WHATS YOUR FLAVOR! WATER MADE BETTER!

Despite the health benefits of water and the public awareness, people still love to drink juice and soda. Unfortunately, these beverages are usually empty calories filled with sugar that do little in the way of hydration — even diet soda can be harmful and damaging. I personally think that water tastes great, but sometimes I get bored with drinking it all the time. Instead of giving in to juice and soda cravings( I crave Mountain Dew from time to time), I've decided to start making my own flavored water at home. Not only does it taste great, it's extremely economical.
My advice is to keep a few flavors in your fridge at all times; that way you'll always have a bit of variety and never get bored. Because I only like a hint of flavor in my water, I don't add a ton of stuff. I recommend you find what works best for you and your taste buds!
Here's a few ideas on how you can make your own:

• Add fresh citrus juice to water. I especially love the combination of lime and orange.
• Add herbs to your water. I love putting a few sprigs of fresh mint in my H20 pitcher.
• Add freshly cut cucumbers. This small addition really gives water a clean and refreshing taste that is ever so subtle.
• Add fresh sliced ginger, and you've made yourself a cure for motion sickness.
• Add pickle juice to water and make your own electrolyte replacement drink. It might sound gross but it really works!( now you know what to do with that leftover pickle juice)
• For a hint of sweetness, crush up some berries or pomegranate seeds into your water. I love mixing strawberries and kiwi together.

These are options, but why pay so much for something that can easily be made at home? Making your own flavored water is easy, delicious, refreshing, all-natural – and impressive when you have your friends over.
The anoher great technique to use is similar to that of making a mojito.( dont ask how I know LOL) You need to start with a fresh herb, some crushed ice, and a whisk or other utensil that can crush the two together.

Mint Water:
½ cup of mint leaves
2 cups of crushed ice
8 cups cold, filtered water
Place the ice and mint in a pitcher and muddle(crush) together. (This process breaks down the mint leaves and releases their flavor.) Then add the water and let infuse in the fridge for at least an hour or ideally for four hours.

If you decide to add fruit, I’d recommend cutting it into pieces and placing it in the pitcher. But don’t muddle it as it will make the water cloudy and not visibly appealing.

Citrus Water
1 whole lemon (washed)
1 whole orange (washed)
1 whole lime (washed)
2 cups of crushed ice
8 cups cold water

Slice each piece of fruit into round wagon-wheels. Put slices in the pitcher with the ice and the water and stir. Let sit for at least four hours (longer is better) and serve with a couple of pieces of fruit in each glass.
For citrus mint water, simply mix the two recipes above.
Making flavored water at home will save you money, ensure there are no added ingredients in your beverage, and impress your friends and family, and it’s better for the environment because there are no wasteful plastic bottles to ship all over the country.( I have children so yes I care about the earth)
Give it a try and enjoy creating something simple and special.

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