I need a lot of water to stay hydrated – I can never quite get enough. In the sweltering Texas heat, I need even more.
Plain water gets boring, though. Sometimes I find myself craving a cup of coffee in the middle of the day, not because I want coffee but because I want some flavor. Lemon or lime water works for a while but eventually I want something a little more interesting.
A Little Pampering
At The Fancy Food Show, there were so many good flavored waters but my favorite was Dr. Ayala’s Herbal Water. I’ve been playing around with my own variations since I got home. This isn’t quite Dr. Ayala’s water but it’s darn good.
There’s something indulgent about pouring a cold glass of homemade herbal water. It quenches my thirst and nourishes my soul. Coupled with 5 or 10 minutes of quiet time away from the computer and the kitchen and I have a new mindset and outlook on life. Being present is never over rated.
The cucumber has a cooling effect that is perfect for the summer heat, which is why I love not only in my water but in smoothies, too. It also balances out the spicy, pungent ginger and basil.
The longer the water steeps, the more intense the flavor. Try mint instead of basil or add lemon, lime or orange slices. They’re all fabulous. Play around with the amounts and flavorings and come up with your own version. Your homemade herbal water will add a little magic to your day.
What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself?
Ingredients
- 1/4 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 4 basil leaves
- 3 slices fresh ginger
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mason jar and chill. Let the water steep for at least an hour or as long as overnight. Pour into a beautiful glass and enjoy!
Thanks for sharing my recipes Amy!
Celiacs in the House
posted on July 23, 2010 at 9:29 am
I was just looking at herbal waters at Whole Foods last week. I was intrigued and thought to myself this could be really good or really weird. I put them back on the shelf. I’ve got a batch of your recipe steeping on the counter right now. I’ll let you know how it turns out for me.
Wendy
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Tawra@Living On A Dime
posted on July 23, 2010 at 12:16 pm
What a great idea! I love water and was told to stop drinking so much because I’m washing the salts out but… this just sounds too good!
My two favorite things mixed together herbs and water! Can’t go wrong with that one!
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Hallie @ Daily Bites
posted on July 23, 2010 at 2:07 pm
How refreshing! Another great way to use up cucumbers.
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Kim @ Cook IT Allergy Free
posted on July 23, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I’ve done something similar here off and on during this summer. My M-I-L gave me a cool pitcher that has it’s spout at the bottom and I just leave it in the fridge and open spout into our glassess! I have been playing around with different combos of herbs and fruits. Want to try this one for sure.
PS Rhiannon said she is so excited to be working with you!! ;0)
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Celiacs in the House
posted on July 23, 2010 at 3:09 pm
After four hours of steeping in the fridge, this stuff is really good and really weird. It is so refreshing and cooling after running in and out of 90 plus temps. The cucumbers were from the garden and they are so sweet right now. It’s almost like eating though with all those flavors. I could get used to this!
Wendy
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Sabrina
posted on July 23, 2010 at 6:05 pm
For some reason, I kept wanting to read this as “cucumber basil holy water” lol.
I love making flavored waters like these too— one of my favorites the last few years has been vetiver water that I make every summer. I had a small plant indoors for decor, and a large vetiver grass plant outside that I would use as a “mother”. Every summer I’d dig up the roots, then steep overnight in a large pot of water. It is a traditional drink in India where this grass grows natively.
Sadly, both my plants died this past year; the outside one couldn’t handle the unusually heavy winter we had, and my kitten destroyed the indoor one
Sparkling or tonic water with a mint medley (orange mint, pineapple mint, spearmint, etc, or whatever combo you want) is also quite lovely, as you described
[Reply]
Michelle
posted on July 23, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Hi, just wanted to let you know I have been reading your blog for a while now and love it. I am giving you a gift to say thank you for all your work on your blog. So come by my blog to read about your award the “One Lovely Blog” and pick up your award to post it on your blog!
Michelle
http://fibro2010.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/one-lovely-blog-award/
[Reply]
gfe--gluten free easily
posted on July 24, 2010 at 4:14 pm
This sounds really great, Amy! I’ve been bored with water of late, but have still wanted to drink something healthy and refreshing … this is just the ticket–thanks!
Shirley
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Ali @ The Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
posted on July 24, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Awww, this is such a great idea Amy! I think I might try it with all of the spearmint I have growing in my garden right now! Looks so refreshing.
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Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
posted on July 25, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Such a refreshing way to drink water! I know what you mean about needing something different sometimes. Do you know about kefir water? That is what we started with, and it is not only delicious (we make it with maple) but full of probiotic goodness. But flavored water is a wonderful idea too!
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Kimberly Loomis
posted on July 25, 2010 at 8:27 pm
For those who have a history of gall stones, be careful of ginger…it can trigger an attack. Otherwise, for me, this sounds AMAZING!!
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Amanda Formaro
posted on July 25, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Oh I bet that’s good, it looks awesome!
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Jessica
posted on July 26, 2010 at 2:24 pm
I LOVE this!!! What a refreshing drink.
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Alea
posted on July 26, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Your herbal water sounds refreshing! I think it would be the perfect treat to put in my daughter’s water bottle.
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