Refreshing infused water

For something that is pretty essential for me to stay alive, I don’t know why I find it so hard to chug water. I am pretty awesome at drinking coffee and tea throughout the day but my body needs simple H₂O.

When flying back from South Africa, to keep the boredom at bay after the third movie, I came across a Jamie Oliver show. Jamie had traveled to various parts of the world and met with people and communities where long life is the expectancy. He studied their food choices and developed recipes according to their diet and lifestyles.

Within a week of arriving home I bought the recipe book and could not wait to start testing. Well, it has been many months since that cooking adventure but what has stuck with me is the section he had on infused water.

Rose-anything is my love language but water and roses, now we are talking! I had to look up rose water for cooking. I purchased mine from Amazon and it lasts FOREVER. I mean not literally but you need just a hint (5-6 drops) to make a difference to the flavor of a glass of water. I love to do berries and rose water or mint and rose water.

So when I have the thirst of a thousand camels and drinking water feels like a chore, I bust out the fruit and rose water I have on hand and let my creativity go.

Here are some cold water options:

• Lavender and lemons
• Blackberries, strawberries and mint (can add rose water)
• Citrus (oranges and lemons)
• Watermelon and basil
• Mint and lime
• Sprigs of rosemary – crush leaves of rosemary between fingers to release the oils before popping in the water (can add rose water)

Other ways to keep hydrated with hot water

• Rooibos tea, ginger slices and honey
• Honey and lemon