Delicious Blood Orange Cucumber Mint Infused Water

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Last updated on September 7th, 2024 at 02:52 pm

I’ve come around to liking water, but for a while I wasn’t the biggest fan of the plain stuff. I wanted more flavor. Enter infused water recipes. Let me introduce you to this delicious drink. It’s an easy homemade blood orange cucumber water that’ll make your tastebuds dance with joy.

This water is the perfect way to stay refreshed and revitalized. With a delightful blend of citrusy blood orange, crisp cucumber, and fragrant mint, this infused water is tasty without adding in a bunch of unhealthy stuff.

As the warm weather approaches, there’s nothing quite like a flavorful, chilled beverage to keep you hydrated throughout the day. This infused water recipe is also incredibly easy to make.

Bursting with citrusy zing from juicy blood oranges, complemented by the crisp coolness of cucumber, and rounded out with a hint of fresh mint, this infused water is a true flavor sensation.

This thirst-quenching infused water recipe is about to become your new warm-weather essential. Cheers to a refreshing sip of goodness!

Preparing Ingredients for Blood Orange Cucumber Water

Luckily, infused water recipes are simple in both ingredients and prep work. Start by picking the best produce. This can make a world of difference, trust me. We’ll also touch on the best ways to clean and slice them. A little time spent on this can elevate your drink from good to great. Let’s dive in.

Selecting the Best Produce

With fresh ingredients being the highlight of this infused water recipe, it is important to choose the finest produce. When it comes to picking blood oranges choose the ones with firm, glossy skin. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating a juicy fruit inside. The color should be bright, though there will likely also be darker spots of red on the outside – a hint of what is inside.

Blood oranges are typically available between December and April. Any other orange will also work, but the bright orange and dark red make for a unique look. But to truly make this a blood orange cucumber water, you need the real deal.

With cucumbers, opt for the ones that are firm to the touch. Avoid soft spots at all costs, blemishes can be fine as long as they aren’t soft underneath. A consistent green color is also a good sign. If you can find them, English cucumbers are a top-notch choice for this concoction due to their thin skin and sweet flavor.

Finally, choose mint that is bright and crisp. Try to avoid any limp leaves and stems. Even better if you have mint fresh from the garden.

Washing and Slicing

First off, wash all of your fresh produce thoroughly under cold running water. Gently using a soft vegetable brush can help. For the mint, I like to put them into a small colander and run water over them while lightly shaking to remove any dirt or debris. Dry everything off with a clean kitchen towel.

Yes, we’ll even wash the oranges because we are leaving the skin on for this infused water recipe. It looks real pretty in a glass pitcher and just holds together better that way.

Remove the mint leaves from the stem.

Next, it’s time for some slicing. The true key here is to try and get even slices. Both the cucumber and the blood orange should be sliced into 1/4 to 1/2-inch rounds. Keeping the rind on the oranges. The rind releases a lovely citrusy aroma.

Making the Infused Water Recipe

Now for the fun part – blending these lovely flavors together. We’ll mix everything and then allow for some chilling time to let the flavors steep. Remember, patience is key when you’re aiming for a delicious drink. So, let’s get into actually making this infused water recipe.

Combining the Flavors

With everything washed, cut, and prepped, we’re ready to combine all these delicious ingredients together.

Start with a large pitcher or water dispenser. I like to use glass or clear plastic because the vibrant colors really add some flair to this drink. You’ll need a container that can hold 1.5 gallons.

As we look at the vibrant slices of blood oranges and crisp cucumber, let’s start layering them in our pitcher. You can attempt to arrange and organize the orange, cucumber, and mint but I don’t think it matters. Just add all of it into the container, top it with ice, and then pour the water over it all.

Remember, it’s your creation, so you can play around with the proportions until you find your perfect balance. I originally started this recipe with a whole cucumber, but it’s flavor overpowered everything else so I cut it back.

Refrigeration Time for Optimal Infusion

Part of what makes this such a refreshing blood orange cucumber drink is its temperature. Cold water is quite refreshing indeed. Our infused water recipes is currently mixed together but not quite ready to serve if we want its full potential.

It’s best to let the flavors sit together.

Give it at least half an hour. And, if we’re already letting it sit, might as well let it chill too.

So, put the pitcher or water dispenser in the fridge. Then kick back, relax, and let the fridge do the work. After all, the best things in life are worth waiting for, right?

Serving Suggestions

Creating the Perfect Presentation

Now that we’ve discovered how to make our easy homemade blood orange cucumber water, let’s delve into crafting an eye-catching presentation that’ll wow your guests! A perfect presentation amplifies the experience of sipping your lovingly prepared beverage.

As I stated above, start by selecting a clear pitcher or glass jar. This shows off the bright oranges, reds, and deep greens. 

Next, elect for some interesting glassware to serve drinks. Some mini black straws can also add a bit of elegance.

Allow for garnishing individual glasses. Add a splash of color with a garnish of fresh mint leaves or blood orange slices. It’s a simple addition that can elevate your presentation to the next level. Remember, when it comes to creating the perfect presentation, it’s all about the details. So, have fun and let your creativity flow!

Make Infused Water Recipes a Part of Your Routine

You’re probably wondering how to incorporate this tasty concoction into your everyday hydration routine, right? Well, it’s simpler than you think.

This infused water recipe is quite simple and easy to make. So, just have this made and ready to drink in the fridge – we’ll get to some tips on making ahead in the next section. Then whenever you need something refreshing, you’ll have this water on hand and ready to go.

Carry a bottle or cup of this flavorful water with you wherever you are. Around the house, on the go. Not only will it remind you to hydrate, but you’ll also be more inclined to drink it because of its delicious taste.

Just remember, staying hydrated doesn’t have to be boring. So, make this your new daily ritual, and your body will thank you.

Storing and Making Ahead

Now, let’s chat about how long your flavored water stays fresh, making larger quantities, and tips to keep it tasting great. Keeping it fresh is key, especially if you’re preparing a big batch for a gathering or just for the week ahead. I’ve got some handy tips up my sleeve to ensure your hydrating treat tastes as lovely on day three as it did on day one. It’s easier than you might think!

How Long Infused Water Lasts

Infused water can last up to 6 days in the fridge, but it’s best when consumed within the first 48 hours. After this time, the flavors begin to fade. I’d say it’s a real test of willpower to keep it that long, given how tantalizing the taste is. So, if you’ve got guests coming over or just want to ensure you have a refreshing sip on hand, making this a day ahead will work. Just remember to keep it chilled and covered.

Preparing Large Batches

Making a big batch of this delightful drink is not much more effort than a single batch. Just a little more ingredient prep work and a lot more water.

First things first, you’ll need a sizeable pitcher or container. Consider investing in a large glass dispenser if you’re a regular sipper—it’ll make the process a breeze. Once you’ve chosen your container of choice, simply multiply the quantities in your recipe by however many servings you need. Remember, the beauty is in the balance so stick to the general ratios.

Keep in mind that the longer your fruits and veggies steep, the stronger the flavors will be. So, if you’re prepping for an event, make your batch the night before for a flavor-packed punch. Just like that, you’re a master of large-batch hydration. What a breeze.

Tips for Keeping it Fresh

To keep your blood orange cucumber water tasting fresh and vibrant, here are a few ideas I’ve picked up.

First and foremost, always use fresh ingredients. The fresher the produce, the more flavor it will impart to your drink.

Next, be mindful of the temperature. Cold water tends to extract flavors more slowly, but it also preserves them for longer. It’s best to store your concoction in the fridge, rather than leaving it out at room temperature.

Lastly, remove everything from the water after 12 hours. Leaving it all in longer may make too strong or off flavors. Plus they can start to decompose and spoil the flavor. The great part is that the flavor will stay, even with the ingredients removed.

This delectable beverage can be tweaked to suit your preferences, and it keeps well too, making it a convenient choice for those hectic days. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—I promise you won’t regret it. Enjoy and stay hydrated!

How did yours turn out?

I’d love to hear when you try out this blood orange infused water recipe! Take a pic of your food and share your success with me by adding it to your Instagram stories or feed, and tagging me @doyouroux, or by using #doyouroux.

Plus, leave a rating to let me know how you liked the recipe. It helps me out a lot to know how things worked out… or didn’t.

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