6 Interesting & Healthy Water Recipes

The next time you’re thirsty, don’t reach out for that unhealthy soft drink. With full of sugar (about 8-10 teaspoons per can) as well as artificial flavours, colours, caffeine and calories, it can affect your health in numerous ways.

Instead, drink good old water, but with a twist. A fruit and herb twist, to be precise.

What are water recipes? They are recipes in which fruits are added to water with ice. The fruits infuse into the water to release their flavours. Water recipes should not be confused with juices in which fruits are pulped, blended or processed, with added sugars. In water recipes, the fruits lightly flavour the water through steeping, and release their juices through gentle muddling or crushing within the water.

Water recipes taste predominantly of water, with hints of fruit, and will not be sweet, as no sugar is added. The water and fruits are topped with lots of ice and stored in the fridge for at least two hours before consumption. The fruits can either be strained or consumed.

Healthy water recipes have become popular and are used by many weight watchers. It’s a fun and colourful way to get your recommended daily water intake.

Here are a few easy and healthy water recipes:

Strawberry and basil

Strawberry is full of vitamin C, which is known to build your immunity and keep your blood sugar stable. Chop some strawberries and leave it to steep in water, along with some loosely torn basil leaves. You could even add a dash of lime.

Mint, basil and cilantro

One of those refreshing water recipes, it energises, hydrates and settles your stomach. Lightly chop the cilantro, tear the basil and muddle the mint in the water. Do not crush herbs harshly, as this will destroy them. A dash of lime will add flavour and release the oils in the herbs.

Cucumber and lime

What makes this one of the most healthy water recipes? Cucumber is good for reducing inflammation and cooling down your system. Lemon works as a hydrator and source of Vitamin C. Slice cucumber and lime and immerse it in cold water. Press the cut pieces in the water with the back of tablespoon from time to time to release juices. This drink is also wonderful for the skin.

Watermelon and mint

When it's summer, we all love to eat big chunks of watermelon, juice dripping down our chins. It has essential vitamins and electrolytes, making it a great ingredient for healthy water recipes. Cube the watermelon and immerse it in the water, pressing down on it with a spoon or muddler. Add the mint and gently muddle or lightly twist.

Orange, lime and ginger

The two citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C and will hydrate and refresh you. Ginger is known for its digestive and cleansing properties and will add tang to the drink. Slice orange and lime, lightly squeeze them and let it rest in the water. Crush ginger lightly to release juices.

Pineapple and mint

Pineapple is known to be a powerhouse of health and using it in water recipes will work to your advantage. It is associated with heart health, improved digestion and reduced inflammation. Add pineapple chunks and gently crush them to release juices (do not pulp).