10 Fruits to Make Fruit-Infused Water Taste Amazing
Drinking enough water can feel like a chore. We all know we should be doing it, but sometimes plain old water just doesn’t cut it. Before you reach for a sugary squash or fizzy drink, what if there was a way to make your water delicious without adding a load of calories?
Fruit-infused water is a simple, healthy, and tasty way to stay hydrated. By adding certain fruits to your water bottle, you can enjoy a burst of flavour that makes hitting your daily water goal easy. This guide will walk you through the best fruits for the job, simple combinations and tips to get you started.
Why Choose Fruit-Infused Water?
Before we jump into the best fruits to use, let’s talk about why fruit-infused water is such a great choice. Staying properly hydrated is vital for your health. It helps with everything from keeping your skin clear and your energy levels up to making sure your body’s systems are all running smoothly.
The trouble is, many of us struggle to drink enough water. Sugary drinks, like juices and fizzy drinks, might seem like a good alternative, but they often come packed with hidden calories and sugars. These can lead to weight gain and other health issues if you have them too often.
This is where fruit-infused water shines. It provides a natural, subtle flavour, making your water more interesting without the unwanted extras. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy calorie-free flavours and make hydration a more enjoyable part of your day.
Getting Started with Fruit-Infused Water
Making fruit-infused water couldn’t be easier. All you really need is water, fruit, and a container. You can use a simple glass, a jug for the fridge, or a special infuser water bottle. Infuser bottles have a separate compartment to hold the fruit, which stops seeds and pulp from floating around in your drink.
Here’s a simple method:
- Choose your fruits: Pick one or more fruits from our list below.
- Wash and prepare: Always wash your fruit thoroughly. Cut it into slices or chunks. For some fruits, like citrus, you might want to remove the rind to avoid any bitterness.
- Infuse: Add the prepared fruit to your bottle or jug, top it up with cold water, and let it sit.
- Wait: For the best flavour, let the water infuse for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger taste, you can leave it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.
Now, let’s look at the best fruits to get you started on your hydration journey.
1. Lemons
Lemons are the undisputed king of water infusion. A simple slice of lemon can instantly transform a boring glass of water into something zesty and refreshing. It’s a classic for a reason.
Why it works: Lemons release their flavour quickly and are incredibly low in calories. They also contain a good dose of Vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. The sharp, citrusy taste is perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a refreshing fruit-infused water after a workout.
How to use it: Slice a lemon and add a few slices to your water. If you find the rind too bitter, you can peel it first. For a stronger flavour, give the lemon slices a gentle squeeze before dropping them in.
Tasty combination: Lemon and mint. The coolness of the mint pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon for a truly refreshing drink.
2. Limes
Limes offer a slightly different, tart twist. They are just as effective at adding a punch of flavour to your water.
Why it works: Like lemons, limes are packed with Vitamin C and provide a zesty kick. Their bright, sharp flavour can make your water feel more exotic and exciting. They are one of the best options for instant calorie-free flavours.
How to use it: Slice a lime and add it to your water. A little squeeze will help release more of its juice and flavour. Limes work well on their own or mixed with other fruits.
Tasty combination: Lime and cucumber. This duo creates a spa-like water that is incredibly cooling and cleansing. It’s the perfect drink for a hot summer’s day.
3. Oranges
If you want a sweeter citrus flavour, oranges are an excellent choice. They add a gentle, sunny sweetness to your fruit-infused water that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Why it works: Oranges infuse a sweet, mild flavour without being overpowering. They are another great source of Vitamin C and add a beautiful splash of colour to your water bottle.
How to use it: Slice an orange and add a few slices to your water. You can leave the peel on for a more complex flavour, but if you prefer it sweeter, it’s best to remove it.
Tasty combination: Orange and blueberry. The sweet orange and the slightly tart blueberries create a balanced and delicious fruit-infused water. It looks as good as it tastes!
4. Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries)
Berries are fantastic for making lovely fruit-infused water. They release their sweet flavours and vibrant colours, turning your water into a beautiful, tasty drink.
Why it works: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all low in calories but high in flavour and antioxidants. They add a natural sweetness that can help curb sugar cravings. Plus, watching the colours bleed into the water is surprisingly satisfying.
How to use it: For strawberries, slice them in half. For raspberries and blueberries, you can drop them in whole, but gently crushing them first will help release more of their juice and flavour.
Tasty combination: A mix of all three berries creates a “berry blast” fruit-infused water that is both delicious and visually appealing. Add a sprig of mint for extra freshness.
5. Watermelon
Is there anything more refreshing than watermelon on a hot day? Adding it to your water captures that feeling perfectly.
Why it works: Watermelon is over 90% water itself, so it’s a natural choice for hydration. It infuses a subtle, sweet, and incredibly refreshing taste. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavour of watermelon without the sticky fingers.
How to use it: Cut the watermelon into small cubes and add them to your water. Since it’s a softer fruit, it infuses its flavour quite quickly.
Tasty combination: Watermelon and basil. The slightly peppery, sweet flavour of basil complements the light sweetness of the watermelon beautifully. It’s a lovely way of making amazing fruit-infused water.
6. Cucumber
While technically a fruit, a cucumber is often thought of as a vegetable. Either way, it’s great when it comes to infusing water.
Why it works: Cucumber gives water a clean, crisp, and incredibly refreshing taste. It’s the ultimate spa water ingredient and is perfect for helping you feel cool and calm.
How to use it: Thinly slice a cucumber and add the slices to your water. The flavour is subtle, so you might want to use a generous amount.
Tasty combination: Cucumber, lemon, and mint. This classic combination is the ultimate thirst-quencher and a staple in our healthy hydration tips.
7. Pineapple
For a taste of the tropics, look no further than pineapple. It adds a sweet and tangy flavour that can make you feel like you’re on holiday.
Why it works: Pineapple is full of a strong, sweet flavour that infuses well into water. It also contains an enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use it: Cut fresh pineapple into chunks and add them to your water. The flavour is quite strong, so a little goes a long way.
Tasty combination: Pineapple and ginger. The spicy warmth of ginger balances the sweetness of the pineapple, creating a zesty and invigorating fruit-infused water drink.
8. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is another citrus fruit, offering a tangy and slightly bitter flavour that is incredibly refreshing.
Why it works: Grapefruit provides a sharp, zesty taste that can be a great change from the usual lemon or lime. It’s also known for its potential metabolism-boosting properties.
How to use it: Slice the grapefruit and add it to your water. If you find it too bitter, you can remove the rind or add a sweeter fruit like strawberries to balance it out.
Tasty combination: Grapefruit and rosemary. The woody, aromatic flavour of rosemary pairs surprisingly well with the tartness of grapefruit for a sophisticated and grown-up fruit-infused water.
9. Kiwi
Don’t overlook the humble kiwi. This small, fuzzy fruit packs a big punch of sweet and tangy flavour.
Why it works: Kiwi has a unique tropical taste that is both sweet and slightly tart. It’s also full of Vitamin C and K. Plus, the little black seeds look pretty cool floating in your water bottle.
How to use it: Peel the kiwi and slice it into rounds. Add the slices to your water and let them infuse.
Tasty combination: Kiwi and strawberry. This is a classic combination for a reason. The sweetness of the strawberries balances the tang of the kiwi perfectly.
10. Peaches
For a soft, summery, and sweet flavour, peaches are a wonderful choice. They infuse water with a delicate, fragrant taste.
Why it works: Peaches provide a gentle, sweet flavour that isn’t overpowering. They are perfect for those who prefer a more subtle taste in their infused water.
How to use it: Slice a ripe peach and add it to your water. For a stronger flavour, you can gently muddle the slices before adding them.
Tasty combination: Peach and vanilla. Add a few peach slices and a small piece of a vanilla pod to your water for a creamy, dessert-like flavour that’s still completely guilt-free.
A Healthier Way to Hydrate
Switching to fruit-infused water is a simple change that can have a big impact on your health and hydration habits. It’s an easy and delicious way to increase your water intake while avoiding the sugar and calories found in many other drinks.
By experimenting with different fruits and combinations, you can find your perfect flavour and make drinking water something you actually look forward to. So, grab your water bottle, pick a fruit from the list, and start drinking more water.
