Earlier this summer I completed Mark Hyman’s 10-Day Detox, which resulted in a few major transformations for me and also renewed my love of drinking water incessantly throughout the day.  It didn’t take me long post-detox for water boredom to set in. This led to a two-week long experiment that included chopping up various fruits, herbs and spices with a goal of jazzing up my daily 8-glass routine. What I learned is that less is more (follow this rule when you make smoothies too) and that too much citrus can burn your soul (don’t ask).

Anyways… turn plain water into something much more exciting with these tasty recipes. (Note: Recipe’s also make a great mix for vodka or gin-based cocktails…so I hear)

---

 

Frozen Peaches + Mint

Ingredients:

2 liters of filtered water

1 long sprig of Mint, or a handful of leaves you can tie together with kitchen twine

10 frozen Peach Slices, plus more to garnish (optional)

Get started:

Drop peaches in your pitcher, then the mint, top with ice and water and place in fridge for 4 hours or overnight. Serve in a wine glass, garnish with a frozen peach slice (also acts as a ice cube) you can refill the pitcher up to 8 times, or until the flavor dissipates.

Note: Leaving mint on sprig helps keep your smile clear of debris. Don’t forget that mint aids in digestion, this might be the perfect post-potluck recipe

---

 

Cucumber and Watermelon + Crushed Basil leaves

Ingredients

2 liters of filtered water

5-6 cucumbers sliced and cut in half

½ cup cubed watermelon

Get started:

Drop cucumber and watermelon in pitcher, fill with water and let sit in fridge for 30 minutes. You can refill this several times throughout the day just be sure to let sit for 30 minutes for the water to become infused.

Note: Cucumbers are great for a quick pick-me-up! Leave the skin on, they are packed with vitamin B + C and are great for rehydrating the body quickly.

---

 

Citrus Coriander Water

Ingredients

2 liters of filtered water

1 large lemon, sliced

1 large lime, sliced

2 cups of multicolored frozen grapes

¼ cup cilantro leaves

Get started:

In a large pitcher, pour water over citrus fruit. Refrigerate at least two hours. Serve in glasses over ice and garnish with an orange slice and sprig of cilantro.

Note: Cilantro/Coriander is a great source of vitamins, calcium and potassium and has been used for centuries to heal many ailments

---

 

Apples and Cinnamon Sticks

Ingredients

2 liters of filtered water

2 Apples thinly sliced (suggested: Golden Delicious, Royal Gala or Pink Lady)

1-2 Cinnamon Sticks

Get started:

Drop apple slices in the bottom of the pitcher (save a few to drop in your glass later) and then the cinnamon stick. Cover with ice about 1/2 way through then with water. Place in the fridge for 1 hour before serving. Lasts for 24 hours in the fridge

Note: Cinnamon can has been known to regulate blood sugar, reduce LDL cholesterol levels and contains fiber, calcium and iron.

---

 

strong>Vanilla pods + Orange slices + Sprinkle of grated Ginger Root

Ingredients:

2 liters of filtered water
1 orange, sliced
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, or 2 scraped vanilla bean pods

½ teaspoon of grated ginger root

Get started:

Simply combine the orange slices, vanilla and water in a large pitcher, and mix well. If you are using a vanilla pod cut the pod in half, lengthwise with a paring knife. Scrape out all of the oily seeds from the inside to use. Allow to infuse in the fridge for at least an hour, then keep chilled in the fridge for a refreshing beverage anytime you like!

Note: Ginger has been known to relieve nausea, congestion and reduce flatulence (you’re welcome).

 

What are your favorite ways of keeping water cool? Share you favorite flavor combinations in the comments below!