Water is a staple for me and everyone in my house. While I do love a large glass of Southern house wine a/k/a sweet tea, I try to limit my consumption and keep a large glass of water sitting beside me between cups of coffee. I miss the heavier mineral taste of the well water from my youth. Living in the city, I filter my water to help remove chemicals, especially the overwhelming taste and smell of chlorine. Summer is when I get creative and mix in tasty, fresh herbs and fruits when they are in season.
Some of my favorite flavored water combinations:
- Mint and blueberry — Muddle the blueberries in the bottom of your glass and slap the mint to release the oil
- Basil and strawberry cu– Muddle the strawberries and slap the basil to release the oil
- Watermelon and cumber — I like to place some in a bowl and mash it a couple of times with my potato masher before adding. Use thin slices of cucumber, otherwise it can overwhelm the delicate flavor and aroma of the watermelon
- Lemon and lime — I like this combo. Occasionally, I’ll add a few honeysuckle blossoms
- Rosemary and lime — Thin slices and slap.
- Rosemary and cucumber  — Thin slices and slap.
- Cucumber — Thin slices.
- Blueberry and Cucumber (Sounds odd. Tastes great.) — Muddle and thin slices.
- Blueberry and lemon — Muddle and thin slices
- Cucumber, cilantro and lime — Thin slice and more slapping
What is this slapping/smacking of the herbs I’m talking about? When you touch herbs while they’re in the garden, they release their oils at the slightest touch. What I like to do is place them between my hands and give them a quick, firm slap. This keeps them together without tearing and doesn’t release their chlorophyll (which can make your water taste bitter and grassy). What you’re looking to do is give them a nice, single smack and you can then revel in the aroma released by their oils.
Finally, I keep a few ice trays around and make ice cubes with pieces of fruit in it to flavor my water. It’s a fun addition, especially when you have guests. Who doesn’t love water with fancy ice?
Do you make flavored water? What are your favorite combinations?