WATER WORKS

Okay, so it’s no secret that our bodies need plenty of water. We’ve heard it a million times before – water promotes weight loss, flushes out toxins and does our skin a world of good. But sometimes we need a bit of encouragement to keep our fluids up. Infused water is a clever way to get you drinking again. Plus by switching to these homemade concoctions, you can reduce sugary drinks, stat.

Quick & Easy Flavoured Water

This recipe packs a punch of refreshing sweetness. Yum!

Ingredients:

What to do:

Fresh lemon and lime

1 orange

1 handful strawberries or raspberries

1 handful fresh mint

Lemon or lime juice

Add a few slices of lemon or lime to a plain jug of water.
Then quarter an orange and squeeze in all of the juice. You can get extra flavour by “bruising” the ingredients – mash up a handful of strawberries or raspberries with a fork or scrunch a handful of fresh mint in your hands.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice

Raspberry, Rose & Vanilla Water

This concoction looks gorgeous and tastes even better.

Ingredients:

What do to:

Fresh raspberries

Dried rose petals

Whole vanilla pod

Muddle the ingredients in a jar and pop in the fridge for 24 hours. Once the flavours infuse (the water will be bright pink) strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a paper towel and discard the fruit.
Serve chilled with ice.

Blueberry, Lemon & Rosemary

With anti-inflammatory properties and a calming scent, this herb-infused recipe is perfect for those lazy summer days.

Ingredients:

What to do:

Fresh blueberries

Thinly sliced lemon

Rosemary sprigs

Steep fruit and herbs – you can adjust the level of rosemary to suit your tastes.

Chamomile Mint Water With Cardamom

Stressed out? Sore tummy? Sip this brew infused with delicate chamomile – which is known to ease anxiety and reduce cramping.

Ingredients:

What to do:

Dried chamomile flowers

Fresh mint sprigs

Lightly crushed cardamom pods

Combine all ingredients in a jug of water and sit in the fridge for about 24 hours. This will help all the flavours blend together and infuse into the water. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try drinking this in the hours before bedtime.

*Recipe courtesy of shewhoeats.com

Watermelon Coconut Agua Fresca

Ingredients:

What to do:

1 seedless watermelon

4 cups coconut water (you can use plain water instead if you’re not a fan)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime

This pretty pink and naturally sweet cooler is a great summer staple. Simply purée the watermelon in a blender and strain it through a fine sieve, discarding the pulp.
Stir in the coconut water and lime juice and chill for at least an hour.

*Recipe courtesy of kitchen treaty.com.au