Cranberry-Infused Water
This Cranberry-Infused Water is a vibrant and refreshing drink, offering a delicious, sugar-free way to boost your daily hydration and enjoy the natural benefits of cranberries.
For 6 servings
Thoroughly wash the fresh cranberries, orange, and lime under cold running water. Pat the fruits dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Slice the orange and lime into thin rounds. For the cranberries, you can leave them whole or gently halve a few to expose more surface area for flavor release.
Place the washed cranberries, orange slices, and lime slices into a large pitcher (approximately 2-liter capacity).
Using a wooden spoon or muddler, gently press down on about half of the cranberries and a few of the citrus slices. This helps to release their juices and essential oils without over-muddling, which can make the water bitter.
Pour the 2 liters of filtered water over the fruit in the pitcher. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For a more intense flavor, let it infuse overnight (8-12 hours).
Once infused, pour the cranberry water over ice into glasses. You can strain out the fruit if preferred, or leave it in for visual appeal.
When the pitcher is about half empty, you can refill it with fresh water for a second (or even third) infusion, though the flavor will be milder each time. Discard the fruit after 24-48 hours to prevent spoilage.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use filtered water for the best taste, as tap water can sometimes have off-flavors that interfere with the fruit's natural essence.
- 2Avoid over-muddling the citrus rinds, as this can release bitter compounds. Focus on gently pressing the fruit flesh and cranberries.
- 3For maximum flavor extraction, allow the water to infuse for at least 4-6 hours. If you're short on time, a quick 1-2 hour infusion will still yield a pleasant, subtle flavor.
- 4Don't leave the fruit in the water for more than 24-48 hours, especially citrus, as it can start to break down and affect the taste negatively.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herbal Infusion
Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme along with the cranberries and citrus for an aromatic, earthy twist.
Spicy Ginger KickSpicy Ginger Kick
Include 2-3 thin slices of fresh ginger root in the pitcher for a subtle warmth and a digestive boost.
Berry MedleyBerry Medley
Combine cranberries with other berries like sliced strawberries or raspberries for a sweeter, more complex berry flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Enhanced Hydration
Infused water makes drinking plain water more appealing, helping you meet your daily fluid intake goals which is crucial for overall health, energy, and bodily functions.
Rich in Antioxidants
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins (PACs), which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Urinary Tract Support
The compounds in cranberries are well-known for their ability to prevent bacteria from adhering to urinary tract walls, promoting urinary tract health.
Frequently asked questions
Cranberry-infused water is best consumed within 24-48 hours. After this period, the fruit can start to break down and potentially alter the flavor or freshness of the water.
