Drink Pretty......Enhanced Waters

Infused waters are a great replacement for sugary drinks and sodas but they can become costly, especially if you drink as much as we do. These simple to make spa waters are a refreshing change from plain water and so good for your skin and body. Make and keep a pitcher in the refrigerator and use to refill your water bottles. It's better for the environment too.

Pineapple and Mint
INGREDIENTS

• 1 quart filtered drinking water
• 4 pineapple slices
•  2 sprigs of mint

DESCRIPTION:
Combine ingredients and let it infuse at room temperature for an hour before placing in a refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld. A little bit of ice is optional.

​Pretty Pear Water
INGREDIENTS:

•  5 Asian pears (thinly sliced)
•  1 lemon (half for juice, half thinly sliced)
• Water
• Dash cinnamon (optional)

DESCRIPTION:
Slice the pear and place in a martini type glass. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze half over the pear to help from browning. Cut the other half of lemon into slices. Fill a pitcher of water and add the lemon and pear. Refrigerate for a few hours for it to infuse the fruit flavors into the water. Add a dash of cinnamon on top for some extra kick and warm color.

Strawberry Water
INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced and 1 pint mixed berries
•  Water
•  Ice

Add the prepared berries to a large pitcher and fill the pitcher with water. Allow the berries to steep in the water, in the refrigerator, for 6 to 24 hours. The longer the berries steep, the stronger the flavor will be. Add ice and serve the strawberry spa water. Make sure that each serving has a few slices of berries, for added color and flavor.

​Peach Agua Fresca
INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups of fresh peach slices
•  2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 cups of chilled club soda or fresh water
•  Sprigs of basil (optional)

DESCRIPTION:
Agua fresca, meaning “fresh water,” is a drink popular in Mexico and Central America that purees fresh fruit with water. This recipe takes a little more time, but it is worth it. This is a peachy delight that is refreshing on the palette. Puree peaches in a blender or food processor. Add two tablespoons sugar and two tablespoons lime juice and process to dissolve sugar. Place in a large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least two hours or overnight. Before serving stir in the club soda. Serve chilled, and garnish with basil sprig if desire.

​Middle Eastern Beauty
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bottle of rosewater essence (used in baking)  This can often be found at Whole Foods, sometimes Trader Joe’s, health food stores and on Amazon.
• 1 liter of club soda

DESCRIPTION:
Pour ¼ cup of the rosewater essence in a pitcher. Place the sparkling water in next. Pour in a pretty pitcher. Taste test and see if you would like to add a bit more rosewater essence or not. This cool, rosy cocktail is like walking through a rose garden.

Watermelon Water
INGREDIENTS:

• 1 seedless watermelon
• Water (fresh, still or sparkling)
• Sprig of fresh mint

DESCRIPTION:
Cut watermelon into ice cube shapes. Place them in fresh or sparkling water. Infuse for one hour on counter and one hour in the refrigerator. Serve with fresh mint and  with or without ice.

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​Cherry Lime Chiller
INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cherries (pitted and cut in half)
• 1 key lime (sliced thinly)
• 1 sprig of mint

DESCRIPTION:
Add cherries, key lime and mint to pitcher of water. Let is steep at least 20 to 30 minutes. Serve with ice cubes, which you can freeze ahead with half of a cherry inside.