How to Make Lemon Water 5 Ways (Video)
These 5 Lemon Water Recipes are so delicious and the best way to start your day! From adding strawberries to fresh herbs, you'll learn about the benefits of lemon water and myths around lemon water detox. Jump to Recipe
What are the benefits of drinking lemon water?
Can something as simple as lemon water really improve your health?
Current research is showing there are great reasons for adding this easy to make beverage to your daily diet. The list of the benefits is very impressive!
- Aids in digestion
- Assists the liver in detoxifying the body
- Decreases bloating
- Increases collagen production, which ultimately slows down signs of aging in the skin</l
- Increases the body's energy level
- Reduces stress
- Provides a dose of vitamin C that supports the immune system (This is why some people recommend drinking hot lemon water when you are feeling ill)
- Prevents kidney stones
Staying well-hydrated is important for every system of the body. Overall function and well-being is dependent upon a healthy intake of water.
If adding lemon or other flavors to you water will help you drink more, that is a great reason to start with these lemon water recipes. Also, it is lower in calories and has no artificial ingredients like some flavored waters.
How to make lemon water (step-by-step)
Making lemon water is SUPER easy, and you can even meal prep it in advance! Here are the exact steps below:
- Juice one lemon using a juicer, then add the juice to a water pitcher filled with filtered water. Make sure you keep the seeds and pulp away for a more pleasant drinking experience. You can add more or less lemon juice depending on your personal preference but I find the juice of one lemon is the magic amount to add to 8 cups of water.
- Add any fruit and mix-ins of choice, then let sit for at least 30-60 minutes in the fridge so the flavours can infuse. You can drink the water before this time is up, especially if you are just enjoying classic lemon water, but letting it all sit will taste more delicious!
- Serve cold, and enjoy! Water can be kept in the fridge up to 3-5 days.
How long does it take to infuse water?
For the best flavor, add whatever fruit or vegetables you want to the water. Allow lemon to steep for 30 to 60 minutes. The other fruits, vegetables, and herbs may take longer to make their presence known. This is because they have to infuse their flavor into the water rather than just being added to it.
You can even allow the water to steep for up to 12 hours. Make a pitcher of it before you go to bed at night and it will be ready to drink in the morning.
Homemade lemon water will last for three days in the refrigerator if you remove the pieces of fruit and herbs.
Can lemon water detox your body?
The basic structure of lemon juice is similar to that of the acid produced naturally by your stomach. When you drink it, it tricks your liver into taking action and producing more bile.
Bile’s purpose is to keep things running smoothly through your digestive tract. When the liver is stimulated, it cleans out the food through the entire digestive system.
Lemon juice serves as protection for the liver, keeping it healthy and functioning well.
Lemon is also a very mild diuretic. As a result, you may make more trips to the bathroom. But rest assured, this means your urinary system is clean and well-maintained.
Different types of lemon water
I've made 5 different types of lemon water that you'll find pictured below! They are basically like infused waters but you get all the benefits of lemon water with different fun flavours. Check them out below.
Classic
Lemon herb
Citrus
Cucumber chia
Strawberry mint
How much lemon water should you drink a day?
Drinking lemon water in the morning will start your day on the right track. It will keep your body well-hydrated, with a boost of energy and a highly efficient digestive system.
One juiced lemon per eight ounces of water delivers all of the health benefits. If that is a little strong for your taste, you can dilute it further, or just add some other flavors.
Drink it at least once a day. First thing in the morning is optimal, but you can sip this refreshing drink as often as you crave it.
How far in advance can you make lemon water?
You can make lemon water up to 5 days in advance. I wouldn't recommend letting it sit any longer as the flavours can become bitter over time but it all depends on your personal preference. The juice itself should last a week or more in the fridge so it's still safe to consume. If adding other fruits and flavourings, keep your lemon water for no more than 3 days.
How to store lemon water
You can store your lemon water in a large pitcher in the fridge or in mason jars if you're adding different flavourings. I prefer the mason jar method because then all you have to do is grab your drinks from the fridge and they even have lids on them for easy transport.
Other flavour ideas
Here are some other great flavour ideas using natural flavouring agents that you should already have on hand at home. You can also use frozen fruit to add more flavour and make this recipe more budget-friendly.
- Pineapple and shredded coconut
- Frozen mixed berries
- Watermelon and kiwi
- Apple cinnamon
- Jalapeno lime
Meal prep challenge
If you'd like some more help with meal planning, then you'll love my free 5-day meal prep challenge! It's basically a free course that will teach you how to meal prep and cook healthy meals at home with some PDF bonus materials. Sign up for free below:
Meal prep tools for this recipe
- My go-to for filtered water is this Brita pitcher
- Grab some extra filters for your Brita pitcher
- I love to use mason jars to let the flavours in the water mingle for longer since they come with lids
Lemon Water 5 Ways
Ingredients
Base ingredients/Classic lemon water
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1 lemon, juiced
Strawberry mint lemon water
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
Herb lemon water
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Citrus lemon water
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1/2 grapefruit, sliced
- 1/2 orange, sliced
Cucumber chia lemon water
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 2 tsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Juice lemon using a juicer, then add to water pitcher along with filtered water.
- Add any mix-ins of choice, then let sit for 30-60 minutes in the fridge so the flavours can infuse. You can drink the water before this time is up, especially if you are just enjoying classic lemon water, but letting it all sit will taste more delicious!
- Serve cold, and enjoy! Water can be kept in the fridge up to 3-5 days.
Video
Nutrition
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