You see them everywhere — those pretty bottles filled with colourful, fruit-infused water. Detox water: the new ally for a slimmer figure, glowing skin and overall wellbeing? Whatever the case, these naturally flavoured waters are nourishing, thirst-quenching and above all delicious. In short, the perfect alternative to sugary shop-bought drinks. Here are 8 detox water recipes you can make at home.
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What is detox water?
Detox water is simply water naturally infused with fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, spices or even flowers. The concept comes straight from the United States and is rooted in the healthy living movement. The benefits of detox water are clear, but a quick reminder never hurts:
It encourages you to drink more water. And where plain water can feel dull and tasteless, detox water is far more appealing, as various ingredients have been left to infuse. And it bears repeating: hydration is the foundation of everything — it helps the body eliminate waste, supports the detoxifying organs, reduces water retention and even aids digestion…
As the ingredients steep in the water, they release all their goodness: vitamins, minerals and antioxidant compounds. A genuine boost for the body!
Detox water is virtually calorie-free, unlike many shop-bought flavoured waters — and unlike smoothies, detox juices and other drinks that claim to be healthy… but often fall short!
How to make homemade detox water?
Nothing could be simpler. Just slice up some fruit and/or vegetables, place them in a jug or bottle and top up with water (still mineral, spring, sparkling or tap — filtered if possible). You can also add fresh herbs, spices or even fresh flower petals. Leave the ingredients to infuse for at least 30 minutes before drinking (ideally a little longer, around 2 hours). One tip that makes all the difference: the more finely you slice the ingredients, the better the result, as the aromas and micronutrients are released more effectively. Finally, detox water will keep for one to two days in the fridge. After that, it loses both its flavour and its nutritional qualities. Ready to make your own detox waters? Here are a few recipes to get you started — the possibilities are truly endless!
Detox water recipe no1: Sassy Water
Arguably the detox water that started it all… It was created by journalist Cynthia Sass to help her lose weight after giving birth. It is particularly draining, while also being energising. To make it, you will need :
- 2 litres of water
- 1 tsp of grated ginger
- 1 cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 unwaxed lemon, cut into pieces
- 12 mint leaves
Detox water recipe no2 : Spiced water
Here is a second homemade detox water that is wonderfully comforting. Its bonus: it supports digestion and may also help balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It is therefore ideal after a rich meal (such as festive holiday dinners). To make it, you will need :
- 1 litre of water
- One or two cinnamon sticks
- One or two apples (your choice of variety! Granny Smith for a tangier flavour, Golden Delicious for something sweeter…), thinly sliced
Detox water recipe no3 : Citrus water
This homemade detox water looks and tastes remarkably like a soda — minus the calories! It is also an incredible source of energy. Best made in winter, when citrus fruits are in full season. Worth noting: extracts of grapefruit, lemon and orange are known for their cleansing and fat-breaking properties. The preparation could not be simpler — just combine:
- 1 litre of sparkling water
- 1 unwaxed grapefruit, thinly sliced
- 1 unwaxed orange, also sliced
- 1 unwaxed lemon, cut into pieces
- 1 unwaxed lime, also cut into pieces
Detox water recipe no4: Anise water
If you tend to suffer from bloating, this homemade detox water could be just what you need. It supports healthy digestion (rosemary is a friend to the liver) and helps achieve a flatter stomach (fennel has antispasmodic properties). It is also effective at easing nausea. The key ingredients are:
- 1 litre of chilled water
- ½ fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 3–4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Detox water recipe no5: Summer water
If you are looking for a detox water recipe made for summer, this one is for you. It is highly draining, as its ingredients have a very high water content. But do not be fooled — it is also flavourful, refreshing and genuinely detoxifying. To make it, you will need:
- 1.5 litres of water
- Half a melon, peeled and cut into small pieces
- A quarter of a watermelon, deseeded, peeled and diced
- 1 unwaxed lemon, sliced into rounds
- Two handfuls of mint leaves
Detox water recipe no6: Rose water
Here is a homemade water with a particularly delicate flavour. But do not let that fool you — it is packed with antioxidant, anti-fatigue vitamin C. It is also especially beneficial for healthy microcirculation (rose is venotonic, strawberry helps protect the arteries). It is very easy to prepare:
- 1 litre of water
- 200–300 g of strawberries, hulled, washed and sliced
- 1 unwaxed lime, sliced into rounds
- 2 handfuls of rose petals, fresh or dried
Detox water recipe no7: Radiance water
Another summery detox water that will hydrate you in the smartest way. This one focuses on vitamin-rich fruits to boost the body — and your skin! The recipe is rounded out with a spice, star anise, which has multiple properties: diuretic, hypotensive and digestive. You will need:
- 1 litre of water
- 4–5 star anise
- 2 apricots, cut into pieces
- 2 peaches or nectarines, also sliced
Detox water recipe no8: Softness water
Another delicious and delicate recipe, made with red berries rich in antioxidant pigments. A touch of sweetness comes from vanilla, while a hint of lavender adds character. A calming, soothing detox water — perfect as an evening drink. To make it, you will need:
- 1 litre of water
- One or two handfuls of raspberries
- One or two handfuls of blueberries, lightly crushed (to release their juice)
- One vanilla pod, split lengthways
- 2–3 sprigs of lavender
Detox water recipe no9: Green water
A slightly more surprising recipe, but one that is truly detoxifying. It features celery — the ultimate cleansing vegetable — to help rid your body of all toxins and restore your vitality. And as a bonus, it is wonderful for digestion!
- 1 litre of water
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 unwaxed lemon, cut into pieces
- Two celery stalks, sliced lengthways
Feel free to create your own detox water combinations. Pomegranate, blackberry, basil, courgette, pear, thyme or kiwi are all great ingredients to explore when crafting your own detox waters at home.