Fruit-infused water: 9 easy homemade recipes

You see them everywhere: those pretty bottles filled with colourful, fruit-infused water. Detox water: passing fad or a genuinely good habit? Whatever the case, these naturally flavoured waters are thirst-quenching and, above all, delicious. In short, they’re the perfect alternative to sugary shop-bought drinks. Here’s everything you need to know to make them, followed by 9 detox water recipes you can make at home.

What is detox water?

Detox water is simply water naturally flavoured with fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs, spices or even flowers. The idea comes straight from the United States and is part of the healthy living movement. What it has going for it comes down to a few points, and they’re still worth a quick reminder:

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: drinking enough water throughout the day is one of the foundations of a healthy lifestyle. If you’d like to read more on the subject, we’ve also written an article on water retention.

As the ingredients steep in the water, they release all their flavour, their aroma and sometimes their colour. A genuine boost for each recipe, and what makes every one unique!

Detox water is virtually calorie-free, unlike many shop-bought flavoured waters — and unlike smoothies, fruit 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, pop 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, wait a little longer, around 2 hours. One tip makes all the difference: the more finely you slice the ingredients, the better the result, because the flavours come through more fully. Detox water will keep for one to two days in the fridge. After that, it loses its flavour and freshness. Ready to make your own detox waters? Here are a few recipes to get you started, but the possibilities are truly endless!

Our 9 homemade infused water recipes

Detox water recipe 1: Sassy Water

Arguably the detox water that started it all… It was created by journalist Cynthia Sass after giving birth. Fresh and zesty, it paved the way for plenty of other homemade drinks. 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 2: Spiced water

Here is a second homemade detox water, and it’s wonderfully comforting. Its bonus: the mellow, fragrant pairing of apple and cinnamon is especially pleasant 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 (you choose the variety! Granny Smith for a tangier flavour, Golden Delicious for something sweeter…), thinly sliced

Detox water recipe 3: Citrus water

This homemade detox water looks and tastes remarkably like a soda, minus the calories! Best made in winter, when citrus fruits are in full season. Worth noting: grapefruit, lemon and orange give it a bright, zingy flavour. 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 4: Anise water

This homemade detox water has aniseed notes: fennel and rosemary are a lovely match for the freshness of cucumber. If you tend to suffer from bloating, bear in mind that no drink is the answer on its own: if the discomfort or nausea persists, it is also best to see your GP. For more ideas, see our selection of everyday drinks. 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 5: Summer water

If you are looking for a detox water recipe made for summer, this one is for you. Its ingredients have a very high water content, making it a light drink that is also flavourful and refreshing, and one that fits naturally into your daily routine. 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 6: Rose water

Here is a homemade water with a particularly delicate flavour. But do not let that fool you: it is packed with colour and tang, thanks to the strawberry and lime, softened by the rose petals. To keep reading, take a look at our article on plants and your legs. 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 7: Radiance water

Another summery detox water that will hydrate you in the tastiest way. This one focuses on apricot and peach for a fruity sweetness, and while you’re at it, discover our tips for looking after your skin! The recipe is rounded out with a spice, star anise, which has an aniseed scent and is often found in after-dinner drinks. 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 8: Softness water

Another delicious and delicate recipe, this one made with brightly coloured berries. Vanilla adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of lavender gives it character. With its soft, floral notes, this detox water is 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 9: Green water

A slightly more surprising recipe, but one that is truly worth trying. It features celery, a vegetable whose fresh, slightly salty flavour pairs beautifully with cucumber and lemon, to help you build on your good habits and rediscover the pleasure of drinking water. And as a bonus, it is wonderful for ending a meal on a fresh note! Our tips on digestion are here for you too.

• 1 litre of water
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
• 1 unwaxed lemon, cut into pieces
• Two celery stalks, sliced lengthways

Which recipe to choose, and when?

All these waters are made in the same way, but some suit certain moments better than others. In winter, make the most of citrus season with the citrus water (No. 3). When the sun comes out, the summer water (No. 5) and the radiance water (No. 7) showcase melon, watermelon, apricots and peaches. After a hearty meal, try the spiced water (No. 2) or the anise water (No. 4) instead. And for a gentle evening drink, the softness water (No. 8), with vanilla and lavender, is the perfect choice. Whichever you pick, leave it to infuse for at least 30 minutes and keep it in the fridge for one to two days at most.

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.

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Useful categories: Slimming Nutrition, Slimming Solutions.

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