50 Awesome Flavored Water Recipes

The Health Education Council has launched the Rethink Your Drink campaign. They are encouraging healthy drink choices, like replacing sugar-sweetened beverages (think soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks) with water. Their goal is to read 8,000 pledges by the end of September.

As someone who constantly carries around a water bottle, I am on board with this campaign and immediately pledged to drink water instead of sugary drinks for the next 30 days. I know that for most other people, this would be a tough challenge. Many people drink soda everyday, or don’t think twice about picking up a Red Bull or a mocha. It’s shocking how much sugar is in pretty much any drink you can get at Starbucks. I don’t want to spoil your annual pumpkin spice latte, but seriously check it out and think about making it homemade or opting for water instead.

I came across this eye-opening photo online. I think it’s particularly important to watch what our children are drinking and eating. Do they need all that sugar in sweetened chocolate milk or soda? Instead, let’s encourage them to have water.

I know, I know. Water is boring. I hear people say that all the time. Well, not anymore! You can add tons of different fruits, veggies, and herbs to make water taste better. Fill up a pitcher, toss in some combination from below, and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours (the longer you let it steep, the more flavor you’ll get, but you can also enjoy it immediately).

Without further ado, 50 awesome flavored water ideas. I hope this gets you thinking outside the box and trying out more water. And please sign the pledge to drink water (bonus: you’ll be entered to win a $250 Amex gift card!).

Watermelon
Cucumber
Lemon
Cantaloupe
Orange
Cherries
Lime
Grapefruit
Basil
Mint
Grapes
Blood orange
Rosemary
Lavender
Strawberries
Blackberries
Raspberries
Pineapple
Kiwi
Papaya
Honeydew melon
Fresh ginger root
Mango And don’t forget fun combinations of the ingredients above! Get creative and combine them so it never gets dull. The possibilities are endless but here are some of my favorites:
Watermelon and mint (pictured above)
Cucumber and mint
Lemon and mint
Cherry and lime
Watermelon and cucumber
Ginger and lemon
Orange and pineapple
Lemon and lavender
Lime and mint
Cucumber and lime
Lemon and basil
Strawberry and mint
Blackberry and ginger
Lemon and blueberry
Thyme and blackberries
Cucumber and rosemary
Cantaloupe and watermelon
Cucumber, lemon, and mint
Lemon and lime
Strawberry and basil
Cranberry juice and lemon (use a capful of unsweetened cranberry juice)
Ginger and lime
Pineapple and mango
Strawberries and lime
Orange, lime, and lemon
Lemon and a pinch of cayenne
Papaya and mango

…and I could keep going. Seriously, there are so many potential combos!

For the herbs, crush or chop them up to get the best flavor. Similarly, squeeze citrus wedges, slice or cube melons, and crush berries. Nancy Creative has some more great tips and recipes for flavored waters.

Do you have a flavored water you love? Share it with us in the comments section below!

More recipes you’ll love:

104 Comments on 50 Awesome Flavored Waters

statelysweets
September 17, 2012 at 7:35 am (12 years ago)

I have always been a fan of lemon water at resturaunts and this is awesome! I tried a lemon-mint combination the second I was done reading this. Yum. Next one i’ll try is going to be watermelon-mint. Do you drink it with the mint and stuff in it?
statelysweets recently posted The Little Beautys
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- Stephanie
  September 17, 2012 at 8:21 am (12 years ago)
  
  @statelysweets – I usually leave everything in, but I often drink it out of a cup with a straw. You could take it out if it’s bothering you (or steep it in a pitcher and then just pour out the water).
Janelle
September 17, 2012 at 8:41 am (12 years ago)

You can also toss some fruit in a blender and make a sort of “concentrate” and then mix it in with the water afterward. That way you get more even distribution, and a stronger flavor (if you like that, which I do…I can’t stand water that tastes *almost* flavored).
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- Stephanie
  September 17, 2012 at 11:33 am (12 years ago)
  
  @Janelle – thanks for the tip! For people who like stronger flavors, making a concentrate is a great idea. Just putting in chunks of fruit/veggies/herbs does make a very subtle flavor.
Karis' Kitchen
September 17, 2012 at 8:33 pm (12 years ago)

I often make cucumber water when we’re having guests for dinner, but stupidly it never occurred to me to make it on a regular basis. I really should because then I would think twice about grabbing a can of Diet Coke when flavored water is also an option.
Karis’ Kitchen recently posted Orzo with Parmesan & Spinach
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- Stephanie
  September 20, 2012 at 8:52 pm (12 years ago)
  
  @Karis – this is a great replacement for soda. Hope you’ll think about taking the Rethink Your Drink Pledge!
Sarah
January 4, 2013 at 8:19 pm (12 years ago)

Can you tell me where you got your glasses from, or how you made them? They would make perfect gifts.
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  January 5, 2013 at 9:38 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Sarah, I got the glass as a party favor, but here are similar ones on Amazon. I bought the lids on Etsy, like these.
Jessica
March 6, 2013 at 8:53 pm (12 years ago)

Do yall think that if you make a concentrate it can be put into a disposable tea bag. They have too bags that you can fill yourself. I’m just not sure it’s a good idea!
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Tilly
March 7, 2013 at 10:22 am (12 years ago)

Really great post, i tried the blood orange one and its amazing but then i am a fan of blood oranges, lol
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Mary Elizabeth Kormash
March 24, 2013 at 8:22 pm (12 years ago)

I read a long time ago to add oranges and split a vanilla bean –scrape the inside, then add both — suppose to taste like a Creamsicle!!
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Pat
March 28, 2013 at 6:18 am (12 years ago)

So my question would be do you have to let your water sit overnight in order to flavor the water? can you put it within an hour and it just hope and pray?? We do alot of water for church and needed these great ideas…thank you.
Pat recently posted Easter Basket Cupcake Bouquet
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  April 13, 2013 at 8:01 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Pat, the longer it sits, the more intense the flavor. 1-2 hours at least, overnight if you have time.
Caroline
March 29, 2013 at 6:02 pm (12 years ago)

My sorority has a tradition of serving water with apple, raspberries, and strawberries in it at events. Sounds like an odd combination but it is absolutely delicious!!!
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nikki
March 30, 2013 at 8:36 pm (12 years ago)

I’ve done cucumber lemon and I have to say its one of my favorites….I try to keep it on hand at all times keeps me away from my weakness (Coke Cola classic) and in needs to be ice cold! But defin gonna try some of these combos….yum yum flavored water!
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Seattle Doug
March 31, 2013 at 9:42 am (12 years ago)

Herbal tea is basically the same thing, however it may be more readily available and in greater variety.
We just add a tea bag to an ounce or 2 of water, microwave for 20 seconds, and add to our water bottle. Optionally add a drop or 2 of agave.
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Shantay
April 12, 2013 at 1:41 pm (12 years ago)

How much are u supposed to put of fruit or herbs in the water.
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  April 13, 2013 at 8:00 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Shantay, play around and see what you like. I add a small handful of herbs, a cup of berries, a few of larger fruits (like lemons) into a pitcher of water.
Teresa
April 12, 2013 at 5:04 pm (12 years ago)

What portions do you use? If I have a 1.3 gallon container, how much fruit/veggie/herb do I add?
Teresa recently posted Frozen Voskos Greek Yogurt
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  April 13, 2013 at 8:03 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Teresa, that’s a pretty large container. I don’t have an exact measurement for you (like I told Shantay, play with it and see what you like), but I’d add a good amount, like a large handful or 2 of herbs, several of the larger fruits, or a couple cups of berries.
Meg
April 12, 2013 at 10:20 pm (12 years ago)

How long can the flavored water good for in the fridge? Day or a couple days?
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  April 13, 2013 at 8:06 pm (12 years ago)
  
  Meg, it’s good for 2-3 days in the fridge.
Janae Johnson
April 25, 2013 at 8:39 pm (12 years ago)

Strawberry and rosemary, blackberry and parsley.
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Sara Steffen
May 1, 2013 at 7:49 pm (12 years ago)

We have done Apple and Cinnamon and it is amazing. I am excited to try some of these combinations!
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dreamz
May 9, 2013 at 1:09 pm (12 years ago)

how long does flavored water stay good for? I bought a pitcher from bed bath and beyond that allows you steep. But after a day I throw the water out.
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Moreen Hulley
May 18, 2013 at 6:24 am (12 years ago)

Hello please could you tell me if flavoured water is a good for you and natural water?
I love naartjie flavour.
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Joan
June 10, 2013 at 8:55 pm (11 years ago)

Where Can I get the Ball Jar glasses????
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  June 12, 2013 at 8:35 am (11 years ago)
  
  Joan, here are two versions of the glasses on Amazon: mason jar glasses and Libbey jar glasses
- lynn gaw
  October 2, 2016 at 9:22 am (8 years ago)
  
  Wal mart
McKenzie LaCoss
June 24, 2013 at 10:40 pm (11 years ago)

I like jalapeño and lime…also apple and pear. Gonna try watermelon and mint ASAP.
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Debi Martin
July 7, 2013 at 9:07 pm (11 years ago)

I use an pple and a stick of cinnamon in a quart of water. That way yiu get thr benefits of the cinnamon Along with the apple
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Karen L K
July 21, 2013 at 8:48 pm (11 years ago)

The only thing I have kind of seen an issue with is leaving citrus fruit in more than a day or maybe even less than that. You get the bitter flavor after awhile from the peel.
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kkgoh
July 25, 2013 at 8:38 pm (11 years ago)

Try juicing 1 carrot with a tomato flavored with a bit of salt
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Sabiha
August 6, 2013 at 2:24 pm (11 years ago)

hi

random question 🙂 where did you get the glass from with the watermelon flavored water in. I live in England and can’t find it anywhere
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- Stephanie Nuccitelli
  August 7, 2013 at 7:53 pm (11 years ago)
  
  Sabiha, here are two versions of the glasses on Amazon: mason jar glasses and Libbey jar glasses
Judith
August 24, 2013 at 11:43 am (11 years ago)

I recently read that one can refill the pitcher as it empties and should discard fruit after 7 days.
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Thabi
September 6, 2013 at 2:12 am (11 years ago)

what about multiple flavours? I made lemon, mint ginger and cucumber!! felt like a meal!!! :-)) got me through my 2 litres in no time flat!
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AprilAllYear
September 23, 2013 at 9:19 am (11 years ago)

I put a large glass pitcher with fruited water on my counter and my kids will be drawn to it to drink because it’s lovely.

Regarding how long and how strong, I find that different items flavor faster/stronger. For example, cucumber water can be “ready” to drink in a minute, while strawberry has to be dinged a little to get some flavor out (still beautiful and inviting on the counter either way, though). Crushing the mint leaves between your fingers JUST A LITTLE before you toss it in makes the taste/scent stronger, too.

Finally, in a hurry for stronger flavored water once, I put 1 c hot water in my “mix” for a minute to steep, then added it all to a large pitcher with ice. Very effective, but was surprised how strong the mint was! wowee – won’t need to steep that one again. Also, this wouldn’t work for some items (my favorite, cucumber, for example).
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Deborah S
January 1, 2014 at 4:27 pm (11 years ago)

Always drank water with lemon, now loving water with apple and cinnamon!
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ASAD
January 11, 2014 at 11:09 pm (11 years ago)

plzzzzz help mee …… i need a business plan ( flavored water ) give mee some ideas
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Charlene
January 25, 2014 at 6:37 pm (11 years ago)

What great combinations and healthy too. I have tried a lot of the fruit and vegetable choices mentioned and love the benefits that they provide as well as tasting great.
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Julie
January 28, 2014 at 6:05 pm (11 years ago)

Great ideas
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Helen
January 29, 2014 at 12:19 am (11 years ago)

being diabetic I am really happy to find this site. Diet drinks are so full of chemicals, and I get so tired of plain water. Milk runs my sugar up, so this is a real blessing for me. I just bought 2 glass containers, one with an infusion tube. can’t wait to try something besides lemon or lime water.
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Joanna
February 1, 2014 at 10:01 pm (11 years ago)

Watermelon and strawberry
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Laura Rhodes
February 5, 2014 at 9:48 pm (11 years ago)

Thank you so much for sharing! It was an inspiration for making homemade beverages at festivals I sell at! Blessings, Laura Rhodes
Laura Rhodes recently posted Honey Bees and Beehive Skep with Flower Salt Dough Bowl Fillers
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Nadezhda Greenwood
February 16, 2014 at 5:44 pm (11 years ago)

Hi, we are a non government based organisation who works with young carers and would their families would love to include some of your recipie ideas in our magazine, but wanted to ask for permissions first if this was okay first and if we site you.
Wishing you a great day and again thank you. 🙂
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Jen
March 12, 2014 at 5:16 pm (11 years ago)

I got all these fruits and couldn’t taste anyone of them but the lemon and lime
Jen recently posted Chocolate Coconut Chia Mousse Pie {Vegan & Grain Free}
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Meghna
April 6, 2014 at 11:57 am (11 years ago)

Can we add carrot or not?
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- Stephanie Saunders
  April 6, 2014 at 12:36 pm (11 years ago)
  
  Meghna, I’ve never tried carrot but I don’t see why not.
vina
April 26, 2014 at 10:36 pm (11 years ago)

Nice combos and creative idea to flavor water!! I love it. Thank you.
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Thierry
May 18, 2014 at 6:31 pm (11 years ago)

I just bought a vitamix and I have been blending my fruit into my water and adding chia seeds. Have you ever thought about doing this, and what is your thoughts on it? The one fruit I have found I didn’t like was the kiwi, I couldn’t get past the seeds.
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April
May 18, 2014 at 6:51 pm (11 years ago)

Thank you! I suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and can go from either extreme art any given time or day. I’ve become that “one” that gives several instructions to the wait staff when I give them my order. I’ve cut out SO MANY foods and can eat NOTHING FRIED! Drinks are the same. I’m down to water and tea with honey NOT a sugar substitute. So the flavored water thing is great and I’m enjoying the drink once again!
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Tanesha
May 27, 2014 at 12:23 am (11 years ago)

What can you do with the fruit slices/chunks afterwards? Eat them maybe? Would they be too soggy to do anything with? I’m a college student so I take a 750 ml water bottle with me everyday. I would probably add fruit to the water in the bottle before I head to class in the morning, but I’d definitely drink it all before the day is over. Maybe I could fill it up again at a water fountain. Or would the fruit have lost all the flavor from the first fill?
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samira
June 14, 2014 at 11:09 pm (10 years ago)

Cucumber lemons and mints…the cucumbers have a cooling effect I love.
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Nicky
June 17, 2014 at 11:11 pm (10 years ago)

For a 1 gallon jar 1 lemon and 1 lime (or 2 medium oranges) is usually sufficient for citrus fruits, if you were adding mint or basil or sage I would use about a Tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs to the water. For non citrus fruits try to use the same amount size wise. So probably a cup of say raspberries or chopped watermelon. Also we make ours right before going to bed and set it in the fridge so it seeps overnight and then pour it through a sieve so there’s no seeds or bits of herbs floating. You can skip this of course. If you have on use a lemon/lime press on your citrus fruits to juice them first and put the rinds in too!
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- Jeannine Cox
  September 25, 2016 at 2:23 pm (8 years ago)
  
  I will try this measurement as a guide, thank you so much! Nicky
  
  ? Jeannine
laci
June 26, 2014 at 5:18 am (10 years ago)

Can this be used as a diet?
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Hariet Anderson
July 4, 2014 at 11:14 pm (10 years ago)

Hey. For all the new kids in experimentation with food- take it easy! Cookery needs testing…does it taste better raw, blended, boiled, abused? Try it! Better yet have the kids help! This is so kid friendly, it’s ridiculous! This has the best begginers menu I’ve seen! Keep it up, everyone! Thanks!
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may
July 17, 2014 at 8:15 am (10 years ago)

Hi. I just wanted to ask if I could use dried cranberries instead? And would dried cranberries be less healthy?
Thanks
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- Stephanie Saunders
  July 19, 2014 at 3:02 pm (10 years ago)
  
  May, dried cranberries have sugar and oil added, so it won’t be quite as healthy as fresh fruit and herbs. I’ve never tried them, so I don’t know how much flavor they would add. Please come back and let us know how it turns out!
Jeannine
July 18, 2014 at 7:47 pm (10 years ago)

I am new to adding flavor to my water but it is the only way for me to drink more. I truly love pineapple and mint together, it is very refreshing in Texas heat. For a pot luck at work, a coworker mixed watermelon and rosemary which I will make soon for a barbecue.
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Sherrie
May 24, 2015 at 9:45 am (10 years ago)

I did strawberry and lemon in a huge container add all ice little water let it sit a few hours and drink. Love it with just about any fruit
Sherrie recently posted Strawberry Shortcake Bites
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Martha
June 2, 2015 at 5:39 pm (9 years ago)

Learned a lot thanks
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Barbara
June 3, 2015 at 5:55 am (9 years ago)

If using frozen berries ie blackberries, cherries etc would you need to defrost them before putting them in the water?
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Gena
June 9, 2015 at 8:58 am (9 years ago)

We have Wacky Water Wednesdays during the summer where I work. Come and join us for a delightful drink on on of these days!
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patrick mclaren
October 29, 2015 at 4:15 am (9 years ago)

Cucumber Jalapeno Water is nice too… Only use a little bit of jalapeno though
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Estrellita Oyos
November 5, 2015 at 4:12 am (9 years ago)

Lemon, cucumber and mind.
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Becky
November 14, 2015 at 9:27 am (9 years ago)

Raspberry and lime is my favorite combination, by far.
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Kin Hip
April 10, 2016 at 10:28 am (9 years ago)

Lemon is still the best for me
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Kin Hip
April 23, 2016 at 6:51 pm (9 years ago)

i blend the my carrots instead of juicing to get all the fibers benefit
Kin Hip recently posted Concrete and Cracks Repair
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Jennifer
June 22, 2016 at 11:09 pm (8 years ago)

Strawberry coconut is amazing, try it!
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Kinhip
June 23, 2016 at 6:57 am (8 years ago)

The only setback is how are we to drink it when we are at work as it need to be kept cool at all time.
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Michi97
July 12, 2016 at 8:56 pm (8 years ago)

I was actually quite pleasantly surprised at how tasty the cranberry juice/lemon combo was! What I did was take a water bottle and put a couple cap-fulls of cranberry juice in it, then I put about a teaspoon of lemon juice in it. The sweet yet tart with a sour after taste is just perfect for me ^_^
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Dena
March 23, 2017 at 6:29 pm (8 years ago)

I like rhubarb and strawberry.
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beck
April 21, 2017 at 11:32 am (8 years ago)

apple and cinnamon is great together
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Teresa Hollins
May 4, 2017 at 9:38 pm (8 years ago)

not sure what stage I am but I have had COPD since 2006 and I am on oxygen 24-7 I will try the flavored water .
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Alex Dean
May 25, 2017 at 9:29 am (8 years ago)

I am trying to kick my soda habit but I hate drinking plain water, and am looking for ways to mix it up. I like the idea of adding different flavors to the water to help me not mind drinking it. It would be great to have something other then just water to drink, and try new things.
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Audra
July 5, 2017 at 3:45 pm (7 years ago)

Citrus fresh with grapefruit and lemon…yummy
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Ann
December 11, 2017 at 1:11 pm (7 years ago)

I infuse my water overnight or up to 12 hrs. In the a.m. I remove the part that holds the fruit and use that fruit in a smoothie. Yumo.
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MARYANN BISHOP
February 21, 2018 at 9:28 am (7 years ago)

ALL THE RECIPES SOUND GREAT BUT, I AM THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT NEEDS INSTRUCTIONS. WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF WATER, AMT’S OF THE FLAVORINGS.
IF IT CALLS FOR 2 QUARTS OF WATER I WOULD NEED TO CUT EVER THING IN HALF. A SPEEDY REPLY WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
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Chris
April 16, 2019 at 4:50 am (6 years ago)

I have tried several of these flavors in my water and usually do it more in the summertime. I love mint in my water and combine it with other flavors. Thanks for showing us more flavors.
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