How to Make Flavored Water

I was having lunch with my daughter and there was a plastic water bottle in front of her. All of a sudden she asked: "Mommy, is this water cleaner than the water from our faucet?". Then she continued studying the bottle as she was seeing it for the first time: "Mommy, it says born from nature..." Then she started interpreting the picture on the label. Forests, mountains, spring water-it all sounds so good...Pure water! We drink filtered tap water for the most part. But I can't say we never use bottled water. 

I wanted to tell her what I knew about bottled water but she is too young too comprehend. 

I can share it with you, however. 

The Story of Bottled Water -an eye opening, informative movie. Annie Leonard is an environmental activist and you might find wildly interesting what she does. Watch this movie. Visit her web site and get informed about her other endeavors. I highly regard what Annie does.

H2O! Like my daughter once said: "It doesn't taste like anything but I like water so much...." 
What's in your water? 
I am not going to turn this post into Earth Day propaganda but I'm a strong believer in Earth day everyday mentality. 

This is also actual because we just received the water quality annual report and the City of New Brunswick water did not meet treatment requirements. Even though this not an emergency according to the report, they are committed to providing high quality drinking water. Read the full report. (not to alarm you or anything)

If you are interested whether or not your city's water quality meets appropriate standards check out the this web site. 

Today, however, on a more positive note, I want to talk about flavored water. I want to share some cool and refreshing recipes of how to make flavored water. I have been experimenting the last week with various ingredients and flavors and I hope there is something for everyone. It's a great alternative to soft drinks. It's fun, attractive and even healthy. 

Regular water can get boring. And at summer time we all need to stay well hydrated. With these fun ideas you can take your ordinary water to a whole new level. It's great for entertaining. And it looks so beautiful...

Do you make flavored water?

Find your flavor and don't forget to share your recipe. Stay cool! Savor summer!

Strawberry+Kiwi

Just add some fresh strawberries and kiwi, ice cubes. Let it steep for some time in the fridge and enjoy! You can add fresh mint for garnish. 

Rosemary+Pineapple

This one is one of my favorites. The woody flavor of the rosemary intensifies the pineapple taste. They go so well together. It's a happy marriage. 

Recipe

-----------------------------------------------------

Ingredients

4 sprigs fresh rosemary

2 cups fresh pineapple chunks 

Ice cubes

Directions

In a saucepan bring 3 cups of water to boil with 3 sprigs of rosemary. 

Remove from the heat, add pineapple and refrigerate. Discard rosemary and transfer drink into a pitcher filled with ice cubes. Garnish with rosemary. 

I made mine sweet by adding 1/2 cup of sugar to the water. 

All Citrus

We all drink our water with a wedge of lemon but try combining the citrus family members together. Instant vitamin C boost. There is no special recipe.  For better results use a wooden spoon to press on the fruit to release some of the juices. 

Cucumber+Basil

Appropriate for those hot summer days. Very refreshing! No specific recipe. The more it steeps the more flavorful it becomes. So, if you like cucumber then this one is for you. 

Cilantro Limeade 

Recipe

---------------------------------------------

Ingredients

1/2 cup raw sugar

• 1 cup cilantro sprigs, plus more for garnish
• 1 cup seltzer
• 1 cup fresh lime juice (from 8 to 10 limes)
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Directions

1. Make cilantro syrup: Bring sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat, add cilantro sprigs, and let steep 5 minutes. Strain, discard sprigs, and let cool.
2. Stir together seltzer, lime juice, and 10 to 12 tablespoons syrup in a large pitcher. Serve over ice, garnished with cilantro and lime.

This is so delicious! It's a bit time consuming then the other ones but well worth it. 

Preping of the cilantro limeade. I used lemons and limes. 

Do you make herb ice cubes? If you don't like intense herb flavored water then you can add the ice cubes and enjoy a mildly flavored water. 

Or you can add it to your cooking. It's a good way of preserving herbs. Chop them finely, place them in ice cubes, add water and freeze. Anytime you need to add herbs to your soup or dish just drop these ice cubes. 

Only Orange

My friend invited me over for lunch and she had a pitcher of orange water. I instantly liked it. It's my new favorite, a great alternative to lemon water. 

And finally, if you feel like having your usual water with lemon is the way for you then...share this post with someone who might appreciate it. 

Have a zesty, flavorful summer! Treat yourself to a glass of flavored water. Turn ordinary into an extraordinary with a little twist of...