How to Make Herbal Water

Not drinking enough water? Try this herbal hack! Read on to find out how to make herbal water, along with 30 herb and fruit infused water recipes.

It can be tricky to drink enough water, especially when we’re surrounded by tempting alternatives, from kombucha and coffee to craft beer and nearly everything in between. However, as we know, the body truly does function at its best when it’s well hydrated.

In summer, the hot humid weather increases your chances of becoming dehydrated, so it’s even more important that you reach for simple, refreshing water throughout the day.

I’ve been practicing and teaching herbalism for more than 25 years, and I’ve learned that making “herbal waters” is one of the simplest ways to inspire yourself to drink more water each day. It only takes a few minutes to whip up an entire pitcher of herbal water, and you can easily source the ingredients from your garden, farmer’s market, or local grocer.

What Are Herbal Infused Waters?

Herbal waters are made by adding unique herb/fruit combinations to a pitcher of water. The combinations of ingredients that make simple yet elegant drinks are endless, including chamomile and kiwi, lavender and strawberry, and more (see my list of 30 Herbal Water Ideas, below, for inspiration!).

With fresh-picked herbs and fruit, the waters take on the flavor of each season, depending on what is ripe. Sometimes I add a few dried spices, like a stick of cinnamon or a few allspice berries.

Herbal water is subtle, you don’t need a lot of ingredients. Just a few sprigs of herbs and a few slices of fruit will do.

I whip up a pitcher of herbal water in the morning to drink throughout the day. The ritual of creating a simple and elegant herbal water is calming and grounding in and of itself, plus I love knowing that there’s something beautiful in my refrigerator or hydration station to serve if a guest drops by.

Here are some combinations that my garden has presented.

30 Herbal Water Ideas

• Basil and peppermint
• Basil and pomegranate
• Calendula and melon
• Calendula and rose petal
• Chamomile and kiwi
• Chamomile and plum
• Cucumber and peppermint
• Elderflower and lime
• Fennel seed and orange peel
• Lavender and plum
• Lavender, rose geranium, and lime peel
• Lavender and strawberry
• Lemon balm and cantaloupe
• Lemon balm and peach
• Lemon geranium and kiwi
• Lemon verbena and blueberry
• Orange peel and mint
• Peaches and clove
• Peppermint and apricot
• Peppermint and kiwi
• Peppermint and lemon
• Peppermint and orange
• Pine needles and lemon
• Rose geranium and rose petal
• Rose geranium and watermelon
• Rose petal and peppermint
• Rose petal and pomegranate
• Rose petal and strawberry
• Rosemary and peach
• Rosemary and persimmon

How to Make Herbal Water

1. Fill a pitcher of your choice with water.
2. Add 5 sprigs of clean, freshly cut herbs of your choice.
3. Add ½ cup of thinly sliced fruit of your choice.
4. Let the ingredients infuse in the water for up to 1 hour before drinking. You do not need to strain the ingredients from the water before you serve. In fact, the longer you let them steep, the better the flavor will become.

Herb waters will keep in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours.

What combination of herb and fruit does your location or garden offer you? What are your herbal hydration strategies? Leave a comment, I would love to hear!