Lime Infused Water Recipe
We have all tried and tasted different health drinks that can beat the heat and give us the health benefits other sodas and sugary drinks lack.
One of the most popular ingredients that top the list of infused drinks is lime.
Lime-infused water is a simple, quick, easy-to-make drink that looks, smells, and tastes fantastic. Not only does it quench your thirst on a hot day, but it also gives you several other great benefits.
It’s rich in Vitamin C, which helps boost immunity, cleanses and detoxes the body, and gives you a fresh start to the day.
So are you up for making the lime-infused refreshing water? Read on; we’ve put together all you need about lime water. Also included are the top nourishing recipes to enjoy over the summer.
Contents
What is Lime Water?
Lime-infused water is flavored water with lime. You may use freshly grated ginger, mint, turmeric, fresh thyme sprigs, sparkling water, and other ingredients.
There’s no manual to make the perfect glass. You can explore and get creative using your choice of fruit, veggies, and other delicious options to refresh your lime water recipe.
Lemon Vs. Lime Infused Water
The most popular acidic fruits are lemon and lime. Both are citrusy, have a sour taste, and are often used as substitutes in different recipes.
They also work as preservatives and add flavor to any dish or cuisine.
One key difference is their color: lime is green, whereas lemons are yellow. Even the taste differs slightly as lemons are somewhat sweeter than lime.
So just like other foods, you can use either in infused drinks, whichever you prefer for the taste and other benefits.
Nutritional Differences
Both citrus fruits give you about the same level of nourishment and benefits. They’re both rich in vitamin C and have antioxidants that work as a detox for the body.
Other key nutrients present in both fruits are:
- Pectin
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Vitamins A, B, C, and D
How to Make Lime Water
Even if you hardly step in the kitchen, you can quickly stir up simple lime water within minutes.
But it’s more fun if you add a flair to the lime water and use more ingredients to uplift the taste.
Let’s check out a few infused water recipes to make lime-infused water at home.
1. Lemon Water with Lime Slices Recipe
What You Need
- Lime
- Lemon (whole or slices)
- Cold water
How to Make It
- Wash lime and lemons in cold water. Make sure you take out all the dirt.
- Squeeze out all the lemon and lime juice.
- Cut thin lime slices. These will be used for decoration and garnishing.
- Take a large pitcher and pour about eight glasses of cold water.
- Also, add the squeezed lemon juice and fresh lime juice.
- Stir and mix well.
- Pour the drink into a glass and decorate it with mint or lime slices.
- Serve chilled with ice.
2. Lime Water with Fresh Mint Leaves Recipe
What You Need
- Lime
- Fresh mint Leaves
- Water
- Ice cubes
How to Make It
- Cut out thin slices of lime.
- Spread a few mint leaves and add lime slices at the bottom of a mason jar or pitcher.
- Now take a wooden spoon, slightly mash the lime, and mint it. This step will help release the lime juice boosting the taste.
- Now add about two liters of water to the drink and shake it.
- Refrigerate for an hour to bring out the best flavor.
- Top with a few mint leaves.
- Add ice and serve the drink chilled.
Tip: Use fresh herbs like thyme, ginger, rosemary, etc., to enhance the flavors.
How to Preserve Lime Water
When the lime water recipe involves peeling leaves of herbs and squeezing lemons, it’s expected one may go overboard with the ingredients. If you end up with a whole pitcher instead of just a glass, that’s okay!
You can store the juice without letting it get bitter.
All you need is to know the right way to store the drink. Here are a few ways to preserve lime water easily.
Refrigeration
Pour the whole drink into a water bottle or container. It’s best to use an airtight container to preserve it for a long time.
Then keep it in the fridge.
You can refrigerate it for three days max. For more extended periods, try the method below.
Freezing
Take a glass jar or a container that can be frozen. Pour the water into it, and freeze it. You may keep it frozen for up to 6 months.
Health Benefits of Lime-Infused Water
Here are some proven benefits of using lime water and making it part of your daily life.
Vitamin C
Lemons and limes are both excellent sources of vitamin C. The ingredient is chiefly responsible for strengthening the immune system but also helps:
- Protect the body from infections and other ailments
- Increase the absorption of iron in the body.
- Rejuvenates the skin and stimulates collagen production, etc.
Keeps You Hydrated
Our bodies are composed of 60% water. Lack of water can cause dehydration, a serious condition that leads to many problems for the body. Lime-infused water can up your water intake significantly.
Since the drink tastes better than plain water, it’s easier to remember (and harder to avoid) drinking it.
Improves the Skin
Our skin, too, needs to stay hydrated. Having water infused with vitamin C instead of regular water is a great way to give your skin the much-needed vitamin that:
- Helps increase elasticity
- It makes the skin younger looking, and
- It brightens the complexion.
Aids Digestion
Lime water also helps increase the natural production of stomach acids. These acids are responsible for food breakdown and keeping the digestive tract healthy.
Also, since the drink is primarily water, it helps alleviate constipation.
Helps in Weight loss
Although there isn’t much scientific backing to the claim, limes are believed to help with weight loss.
Part of it is attributable to the fact that they are high in micronutrients and have low calories.
The infused drink is made from zero sugar, so it’s also suitable for filling the stomach and keeping you away from sugary drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Drink Lime Water?
Drinking lots of water every day is good for your overall health. When water is infused with lime and mint, it makes it flavorful and gives you the benefits of lime and mint and the needed hydration.
That, plus the fact that the drink is a healthy replacement for sodas, fizzy drinks, and boxed juices, makes it a winning drink on a hot summer day.
Can I use Lime Water for Cooking?
Yes!
Although water is not commonly used for cooking, some recipes require small amounts of lime water.
It gives a tangy, acidic taste to cuisines and certain foods like fish, chicken, rice, etc.
How Long Do Infused Waters Last?
Lime water should be used within 24 hours. However, when refrigerated, it can last up to three days.
Since lime is a natural preservative, infused lime drinks can last for 2-3 days, although they may start to taste bitter with time.
Here’s a pro tip: Avoid using lemon zest or peel if you intend to keep the drink for several hours.
Would you like to explore more infused water recipes? Check this out.
Can I Use Frozen Lime Juice?
Yes, it’s an excellent strategy to freeze lime water. Please fill up the ice cube tray with lime juice and freeze them. You may take them out as needed.
Just 1-2 lime ice cubes can make a whole pitcher of the infused drink.
Also, the cubes can last frozen (with the taste intact) for over six months.
Wrap Up
If you’re still struggling with meeting your daily water intake requirements, drinking lime water, especially as a starter drink, is the best thing you can do for your body.
Put away the coffee maker and make a tall glass or pitcher of lime water to kick-start your day.
Rahul is a nutritionist and personal trainer with 3+ years of experience in the field of health coaching. He specializes in nutrition science, with a keen eye for how food choices, lifestyle habits, and physical activity impact our bodies.Â