Drinking water can be a bit boring, right? So why not make the boring water a bit interesting by infusing it with some fruits and herbs? This Kiwi and Mint infused water is easy to make (like all of them), refreshing and keeps you hydrated which is very important especially in summer! This is also a perfect drink for any summer party or a picnic!
How to make the best infused water?
Well, there is no rocket science behind making infused water but I think before starting you should know some facts that will help you to make the best one!
When researching for the best infused water recipe I had noticed that several recipes actually lacked some important information. Stating in a recipe that you throw everything in a jar/bottle, fill with water and chill for a few hours is not enough! So have a look at my tips:
5 Tips for perfect infused water:
- Use ripe fruit – the riper the fruit the more intense the flavor (make sure the fruit is not gone off)
- When using herbs (like mint) – bruise them first – this will “release” the flavor easier (use mortar & pestle, or simply crush the leaves in your hands)
- Keep it in the fridge overnight – the longer the chilling/infusing the more intense the taste
- You might also need to mash some of the fruits to help them release their flavors
- The more fruits/veg/herbs you use the more intense the flavor
Refill is possible but bear in mind that the taste won’t be as strong as after the first infusion!
- Citrus fruit will last long but to avoid bitter taste, peel off the rind.
- If you are happy with the taste of your water, remove the fruits from the water (you don’t want to keep certain fruits in the water too long as they can go off)
- If the fruit is in the water, keep the bottle/jar in the fridge to avoid spoiling.
Now let’s talk about my kiwi and mint infused water. What I did the first day I simply put 1 kiwi, sliced in a bottle with some fresh mint sprigs and I filled the bottle with water. I covered the bottle with a lid and placed it in our fridge. I was pretty disappointed seeing that after 1 hour it tasted like…. well, like water…nothing more nothing less. I had been doing this for a further 5 hours (tasting every hour) with no significant change in its taste. So I decided to leave it in the fridge overnight. Well, the following morning I noticed a very light mint flavor but I could not taste the kiwi at all.
It was a disappointment but a few days later I decided to infuse the water again using the same ingredients.
Take 2 for my kiwi and mint infused water:
This time I used a very ripe (soft) kiwi that I sliced and threw into a jar. I also added about 3 mint sprigs that I had bruised in advance. Water, lid, fridge… Checking after 1 hour and seeing a huge difference in taste. Leaving it in the fridge until the following morning when finally enjoying a perfect glass of infused water! I was a happy hippo! Soo refreshing!
If you are new to the water infusing “thing” try make one yourself! If you are not, then try my kiwi and mint infused water – you won’t be disappointed!
Also check out these homemade juicing recipes!
Kiwi and Mint Infused Water
Ingredients
- A Handful of Fresh Mint (the more the better)
- 3-4 Kiwis
- 4 cups Still Water (1 Liter)
Instructions
- Wash and peel the kiwis. Cut them into thin slices. Wash the mint sprigs. Place kiwi slices and mint in a large jar/bottle.
- Pour over still water and cover with lid (if you have, if not then simply use cling film).
- Place in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, for best results overnight.
Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says
Ohhhh, I actually have a cup of nice fresh mint tea standing right next to me but I never knew I had to bruise them first! Will definitely remember that one, as I often put some mint leaves in my bottle of water.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
We love fresh mint tea as well! Yes, bruising makes the flavor stronger. It’s not necessary when making tea because the hot water helps release the flavor but when just infusing cold water, then it makes a difference! ;)