By Katie S. Etheridge

AUBURN UNIVERSITY. – Most people do not drink enough water, and one can dehydrate fast in the hot Alabama sun. That is why Live Well Alabama is serving up seven delicious fruit flavored water recipes to turn water from drab to fab.

“Water is a key player in keeping your body working well at every level. Adult men should aim to drink approximately 12.5 cups per day, and adult women should try for 9 cups a day. Our fruit infused waters are great for adding subtle sweetness without excess sugar. Eat the fruit afterwards to get the most out of this tasty treat,” said Katie Funderburk, Alabama Extension nutrition specialist and registered dietitian.

Ingredients

Blackberry Mint Recipe

• 40 blackberries, smashed
• 40 mint leaves, torn in half

Blueberry Orange Basil Recipe

• Three oranges, quartered
• 30 to 45 blueberries, squeezed
• Nine basil leaves, torn in half

Citrus Recipe

• Oranges, sliced
• Grapefruit, sliced
• Lemons, sliced

Pineapple Orange Recipe

• ¼ pineapple, sliced
• ½ orange, with peel

Raspberry Lime Recipe

• Four limes, without rind
• 40 raspberries, smashed

Strawberry Kiwi Recipe

• Two kiwi, sliced
• Five strawberries, sliced

Watermelon Rosemary Recipe

• ¼ seedless watermelon
• Two sprigs rosemary

Pro Tips

Freeze mixture in ice trays for homemade popsicles. Mix with sparkling water instead for that added pizazz. Use a reusable bottle to support sustainable living.

Directions

For each recipe, mix the ingredients with a gallon of water and stir. Serve over ice.

Want to learn more? Step by step instructions for the Fruit Flavored Water recipes, as well as an instructional video, are available at LiveWellAlabama.com.

Live Well Alabama

Live Well Alabama is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) initiative developed by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University. This initiative reaches residents across the state with research-based education.

“Live Well Alabama recipes are all about trying fruits and veggies in tasty, easy and budget-friendly ways.” Funderburk said. “Our recipes are easy to prepare, and they don’t require any fancy kitchen equipment.”

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Live Well Alabama provides numerous recipes that are simple and budget friendly.