Water, one of the basic essentials of life. We are told to drink at least 8 glasses a day. When striving for a healthier lifestyle and eating plan, water definitely plays a big role, but it can get rather boring. So I did a research to see what I could find to make water more interesting.

A pretty chilled glass filled with ice cubes is the easiest way to start, but try these other suggestions used at spas to jazz up your refreshing ice water:

- freeze whole strawberries or seedless grapes to add to your glass
- freeze edible flowers in your ice cubes such as violets, borage or scented geraniums. (Remember, not all flowers are edible)
- add a sprig of fresh mint or lemon balm
- add a thin slice of lemon, orange, or lime or small wedge of pineapple or watermelon

Two spa recipes for infused water:

Herb-infused Spa Water:
In a 2- to 2 1/2-quart pitcher, combine 6 cups chilled still spring or mineral water; 12 thin slices cucumber; 4 thin slices lemon; 4 sprigs (each 2 in. long) fresh mint, slightly crushed; and 2 sprigs (each 2 in. long) fresh rosemary, slightly crushed. cover and chill at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours. Straing and serve. Add ice cubes just before serving. Makes about 1 1/2 quarts; about 4 servings.

Citrus Cucumber Mineral Water:
The Indian Springs Spa in Calistoga, California, serves a refreshing Cucumber Citrus infused Mineral Water to its guests. In Mexico and Texas, refreshing “CucumberAde” is popular, and although odd sounding can become addictive.

1 cucumber, peeled and cubed; 1 lemon, or, the juice of 2-3 limes; 5 c water
Sugar to taste (approx 1/4 cup) or use Splenda. Add cucumber and water to a blender and puree. Strain. Add juice of lemon and sugar to taste. Serve over ice.

This led me to searching for more ways to improve water by infusing

The dictionary defines infusing as:

To put into or introduce as if by pouring.
To fill or cause to be filled with something.
To steep or soak without boiling in order to extract soluble elements or active principles.
To flavor or scent (a liquid) by steeping ingredients in it.

It is simple to infuse water, depending on what ingredients you are using either refrigerate for several hours or leave in the sun (for a sun tea) for several hours (then chill). Tasty water doesn’t have to be expensive and from a fancy bottling company. With a large container, a little imagination and using various fruit, tea, and herbal combinations (i.e., mint, lemon balm, lavender), the possibilities are endless.

Continued - Part 2 and Part 3

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