15 Infused Water and Healthy Drink Ideas That Make Drinking More Water Actually Fun

Most of us know we should drink more water, but plain water can feel boring by the third glass. That is where infused water comes in. Drop some fruit, herbs or a few slices of cucumber into a jar, let it sit in the fridge, and suddenly water tastes like a treat from a fancy spa. There is no added sugar, it costs pennies and it looks beautiful on the table. We also added a few warm and cool healthy drinks, like ginger tea and hibiscus, for colder days. Love fruity drinks? Try our smoothie recipes that taste like dessert too. Grab a big jar and let us make water exciting again..

Cucumber Mint Infused Water, the Spa Classic

This is the drink you get handed at a nice spa, and it is so easy to make at home. Cool cucumber, fresh mint and a few slices of lemon turn a pitcher of water into something crisp and refreshing. It tastes clean and light, with no sugar at all. Keep a pitcher in the fridge and you will be surprised how much more water you drink. Be honest, how many glasses of water did you drink today?

You will need: 8 cups cold water, 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced, 1 small handful fresh mint, 1/2 lemon sliced, ice.

How to make it: 1. Add the cucumber, mint and lemon to a large pitcher. 2. Gently press the mint with a spoon to release the flavor. 3. Fill with cold water and chill for 1 to 2 hours. 4. Serve over ice and refill the pitcher once or twice with the same fruit.

Cucumber Lime Infused Water

A twist on the spa classic, this version swaps lemon for lime and adds a few thin ribbons of cucumber that float beautifully in the glass. It is bright, a little tangy and very cooling after a workout or a long day. Infused water like this is best within 24 hours, so make small batches. Quick poll: do you prefer (A) lemon, (B) lime, (C) orange or (D) no citrus at all?

You will need: 4 cups cold water, 1/2 cucumber cut into ribbons, 1 lime sliced, ice.

How to make it: 1. Slice the cucumber into thin ribbons with a peeler. 2. Add the cucumber and lime to a jar. 3. Pour in the cold water and chill 1 hour. 4. Serve over ice.

Classic Warm or Cold Lemon Water

Lemon water is the simplest infused water there is. Many people like a warm glass first thing in the morning, while others prefer it ice cold. It adds a fresh flavor that makes water easier to drink, and a little vitamin C too. Drink it through a straw if you worry about your teeth. Do you drink lemon water (A) warm in the morning, (B) cold all day or (C) never tried it?

You will need: 1 cup warm or cold water, 1/2 lemon, optional 1 teaspoon honey, optional slice of ginger.

How to make it: 1. Squeeze the lemon into a glass. 2. Add warm or cold water. 3. Stir in honey if you like it a little sweet. 4. Add a slice of lemon and enjoy.

Strawberry Basil Infused Water

Strawberries and basil are a surprising match that just works. The berries turn the water a soft pink and give it a sweet smell, while basil adds a fresh, almost peppery note. Kids love the color, and it is a great way to replace sugary drinks. This infused water is lovely at summer parties and baby showers. Would you have guessed basil goes with strawberries?

You will need: 6 cups cold water, 1 cup sliced strawberries, 6 fresh basil leaves, ice.

How to make it: 1. Add the strawberries and basil to a pitcher. 2. Gently press with a spoon. 3. Fill with cold water and chill 2 hours. 4. Serve with ice and a few fresh berries in each glass.

Orange Mint Infused Water

Orange and mint make a sunny, uplifting drink that feels like a vacation. Fresh orange slices give a gentle sweetness without any sugar, and mint keeps it cool and fresh. This infused water is perfect for brunch or for a big jug on the counter during a busy day. Add a cinnamon stick in the colder months for a cozy twist. Which would you choose: (A) orange mint or (B) orange cinnamon?

You will need: 6 cups cold water, 1 orange sliced, 1 small handful mint, ice.

How to make it: 1. Slice the orange into thin rounds. 2. Add the orange and mint to a pitcher. 3. Fill with water and chill 1 to 2 hours. 4. Serve over ice.

Watermelon Lime Cooler

Watermelon is over 90 percent water, so it is a natural fit for a hydrating drink. Blend fresh watermelon with lime and water, strain it if you like, and pour it over ice. It tastes like summer in a glass and needs no sugar at all if your melon is sweet. Serve it in jars next to a pitcher of infused water for a backyard party. Have you ever tried watermelon juice?

You will need: 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 1 cup cold water, juice of 1 lime, mint, ice.

How to make it: 1. Blend the watermelon with the water and lime juice. 2. Strain through a sieve for a smoother drink. 3. Chill well. 4. Serve over ice with fresh mint.

Mixed Berry Infused Water

Raspberries, blueberries and blackberries give this water a beautiful ruby color and a gentle fruity flavor. Gently crushing a few berries releases more taste. You can use frozen berries too, which double as ice cubes. This infused water is a great choice when you are craving juice or soda. What is your favorite berry?

You will need: 6 cups cold water, 1 cup mixed berries fresh or frozen, a few mint leaves, ice.

How to make it: 1. Add the berries to a pitcher and gently crush a few. 2. Add the mint. 3. Fill with cold water and chill 2 hours. 4. Serve with extra berries in each glass.

Coconut Water Refresher

Coconut water is naturally light and contains electrolytes like potassium, which is why many people reach for it after exercise. Mix it with a little pineapple juice and lime for a tropical refresher. Check the label and choose one with no added sugar. Serve it very cold. Have you ever had coconut water straight from a fresh coconut?

You will need: 2 cups unsweetened coconut water, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, juice of 1/2 lime, ice, lime slices.

How to make it: 1. Stir the coconut water, pineapple juice and lime juice together. 2. Pour over ice. 3. Garnish with a lime slice. 4. Drink right away while very cold.

Iced Green Tea With Lemon and Mint

Iced green tea is light, refreshing and has a gentle bit of caffeine for an afternoon lift. Brew it, cool it, and add lemon slices and mint. Sweeten with a little honey only if you need to. It is a great swap for sugary bottled iced teas. Steep green tea for just 2 to 3 minutes so it does not turn bitter. Do you like your tea (A) sweet or (B) unsweetened?

You will need: 4 green tea bags, 4 cups hot water (not boiling), 2 cups cold water, 1 lemon sliced, mint, optional honey, ice.

How to make it: 1. Steep the tea bags in hot water for 3 minutes, then remove. 2. Stir in honey if using and add the cold water. 3. Chill until cold. 4. Serve over ice with lemon and mint.

Lemon Ginger Tea

When the weather turns cold, a warm mug of lemon ginger tea feels like a hug. Fresh ginger slices simmer in water to make a spicy, soothing drink, finished with lemon and a spoon of honey. Many people sip it when they have a scratchy throat. It is also lovely after a big holiday meal. Do you reach for tea or coffee on a cold morning?

You will need: 3 cups water, 2 inch piece fresh ginger sliced, 1/2 lemon, 1 to 2 teaspoons honey.

How to make it: 1. Simmer the ginger in the water for 10 minutes. 2. Strain into mugs. 3. Squeeze in the lemon juice. 4. Stir in honey and serve warm.

Apple Cinnamon Infused Water

This is the coziest infused water on the list, and it is perfect for fall. Thin apple slices and a cinnamon stick turn water into something that smells like apple pie. Serve it cold, or warm it gently for a light, sugar free alternative to cider. It is a great way to use apples that are going soft. Would you drink this warm or cold?

You will need: 6 cups water, 1 apple thinly sliced, 2 cinnamon sticks, optional star anise.

How to make it: 1. Add the apple slices and cinnamon sticks to a pitcher. 2. Fill with water. 3. Chill at least 2 hours or overnight for more flavor. 4. Serve cold, or warm gently on the stove.

Grapefruit Rosemary Water

Grapefruit and rosemary is a grown up flavor pair that tastes like something from a fancy bar, without any alcohol. Juicy grapefruit slices bring a tart, slightly bitter taste, and rosemary adds a woodsy smell. This infused water is a lovely drink for holiday guests who skip alcohol. Note: grapefruit can interact with some medicines, so check with your doctor if you take any. Have you tried grapefruit lately?

You will need: 6 cups cold water, 1 grapefruit sliced, 2 sprigs rosemary, ice.

How to make it: 1. Lightly bruise the rosemary with the back of a knife. 2. Add the grapefruit and rosemary to a pitcher. 3. Fill with water and chill 2 hours. 4. Serve with ice and a fresh rosemary sprig.

Sparkling Fruit Water

Missing soda? Sparkling water with fruit gives you the same fizzy fun without the sugar. Add a splash of 100 percent fruit juice and some fresh fruit for flavor and color. Try lemon and lime, peach and raspberry, or cranberry and orange for the holidays. Fizzy infused water feels like a party in a glass. Quick poll: (A) still water or (B) sparkling water?

You will need: 2 cups sparkling water, 2 tablespoons 100 percent fruit juice, fresh fruit slices, ice.

How to make it: 1. Add ice and fruit slices to a tall glass. 2. Pour in the fruit juice. 3. Top with sparkling water. 4. Stir gently and enjoy right away.

Iced Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea has a gorgeous deep red color and a tart, cranberry like flavor. It is naturally caffeine free and delicious hot or iced. In Mexico it is called agua de jamaica, and in West Africa it is known as zobo or bissap. A little honey and a squeeze of lime balance the tartness. Have you tried hibiscus tea before?

You will need: 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers, 6 cups water, 2 tablespoons honey, juice of 1 lime, ice.

How to make it: 1. Bring the water to a boil and add the hibiscus. 2. Turn off the heat and steep 15 minutes. 3. Strain, stir in honey and lime, and chill. 4. Serve over ice.

Fresh Mint Infused Water

We end with the simplest one of all. A big handful of fresh mint in cold water makes a drink that is cool, clean and wonderfully refreshing. This infused water is great after a meal or when you need a pick me up in the afternoon. Grow mint in a pot on your windowsill and you will always have some ready. So, which infused water are you making first? Tell us in the comments!

You will need: 6 cups cold water, 1 large handful fresh mint, ice.

How to make it: 1. Rinse the mint and gently clap it between your hands to release the oils. 2. Add it to a pitcher. 3. Fill with cold water and chill 1 hour. 4. Serve over ice.