YT Recipe

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

  1. Sanitize

    Wash your hands thoroughly, then clean the cutting board and all knives with hot, soapy water.

    Time: PT2M

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

Last updated: March 15, 2026

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Recipe: Fruit-infused water — two ways!

Recipe by WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program

Refresh your guests with two easy, nutritious infused waters—Orange Lemon Mint and Pineapple Jalapeño. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or everyday hydration, these drinks are made with fresh fruit, herbs, and a hint of spice, then chilled to let the flavors meld.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.35
Total cost
$0.92
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • • Use a cutting board and keep knives sharp to avoid slips.
  • • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
  • • Wash all fruit thoroughly before cutting to remove pesticides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of citrus‑mint infused water in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations exist for fruit‑infused water in Southern Appalachian cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is orange‑lemon‑mint water traditionally served at parties in West Virginia?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is pineapple‑jalapeño water traditionally associated with in Southern cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in citrus‑mint infused water versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other West Virginia or Southern dishes pair well with pineapple‑jalapeño infused water?

A

The sweet‑spicy water complements grilled chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, and spicy shrimp dishes, balancing heat with refreshing sweetness.

cultural
Q

How does the YouTube channel WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program specialize in nutrition education?

A

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.

channel
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making citrus‑mint infused water?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this infused water recipe use a cold‑water infusion instead of heating the mixture?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make these infused waters ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
More like this:American RecipesBeverage RecipesMore by WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program

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