Recipe: Fruit-infused water — two ways
Recipe: Fruit-infused water — two ways! is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 30 min
Cost: $7.35 total, $0.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Orange (peeled, quartered, and chopped)
- 2 pieces Lemon (peeled and chopped into chunks)
- 1 handful Fresh Mint Leaves (lightly muddled with a wooden spoon to release oils)
- 4 liters Water (cold, filtered water; 2 L per pitcher)
- 1 medium Pineapple (peeled, core removed, eyes trimmed, and chopped into chunks)
- 2 pieces Jalapeño Pepper (stems removed, halved lengthwise, seeds removed)
Instructions
Sanitize
Wash your hands thoroughly, then clean the cutting board and all knives with hot, soapy water.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Citrus for Mint Water
Peel the three oranges, quarter them, and chop into bite‑size pieces. Peel the two lemons, remove any excess pith, and chop into chunks.
Time: PT9M
Muddle Mint
Place a handful of fresh mint leaves in a small cup and gently press and twist with a wooden spoon until the leaves release their aroma.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Orange Lemon Mint Water
Add the chopped oranges, lemons, and muddled mint into a clean pitcher. Fill with 2 L of cold water, stir gently, cover, and place in the refrigerator.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Pineapple for Jalapeño Water
Trim the top and bottom of the pineapple, stand it upright, and slice off the spiky outer skin with a chef's knife. Remove the brown “eyes” with a paring knife, then cut out the tough core and discard. Chop the flesh into chunks.
Time: PT7M
Prepare Jalapeños
Trim the stems off the jalapeños, slice each pepper lengthwise, and remove the seeds and white veins with a small spoon or knife.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Pineapple Jalapeño Water
Place the pineapple chunks and jalapeño halves into a second pitcher, add 2 L of cold water, stir, cover, and refrigerate.
Time: PT2M
Infuse and Serve
After a minimum of 2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator, give each pitcher a gentle stir and serve over ice or straight from the pitcher.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 30
- Protein
- 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 7 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Low-Calorie
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Orange: Blood orange, Mandarin
- Instead of Lemon: Lime
- Instead of Fresh Mint Leaves: Basil, Thai basil
- Instead of Pineapple: Fresh mango, Papaya
- Instead of Jalapeño Pepper: Serrano pepper, Thai bird's eye chili (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Paring Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Pitcher or Water Dispenser
- Mixing Bowl
- Plastic Gloves (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Peeling and chopping the oranges without losing too much fruit.
- Removing the pineapple skin, eyes, and core cleanly.
- Seeding the jalapeños to control heat and prevent dispenser clogging.
- Refrigerating the infused waters for at least 2 hours to develop flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Muddle mint just enough to release aromatic oils—over‑muddling can make it bitter.
- Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
- For extra sparkle, add a splash of sparkling water just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Water tastes bland.
Add more fruit or mint, and let it infuse an additional hour.
Flavor is too strong or salty.
Dilute with extra cold water and stir well.
Jalapeño seeds clog the dispenser.
Be sure to remove all seeds and veins; strain the water through a fine‑mesh sieve before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep each pitcher sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; freezing may change texture.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the waters the night before and keep them refrigerated; flavors intensify overnight.
- Store the fruit and herb mixture in a separate container if you plan to serve the water over a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of citrus‑mint infused water in American cuisine?
Citrus‑mint infused water became popular in the United States during the health‑conscious movements of the 1970s and 80s, offering a flavorful alternative to sugary drinks. The combination of orange, lemon, and mint reflects classic summer refreshment traditions in American backyard gatherings.
What traditional regional variations exist for fruit‑infused water in Southern Appalachian cuisine?
In the Appalachian region, locals often add locally grown berries, peaches, or herbs like rosemary to water. Pineapple is less common, but the use of jalapeño reflects the growing influence of neighboring Southern and Mexican flavors in West Virginia’s modern food scene.
How is orange‑lemon‑mint water traditionally served at parties in West Virginia?
It is typically served chilled in a large glass pitcher or dispenser, poured over ice, and sometimes garnished with a thin slice of citrus or a sprig of mint for visual appeal. It’s a staple at potlucks, church gatherings, and community events.
What occasions or celebrations is pineapple‑jalapeño water traditionally associated with in Southern cuisine?
While not a historic Southern drink, pineapple‑jalapeño water has become a popular choice for summer barbecues, outdoor festivals, and health‑focused gatherings because it offers a sweet‑spicy flavor that pairs well with grilled foods.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in citrus‑mint infused water versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses fresh oranges, lemons, and mint. Substitutes can include blood oranges, limes, or basil if mint is unavailable, while still maintaining a bright, aromatic profile.
What other West Virginia or Southern dishes pair well with pineapple‑jalapeño infused water?
The sweet‑spicy water complements grilled chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, and spicy shrimp dishes, balancing heat with refreshing sweetness.
How does the YouTube channel WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program specialize in nutrition education?
The WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program creates evidence‑based, family‑friendly content that emphasizes healthy eating, food safety, and practical cooking skills for West Virginians. Their videos often focus on affordable, nutrient‑dense recipes and community wellness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making citrus‑mint infused water?
Common errors include over‑muddling mint (which can turn bitter), using too much fruit pulp that clouds the water, and forgetting to refrigerate long enough for flavors to meld. Also, leaving seeds in jalapeños can add unwanted heat and cause dispenser clogs.
Why does this infused water recipe use a cold‑water infusion instead of heating the mixture?
Cold infusion preserves the fresh, bright flavors of citrus and mint while preventing bitterness that can develop when heated. It also keeps the water safe to serve immediately without a cooling step.
Can I make these infused waters ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, prepare the waters up to 24 hours in advance. Keep each pitcher sealed in the refrigerator; they stay fresh for up to three days. Stir before serving and add ice if desired.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
