Chilled Water Infusions for Warm Days Ahead

Everyone loves the chilled citrus water we have all summer long in our lobby.  Infused waters are a healthy alternative to sugary drinks and sodas and, if done right, can be delicious!  Not only that, but if you prefer some bubbles and have a SodaStream, you can carbonate any of these waters for a fizzy, delightful summer drink.  And while all of the recipes I’m going to share today are nonalcoholic, I’ll also add in a liquor recommendation, just in case you’re looking for a new infusion to create cocktails out of.

Strawberry, Lemon, Basil

Ingredients:

·        6-8 Strawberries – Sliced

·        1 Lemon – Sliced

·        Handful of Basil

Preparation: Cut the tops off of your strawberries and then slice the strawberries and add them to the bottom of your water pitcher.  Slice the lemon and add that as well.  Lastly, you want to slap each basil leaf (to release the flavors) between your palms and then add it to the pitcher.  Top with chilled, filtered (if you prefer) water.  If serving immediately, stir the mixture and top with ice-cubes.  If you’re letting this infusion sit, I recommend letting it infuse for 4-8 hours before serving.  Please refrigerate the mixture while it is infusing.

Liquor Upgrade: If you prefer a bubbly cocktail, use a SodaStream to carbonate your infusion before adding it to this recipe.  Shake 1 ½ oz of Ketel One Vodka with 3-4 oz of this infusion with ice and fill the mixture into a highball glass.  For an extra kick, muddle a strawberry in your shaker before adding in the rest of the ingredients!  Garnish with a cut strawberry on the rim of the highball glass. 

 *      *      * 

Watermelon & Mint

Source: http://oasisyogaph.com/healthy-living-diy-detox-water/

Ingredients:

·        2-3 Slices of Watermelon – Cubed

·        Handful of Mint

Preparation: Cut the rinds of your watermelon slices and then cut the watermelon into cubes.  Then, add in your handful of mint.  Top with chilled, filtered (if you prefer) water.  If serving immediately, stir the mixture and top with ice-cubes.  If you’re letting this infusion sit, I recommend letting it infuse for 4-8 hours before serving.  Please refrigerate the mixture while it is infusing.

Liquor Upgrade: If you prefer a bubbly cocktail, use a SodaStream to carbonate your infusion before adding it to this recipe.  Shake 1 ½ oz of  Hendrick’s Gin with ½ oz lemon juice, ½ oz simple syrup and 3 oz of this infusion with ice and fill the mixture into a highball glass.  This cocktail can also be strained and served up, in a martini glass.  Garnish with a frozen watermelon cube for some added fun!

  *      *      * 

Blueberry & Lavender

Ingredients:

·        ½ Pint Blueberries - Sliced

·        Handful of Edible Lavender

Preparation: Slice the blueberries in half and add them to your pitcher.  Then, add in your handful of edible lavender (fresh or dried).  Top with chilled, filtered (if you prefer) water.  If serving immediately, stir the mixture and top with ice-cubes.  If you’re letting this infusion sit, I recommend letting it infuse for 4-8 hours before serving.  Please refrigerate the mixture while it is infusing.

Liquor Upgrade: If you prefer a bubbly cocktail, use a SodaStream to carbonate your infusion before adding it to this recipe.  Muddle 5 mint leaves and 3 blueberries in the bottom of a shaker with ½ oz of simple syrup.  Add ice cubes along with 1 ½ oz of Bacardi Rum, ½ oz lime juice and 2-3 oz of this infusion with ice.  Shake the mixture and then pour continents into a highball glass.  Garnish with 2-3 floating blueberries and a sprig of lavender!