Detox water
Detox water is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by halfplate on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 hrs | Total: 12 hrs 25 min
Cost: $18.76 total, $4.69 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 liters Water (filtered or spring water)
- 1 medium Cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 Lemon (thinly sliced, seeds removed)
- 10 leaves Fresh Mint Leaves (handful, gently torn)
- 1 Orange (thinly sliced, seeds removed)
- 1 Kiwi (peeled and sliced)
- 1 Mosambi (Sweet Lime) (thinly sliced, seeds removed)
- 1 small Apple (core removed, thinly sliced)
- 1 Cinnamon Stick (optional, whole)
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds (about 30 g, raw)
Instructions
Prepare Produce
Rinse cucumber, lemon, orange, kiwi, mosambi, apple, and mint leaves under cold running water.
Time: PT5M
Slice Fruit and Veggies
Thinly slice the cucumber, lemon, orange, kiwi (peeled), mosambi, and apple. Remove any seeds.
Time: PT5M
Combine First Infusion
In the pitcher, add half the water, then the cucumber slices, lemon slices, and mint leaves.
Time: PT3M
Add Second Infusion
Add the orange and kiwi slices to the same pitcher.
Time: PT2M
Add Third Infusion
Add the mosambi slices, apple slices, and the optional cinnamon stick.
Time: PT2M
Add Chia Seeds
Stir in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, ensuring they are evenly dispersed.
Time: PT2M
Refrigerate to Infuse
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (overnight) to allow flavors to meld and chia seeds to hydrate.
Time: PT12H
Temperature: 4°C
Serve
Give the infused water a good stir, pour into glasses over ice if desired, and enjoy the cool, refreshing drink.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 30
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 8 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Low‑Calorie
Allergens: Chia seeds (may cause allergy in sensitive individuals)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cucumber: Zucchini
- Instead of Lemon: Lime
- Instead of Fresh Mint Leaves: Basil
- Instead of Orange: Tangerine
- Instead of Kiwi: Golden kiwi
- Instead of Mosambi (Sweet Lime): Regular lime
- Instead of Apple: Pear
- Instead of Cinnamon Stick: Nutmeg
- Instead of Chia Seeds: Flax seeds
Equipment Needed
- Large Pitcher or Jar
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Spoon or Stirrer
- Measuring Cup (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slicing all fruits and vegetables uniformly
- Adding chia seeds and ensuring they are fully hydrated
- Refrigerating for a full 12 hours to develop flavor
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use filtered or spring water for the cleanest taste.
- Add a few ice cubes just before serving for extra chill.
- For a sparkling version, replace half the water with club soda after infusion.
Troubleshooting
Water looks cloudy or fruit pieces turn mushy.
Use fresh, firm produce and limit infusion time to 12 hours; discard if over‑infused.
Chia seeds clump together.
Stir the mixture vigorously after adding chia and again after a few minutes; you can also pre‑soak chia seeds in a small amount of water before adding.
Flavor is too weak.
Increase the amount of fruit slices or let the water infuse for a longer period (up to 18 hours).
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep sealed in the pitcher for up to 2 days; stir before each serving.
Freezer: Not recommended – chia seeds become gelatinous and texture changes.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to food safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the infused water the night before and keep it sealed in the fridge.
- If you need a quicker version, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of infused water in Indian cuisine?
Infused water, known as "flavored water" or "sharbat," has long been used in India to provide hydration, cooling, and subtle nutrition during hot weather and festivals. Traditional recipes often combine seasonal fruits, herbs, and spices to balance body temperature and aid digestion.
What are the traditional regional variations of infused water in Indian cuisine?
In North India, cucumber‑mint and lemon‑ginger waters are popular, while South Indian homes often add coconut water, jaggery, and curry leaves. In coastal regions, citrus fruits like mosambi and tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple are common.
What occasions or celebrations is infused water traditionally associated with in Indian culture?
Infused waters are served during summer festivals like "Varsha" celebrations, religious gatherings, and as a welcome drink for guests during weddings and housewarmings to promote refreshment and hospitality.
How does this infused water fit into the broader Indian beverage tradition?
It follows the Indian tradition of "sharbat," a lightly sweetened or flavored drink that balances flavors and provides health benefits, but it is sugar‑free and focuses on natural hydration, aligning with modern wellness trends.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Indian infused water versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include seasonal fruits (citrus, mango, pomegranate), fresh herbs (mint, basil), and spices (cinnamon, cardamom). Substitutes like kiwi or apple are modern additions that still respect the principle of using fresh, natural flavors.
What other Indian dishes pair well with this infused water?
The light, citrusy profile pairs nicely with spicy snacks like samosa, pakora, or chaat, as well as with grilled kebabs, biryani, or a simple dal‑rice meal, helping to cleanse the palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this infused water at home?
Common mistakes include over‑infusing (which can make the water bitter), using wilted produce, not sealing the pitcher (leading to flavor loss), and forgetting to hydrate chia seeds, which can cause a gritty texture.
Why does this recipe use chia seeds instead of other thickeners?
Chia seeds absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, adding a subtle gel texture and extra omega‑3 fatty acids without altering the flavor, making the drink more satiating and nutritious.
Can I make this infused water ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare it the night before, seal the pitcher, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days; give it a quick stir before serving.
What does the YouTube channel halfplate specialize in?
The YouTube channel halfplate specializes in quick, health‑focused Indian recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern cooking techniques, often emphasizing easy‑to‑make meals for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel halfplate's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
halfplate focuses on minimal‑ingredient, time‑efficient dishes that prioritize nutrition and flavor balance, whereas many other Indian channels often feature elaborate, time‑intensive recipes with extensive spice blends.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
