Flavored Water On the Cheap

Water is good for us. We've all heard about its benefits and its status as the ideal drink. But if you're like me, you still don't find it as interesting as other choices. I can take a travel cup of water with me in the car, and when I return home, the whole thing is still staring at me from the cup holder. I just don't think to drink it, because it's not always appealing to me (unless I've just gone for a run or come in from a trip outside on a hot day).

My husband has the same problem, so in our house, we've looked for ways to make us more interested in water. We've tried Crystal Light mix-ins, Propel water, and Hint essence water. Although all three taste better than regular water, two of the three have added sugar (and other ingredients) that we don't need. And all three cost money. Hint doesn't have any added sugar, but since it's just fruit-infused water, it seems like I should be able to make it myself. And I can.

I was excited to find this Pinterest link for making your own essence water. It couldn't be easier to do, and there are all kinds of flavor combinations with which you can experiment. It costs money (for the fruit...and the water, if you buy bottled), but your money goes a lot further, especially since you're producing a healthier option for yourself. For my first batch, I made strawberry lemon essence water.

It was really quite easy. Read the original post for step-by-step instructions if the below doesn't answer your questions.

1. Buy your fruits of choice. Per the original post, some fruit/herb combinations work well too.
2. Pull a Mason Jar out of your cabinets (or buy a few if you don't have any).
3. Slice your ingredients and add them to the bottom of the jar. I used 4-5 strawberries and half a lemon.

4. Mash up your ingredients with a wooden spoon or similar kitchen tool.

5. Add ice to top of jar.
6. Fill with water and place lid back on jar.

7. Shake jar vigorously to mix all contents.
8. Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors fuse together.
9. If desired, strain the water the following day to remove the fruit/herb pieces.

I really enjoyed the taste of my strawberry lemon water and plan on making other types of essence water to keep in the fridge. I plan on transferring my next batch from the Mason Jar to a sports bottle to make it easier to grab-and-go.

If you're someone who must have sugar in your beverage, essence water probably isn't for you. But if you're just someone who needs a little flavor to keep you interested in H2O, then try this out and see if you like it.