Making Your Own Vitamin Water

I try to drink water (without ice) when I first wake up in the morning. It is refreshing and hydrating. It is even better when I take the time to slip in some lemon slices. It is a treat when I make this tasty “tea”. I drink up and enjoy feeling like I am at the spa while getting the extra vitamins that seep into the water (try to go organic to avoid any pesticides washing off into your water). Forget the expensive store bought flavored or vitamin waters and see how easy and delicious it is to make your own.  You can see that there are a large number of combinations that you can make for flavored Vitamin Water that is far more healthful for you.

Herbed Cucumber Water

• 10 cups water
• 1/2 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 1/3 cup loosely packed mint leaves

Combine ingredients in a large pitcher. Steep for several hours or overnight. Enjoy for 1-2 days. If this water disappears within the first day, I will add more water the next night to enjoy for another day before throwing out the herbs and lemon. Drink up!



Blackberry Sage Water

• 10 cups water
• 2-4 cups mashed blackberries
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup packed sage leaves (can reduce for a milder flavor)

Combine ingredients in a large pitcher. Steep for several hours or overnight. Enjoy for 1-2 days. If this water disappears within the first day, I will add more water the next night to enjoy for another day before throwing out the herbs and lemon. Drink up!

Want Something Sweet?

Blackberry Sage Cooler

15 sage leaves
2 tablespoons honey
8  ounces mashed Blackberries
8 ounces water

Bring the water and sugar to a boil over high heat just until sugar dissolves. Crush the sage leaves with the back of a spoon and add to the syrup mixture and set aside to let the sage infuse for 15 minutes and then remove the herbs.

Meanwhile puree the blackberries in the blender and then strain the mixture through a fine strainer.
To serve place a tablespoon of the blackberry puree in the bottom of a glass, add a tablespoon of the sage syrup and top off with 8 ounces of club soda.


Blackberry Smoothie

The pomegranate juice in this smoothie combined with the berries delivers an antioxidant powerhouse. The chia seeds are a great source of omega-3fatty acids and are a great source of fiber and calcium.

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries

1/2 cup frozen blackberries

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 teaspoon chia seeds soaked in 1/4 cup of water for 10 minutes (or overnight)

1 cup pomegranate juice

1 teaspoon honey

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade

1 Cup Chopped Fresh Strawberries
1/2 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Honey
2 Cups Water
... Ice for Serving

1. Puree strawberries and honey in a blender or food processor until smooth and transfer to a pitcher.
2. Pour the strawberry mixture, water and lemon juice in a pitcher and stir to combine.
3. Chill and serve over ice.