You know you’re supposed to stay hydrated, particularly as temperatures start to rise, but what about making hydration a little elevated when it comes to your backyard gatherings and picnics? What if you put together a hydration station that boasts fancy (and yet simple) waters along with all the fixings?

Americans are drinking less alcohol than ever, a trend that has our health heading in a better direction. 1  But we also tend to still be under-hydrated, with our focus on coffee, carbonated drinks, and sugar-laden beverages. Herb and fruit-infused waters are a great way to allow your family and guests to experience the celebratory fun of special drinks while also giving great health boosts.

Make these fruit-infused waters ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours. This will allow all the flavors to come together to their fullest. If you are going to store any of these waters for more than 4 hours in the refrigerator, consider waiting before you add the citrus fruits or take out the citrus fruits from any leftover water that you’re wanting to save as the citrus might go a bit bitter. When served in clear glass pitchers or dispensers, these waters are as beautiful and festive as they are delicious.

Check out these four water winners!

Garden Calm

  • ½ gallon of filtered water
  • ½ of an English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, rolled between your palms to release the flavor oils
  • 1 thinly sliced lime

Health Bonus: Mint is great for your digestive system, so if you’ve hit the BBQ hard, this water is just the thing!

 

The Kick

  • ½ gallon of filtered water
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 inch of fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced

Health Bonus: Both pineapple and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Summer Sunset

  • ½ gallon of filtered water
  • 1 sliced blood orange
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries

Health Bonus: You’ll get a boost of vitamin C and limonene, which is a great liver detoxifier.

 

Old Glory

  • ½ gallon of filtered water
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ½ cup peeled and cubed jicama fruit or sliced starfruit

Health Bonus: Strawberries and blueberries have anthocyanins, which are fantastic for your heart health!

 

Want to take your water offerings to the next level?

🍹 Garnishes: Fresh herbs like mint and rosemary are great additions to your waters. You can also dip your glasses in a bit of lime juice, and then roll the rim in tajin or a lightly flavored salt. You can also offer sliced lemon, lime, orange, or stalks of celery to help dress up your guest’s glass.

🌿 Muddle those herbs!: Pressing on fresh herbs with a clean spoon or by rubbing them between your palms will help release the oils in the herbs, giving even more flavor.

🧊Fancy ice: Pellet icemakers are all the buzz right now, with machines more affordable than ever. There are also plenty of fun ice molds that allow you to create frozen stars, balls, hearts, and more.

🫧 Carbonated water for extra zing: In addition to the infused waters, have a few cans of carbonated water and sugar-free ginger ale on hand. Your guests can add a little fizz to the infused!

(💙Ready to learn more about hydration and why it’s a key kidney health cornerstone? Check out this article from Altrua HealthShare, where we care for one another by sharing in each other’s eligible medical needs. If you’d like to learn more about Altrua HealthShare and how it could be an affordable, flexible solution for your healthcare needs, call a Member Services Representative at 1-888-244-3839.💛)

1 https://news.gallup.com/poll/693362/drinking-rate-new-low-alcohol-concerns-surge.aspx