12 Infused Water Ideas for Cool, Refreshing Hydration This Summer These easy infusions make hydration feel like a treat. Close Credit: Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images Infused water is having a moment—and it’s not just because it looks so pretty in a carafe. Slicing up fruits, herbs, and spices and steeping them in water isn’t only a charming hydration upgrade; it can also can deliver a host of health benefits. But possibly even better, there’s no wrong way to make infused water. It can be as strong or as weak as you like, and you can mix and match ingredients as they suit your palate. Start with a pitcher of water, add your selected sliced produce, fresh herbs, whole spices, and let steep for up to 24 hours in the fridge. Adding a pinch of salt can also help extract more flavor and boost electrolytes while you're at it. Need some inspiration? Below, find a few favorite infused water combinations. Nidhi Bhanshali Pandya is an Ayurvedic doctor and international teacher who contributes to various publications and is a faculty member at the Shakti School. She is the author of Your Body Already Knows. The Benefits of Infused Water Hydration is essential to body function, but the process is different than what you may expect. “We often imagine that when we drink water, it instantly trickles into our cells, plumping them up like tiny balloons and hydrating every inch of our body,” says Nidhi Bhanshali Pandya, Ayurvedic doctor and author of Your Body Already Knows. “But hydration is not that instantaneous—and it’s not just about how much water you drink, but how you drink it, and what your water contains.” As it turns out, most water absorption happens not in the stomach, but in the small intestine, via osmosis (you may remember the term from high school biology class). Osmosis moves water from the intestinal wall to our cells, but also requires a little help—that is, from minerals, salts, or nutrients. 16 Party-Perfect Mocktails That Look as Good as They Taste Pandya says that the water we consume through food, like in soups, broths, fruits, and stews, allows natural salts, fibers, and nutrients to support the osmosis process and ensure the water travels into our cells optimally. Infused water works in a similar way. Plus, infused water feels just a bit more intentional. Whether you’re trying to drink more throughout the day or elevate your morning routine, it’s an easy wellness habit that’s as pretty as it is practical. Infused Water Ideas Here are a few infused water options to start adding to your daily sips. If you aren't sure where to begin, or you feel like mixing it up from your go-to infused water recipe, try one of these. 01 of 12 Cucumber With Mint and Lime Credit: Alberto Rojas Garcia / Getty Images Add sliced cucumber, mint leaves, and lime wedges to water for a refreshing flavor. Tear the mint rather than leaving it in whole leaves for more flavor to seep in. How to Make Cucumber Water for a Spa Experience at Home 02 of 12 Fennel Seeds and Cumin “This is an Ayurvedic classic,” Pandya says. You can also use fennel fronds for a cooling flavor, plus they look pretty in a pitcher. 03 of 12 Rose Petals and Cardamom Pods Credit: kittimages / Getty Images This is a more muted flavor of rose water that not only looks luxurious to pour, but can also be healthy for your skin. Go ahead and pour yourself a glass of self-care. 04 of 12 Basil Credit: Getty Images Basil water is so refreshing and great on its own—or with a meal that also includes basil. Use holy basil, Thai basil, Italian large leaf basil, or mix and match your favorites. Clap the basil between your palms before adding to the water to help release some of its flavor. 14 Basil Recipes That Showcase This Fragrant Herb 05 of 12 Ginger Credit: Derketta / Getty Images “My favorite during the holiday season, a powerful antioxidant blend that supports digestion, keeps things moving, and balances out indulgence with ease,” Pandya says. Add ginger powder to water by the teaspoon until you determine your preferred intensity. Slices of ginger root work too, and can be simmered on a low temp in the water before chilling to help along the infusion. 06 of 12 Hibiscus Orange Add dried hibiscus flowers and wheels of orange to water for a gorgeous, hot pink beverage with an astringent flavor. Steep overnight and strain the hibiscus out to prevent over-saturation. How to Eat and Drink Hibiscus, a Gorgeous Red Flower With So Many Uses 07 of 12 Lemon and Berry Credit: Lorenzo Tombola / Getty Images Add slices of lemon and slices of strawberries—plus blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries—to water for a muted take on a berry lemonade. 08 of 12 Parsley and Celery Add fresh parsley and sliced celery sticks to water for a refreshing take on a green juice—no juicing required. Plus, it’s a great palate cleanser. 09 of 12 Watermelon and Sage Credit: Brie Goldman Add small cubes of watermelon (seedless, preferably) and fresh sage leaves for a nice summer refresh. 10 of 12 Melon Medley Add cubes of honeydew, cantaloupe, or your favorite summer melon to water, stir to release flavors, and let infuse. 11 of 12 Pineapple-Mint Credit: Brie Goldman Fresh pineapple rings (cored and peeled) add a tropical, sweet flavor to fresh water. Add mint to bring out extra flavor. 12 of 12 Carrot and Orange Water Credit: Westend61 via Getty Images Add some earthy sweetness to your drinking water by infusing it with peeled carrot sticks or carrot coins, plus slices of orange. The perfect morning sip! Explore more: Food & Cooking Recipes Drink Recipes Healthy Drink Recipes