skin appearance and is made with slices of orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, ginger root, and mint leaves.
Citrus berry water: A delicious way to get an antioxidant boost with every sip, that will enhance brain function, maintain blood pressure levels, and increase energy levels. I make this version with slices of oranges, lime, lemon, blueberries, strawberries, fresh ginger, and mint leaves.
Cucumber rosemary water: Cucumber is known for its detoxification benefits, which also improve bone health and lower blood pressure. Rosemary helps improve memory performance, boosts alertness, and relieves stress. Besides that, I add slices of lemon, lime, and mint leaves.
Tropical water: Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, it helps reduce inflammation and soothe digestive discomfort. This variation is made with slices of lemon, orange, pineapple, kiwi, cucumber, and mint leaves.
How to make it
- Water: I start by selecting the type of water I will use, such as alkaline, mineral, electrolyte, or regular tap water.
- Slice: After that, I wash the fruits, veggies, and herbs, then slice them.
- Assemble: In a big enough container or pitcher, I alternate layers of ice and the sliced add-ins.
- Steep: Then, I add the water and allow the flavors to infuse for 45 minutes. For best results, I recommend refrigerating it for 12 hours. Then, drink as usual!
Expert tip
Adding more flavor
Elevate and enhance the taste of the detox water by mashing part of the berries with a small amount of water. Strain the solids, so they don’t float in the drink. Add the berry water mixture to the drink. Additionally, for optimal results, lightly bruise the fruit when cutting to help it infuse more. Avoid using dried or freeze-dried fruits, as they may not produce optimal results. To keep the infused water fresh for longer, remove the add-ins from the water after one to two days; this will prevent the fruits, berries, vegetables, and herbs from decomposing and spoiling the drink.
More tips to consider
- If the detox water is consumed very quickly, reuse the add-ins by simply refilling the jar with more water. This should be done when the water is halfway down, since the mixture won’t be as flavorful.
- To avoid bitter-tasting water, remove the rinds from the citrus fruits. Also, taste the cucumbers (if using); sometimes they can be bitter too.
- Use cold water to make the infusion. While using warm water speeds up the process, it also reduces the nutrients. It’s better to use cold water and heat individual portions when you’re ready to consume them.
- Frozen fruits can be used; however, when thawed in water, they may fall apart into pieces.
Recipe variations:
The more ingredients that you add, the more festive the colors and the flavors will be! Here are a few combinations that you can try for an enjoyable experience:
- Citrus: orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, fresh ginger, mint leaves
- Citrus Berry: orange, lime, lemon, blueberry, strawberry, fresh ginger, mint leaves
- Cucumber Rosemary: lime, lemon, English cucumber, rosemary, mint leaves
- Tropical: lime, orange, English cucumber, pineapple, kiwi, mint leaves
- Liver detox: dandelions, ginger, lemon, and turmeric.
- Cooling: Cucumber, lemon, mint, vanilla bean.
- Summer Refresher: Watermelon, Mint, Lemon.
- Digestion boost: grapefruit slices, ginger, cucumber, mint.
- Berry punch: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, lemon, mint, vanilla bean.
How to serve it
Detox water should be served cold or with ice. If you prefer not to drink cold drinks, pour them into a glass and let them come to room temperature. Another option is to warm it up slightly in a cup in the microwave. The refreshing and flavorful water is excellent in the morning on an empty stomach or during meals.
I like to serve it at barbecue and pool parties, and it’s also a staple when I host brunches or afternoon tea parties. I usually include small bites, like coconut truffles, mango chia pudding, strawberry chia pudding, Dubai overnight oats, and air-fried carrot chips.
How to store it
The lifespan of infused water depends on the ingredients used; therefore, choosing very fresh add-ins is crucial.
- Container: First, the infused water should be stored in an airtight jar, container, or pitcher.
- Refrigerate: It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, BUT it should be investigated before consumption for spoiled ingredients. Any leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours. However, if you keep the pitcher outside on a hot summer day for longer, it is better to discard it. Do NOT consume detox water that has been sitting at room temperature for more than 12 hours.
- Investigate: Taking a small sip of the leftover detox water and examining it is crucial. Ingredients like lemon and grapefruit can mask the spoiled taste of other ingredients. Therefore, it’s essential to compare how the drink tastes when it is just freshly made and if it has any odd smell or taste after being stored.
The best container for detox water
I prefer to make large batches of detox water in a Glass Drink Dispenser, as my whole family enjoys it, and I need to have plenty on hand. However, for smaller batches, the Infused Water Pitcher is great, especially since it separates the add-ins from the liquid, making it easier to discard them.
I also use Infused Water Bottles for when I travel, to take on the go when running errands, and to give my kids to school. At home, I also enjoy using Mason Jars (with handles) for the kids to make their individual infused drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on the region, be sure to check the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline website to determine if the tap water is safe to drink. Usually, the ETA will provide clear guidelines and advise whether the tap water needs to be boiled or can be used without boiling. Based on individual health goals and performance needs, mineral water, alkaline water (with a higher pH level), or electrolyte water is available. All are excellent choices and can be used to make detox water.
To get the most benefits from the fruit and vegetable-infused liquid, it is recommended to consume it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. This way, it helps the body recover from nightly dehydration and enables it to absorb nutrients more effectively. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet, as many people with an ulcer can increase symptoms by having acidic drinks on an empty stomach. Additionally, some spices and herbs (such as cinnamon, ginger, dandelion, and parsley) consumed in excess can have a diuretic effect.
The most important part of a water detox is the water itself. Start by making sure the water is of good quality. After that, identify your body’s needs. Consult a nutritionist to determine if you should use alkaline, mineral, or electrolyte water. Next come the add-ins; these are equally important, and the best part is that these can be adjusted based on personal preference and health goals.
Typically, a combination of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and occasionally spices is used. The most popular are citrus fruits, tropical fruits, berries, cucumber, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, coriander, parsley, ginger, and mint. After mixing in all the ingredients, refrigerate the water for at least 12 hours to ensure it’s infused with the nutrients from the added ingredients. The drink can be served warm or cold.
Smoothie recipes you should try:
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Detox Water Four Ways
Ingredients
CITRUS DETOX WATER:
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 grapefruit sliced
- 3 small slices fresh ginger
- 20 mint leaves
- 4 cups ice
- Water as needed
CITRUS BERRY DETOX WATER:
- 1/2 orange sliced
- 1/2 lime sliced
- 1/2 lemon sliced
- 1 cup blueberries washed
- 1 cup strawberries washed and sliced
- 3 small slices fresh ginger
- 20 mint leaves
- 4 cups ice
- Water as needed
CUCUMBER ROSEMARY DETOX WATER:
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber sliced
- 5 sprigs rosemary
- 20 mint leaves
- 4 cups ice
- Water as needed
TROPICAL DETOX WATER:
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 cup sliced pineapple
- 1 kiwi cleaned and sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber sliced
- 20 mint leaves
- 4 cups ice
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits, vegetables, and herbs by cleaning, washing, and slicing as needed.
- Fill a large container or beverage dispenser by layering ice and the ingredients in sequence. Top with cold water.
- Let it infuse for at least 45 minutes, or better yet, 12 hours in the fridge.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Adding more flavor
Elevate and enhance the taste of the detox water by mashing part of the berries with a small amount of water. Strain the solids, so they don’t float in the drink. Add the berry water mixture to the drink. Additionally, for optimal results, lightly bruise the fruit when cutting to help it infuse more. Avoid using dried or freeze-dried fruits, as they may not produce optimal results. To keep the infused water fresh for longer, remove the add-ins from the water after one to two days; this will prevent the fruits, berries, vegetables, and herbs from decomposing and spoiling the drink.More tips to consider
- If the detox water is consumed very quickly, reuse the add-ins by simply refilling the jar with more water. This should be done when the water is halfway down, since the mixture won’t be as flavorful.
- To avoid bitter-tasting water, remove the rinds from the citrus fruits. Also, taste the cucumbers (if using); sometimes they can be bitter too.
- Use cold water to make the infusion. While using warm water speeds up the process, it also reduces the nutrients. It’s better to use cold water and heat individual portions when you’re ready to consume them.
- Frozen fruits can be used; however, when thawed in water, they may fall apart into pieces.