Five Infused Water Recipes
Five Infused Water Recipes is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by Healthy Eating at Trader Joe's on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 25 min
Cost: $7.15 total, $1.79 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 liters Cold Filtered Water (use fresh, cold water)
- 1 medium Orange (rolled to release juice, sliced)
- 6 whole Strawberries (hulled, sliced)
- 10 leaves Fresh Mint Leaves (torn to release flavor)
- 8 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves (lightly muddled)
- 1/2 cup Blueberries (lightly muddled)
- 1 cup Frozen Mango Chunks (used as flavored ice cubes)
- 1 small Lemon (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 medium Cucumber (thin slices, larger than straw hole)
- 1 cup Ice Cubes (optional for extra chill)
Instructions
Prepare Fruit and Herbs for Infusion Pitcher
Wash the mint leaves, then tear them gently. Roll the orange on the countertop to loosen juices, then slice it. Slice strawberries and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Load Infusion Pitcher
Place the orange slices, strawberry pieces, and torn mint leaves into the cylinder of the infusion pitcher. Screw the top on tightly and set the pitcher in the refrigerator.
Time: PT2M
Add Water and Infuse
Pour 2 L of cold filtered water into the pitcher. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (longer for stronger flavor).
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 4°C
Prepare Basil‑Blueberry Mix for Regular Pitcher
Place basil leaves and blueberries into a bowl. Gently muddle with the back of a wooden spoon—just enough to bruise the basil and crush a few berries.
Time: PT2M
Combine with Water in Regular Pitcher
Transfer the muddled basil‑blueberry mixture into a regular pitcher, add the remaining water, and refrigerate for 2 hours. Before serving, strain through a fine mesh strainer into glasses.
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 4°C
Assemble Tumbler with Frozen Mango
Add 1 cup frozen mango chunks to a wide‑mouth tumbler. Fill with water and optional ice cubes. The frozen mango acts as flavored ice and releases taste quickly.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Lemon‑Cucumber Glass
Slice lemon and cucumber into thin rounds larger than the straw opening. Place them in a glass, add water, and insert a straw for sipping.
Time: PT2M
Serve and Enjoy
Choose any of the prepared infused waters, give a quick stir, and enjoy throughout the day. Re‑infuse as needed, but discard fruit after 24 hours for best taste.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 20
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Calorie
Allergens: Strawberries, Mango, Blueberries
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Orange: tangerine, grapefruit
- Instead of Strawberries: raspberries, blueberries
- Instead of Fresh Mint Leaves: basil, lemongrass
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: mint, oregano
- Instead of Blueberries: blackberries, raspberries
- Instead of Frozen Mango Chunks: frozen pineapple, frozen berries
- Instead of Lemon: lime, orange
- Instead of Cucumber: celery, zucchini
Equipment Needed
- Infusion Pitcher with Cylinder
- Regular Pitcher
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Wooden Spoon (for muddling)
- Water Bottle or Tumbler with Wide Mouth
- Glass
- Reusable Straw
- Knife and Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Tear mint leaves to release flavor
- Roll orange before slicing
- Lightly muddle basil and blueberries
- Use frozen mango chunks for rapid infusion
- Ensure fruit slices are larger than straw opening
Chef Tips from the Video
- Roll citrus fruits before slicing to maximize juice release
- Use fresh herbs for brightest flavor; store herbs in a damp paper towel if not using immediately
- Freeze extra fruit in ice‑cube trays for ready‑made flavored ice
Troubleshooting
Flavor is too weak
Increase infusion time or add more fruit/herb; lightly crush fruit again before serving
Water tastes too strong or bitter
Remove fruit after desired strength, add fresh water to dilute
Fruit pieces sink and block the straw
Use larger slices or a wider‑mouth straw; alternatively, strain before drinking
Storage
Refrigerator: Store infused water in a sealed pitcher or bottle for up to 3 days
Freezer: Do not freeze the infused water; freeze only fruit for later use
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours if left at room temperature
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare fruit and herb combos the night before and refrigerate
- Keep the infusion pitcher sealed to maintain freshness
- Reuse the same fruit for a second, milder infusion if desired
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of infused water in American wellness culture?
Infused water gained popularity in the United States as part of the clean‑eating and wellness movements of the early 2000s, offering a flavorful alternative to sugary drinks while promoting hydration and natural antioxidants.
How does the YouTube channel Healthy Eating at Trader Joe's specialize in healthy, budget‑friendly recipes?
The YouTube channel Healthy Eating at Trader Joe's focuses on simple, nutritious meals and drinks that use affordable Trader Joe’s products, emphasizing quick preparation, clear nutrition tips, and seasonal ingredient swaps.
What traditional regional variations of flavored water exist in other cuisines compared to the American versions shown by Healthy Eating at Trader Joe's?
In Mediterranean cuisine, cucumber‑mint water and citrus‑herb infusions are common, while in East Asian traditions, green tea with jasmine or yuzu is popular. The American versions highlighted by Healthy Eating at Trader Joe's emphasize fruit‑forward combos like orange‑strawberry‑mint.
What occasions or celebrations is infused water traditionally associated with in American health culture?
Infused water is often served at wellness retreats, summer picnics, fitness events, and corporate health programs as a refreshing, low‑calorie beverage that encourages guests to stay hydrated.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for infused water versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include fresh citrus, seasonal berries, and herbs like mint or basil. Acceptable substitutes are other citrus varieties, frozen fruit, or herb alternatives such as rosemary or thyme, which still provide aromatic flavor.
What other healthy American dishes pair well with the infused waters demonstrated by Healthy Eating at Trader Joe's?
These infused waters complement salads, grain bowls, grilled chicken or tofu, and light snack plates such as hummus with veggie sticks, creating a balanced, low‑calorie meal plan.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making infused water using the methods shown by Healthy Eating at Trader Joe's?
Common mistakes include not tearing or muddling herbs enough, over‑filling the pitcher so flavors dilute, using fruit pieces smaller than the straw opening, and leaving the infusion too long, which can make the water bitter.
Why does this infused water recipe use a refrigerator infusion time instead of room‑temperature steeping?
Refrigerating slows bacterial growth and keeps the water crisp, while still allowing the fruit and herb flavors to meld; room‑temperature steeping can lead to faster spoilage and a mushier texture.
Can I make the infused water ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the infused water up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator and discard the fruit after 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent off‑flavors.
What texture and appearance should I look for when my infused water is ready?
The water should be clear with a light tint from the fruit, and you should see visible fruit slices or herb leaves floating. The aroma should be fresh and fragrant, indicating successful flavor extraction.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
