How to Drink Hot Water

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Whether you enjoy the taste of hot water or hope to reap health benefits, you likely want to prepare the perfect cup. Start by heating your water, then pour it in a mug. If you want to add flavor to your water, you have several delicious options. To get the health benefits of water, drink your hot water at the perfect time of day.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Heating the Water

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  1. It's best to heat a cup full at time, as any excess water will cool before you have a chance to use it. You can use your measuring cup or your mug to measure out your desired amount of water.
    • If you boil too much water, it's best to pour out the excess water instead of reheating it. If you want more hot water, use fresh water for your next cup.
  2. You'll have a long wait ahead of you if you boil your water, as drinking it will scald your mouth. Also, your water may not taste as good, since heating can alter the taste of the water. [1]
    • Watch your water to make sure it doesn't boil. Don't leave it unattended!
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  3. As you watch your water, wait until it starts to bubble. First, small bubbles will form along the pan and release. Wait until you see steam coming off the water, as well as larger bubbles traveling up from the bottom of the pot. This signals your water is the proper temperature. [2]
    • Be careful when handling the pot. Make sure you only touch it by the handle or use a potholder or tea towel.
  4. Tea kettles are designed for heating water for drinking. You may not be making tea, but you can still use a kettle to warm your water! Simply put the kettle on the stove and wait for it to whistle, which tells you the water is ready. [3]
    • You can even purchase a tea kettle with a built in thermometer to help you know when to turn off your burner. Since you aren't brewing tea, you can turn it off as soon as the water reaches your preferred temperature, if you have one. On average, most people prefer drinking hot beverages at about 136 °F (58 °C). [4]
  5. If it touches your skin, steam can cause a thermal burn. It's best to avoid direct contact with the steam, either when the water is heating up or when you're pouring it into a mug. Always pour away from your body. Use a potholder or towel to protect your hand as you pour. [5]
    • Don't hold your hand over the steam to see if your water is warm. Similarly, don't put your face directly over the pot to check for steam and bubbles.
  6. Gently pour the water, letting it slowly flow into the mug to prevent splashing. Use a towel or potholder to support the pot or kettle, if necessary.
    • Don't overfill your mug. Keep in mind that the water could splash up over the sides of the cup and burn you.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Sipping Your Hot Water

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  1. As with other hot drinks, you can't drink it right away. It will take a few minutes for the water to be cool enough to drink. Since personal preference varies, wait until the water reaches your desired temperature. [6]
    • To speed up the cooling, you might blow on the water. However, this will cool just the top of the water, so sip slowly.
  2. Although you shouldn't touch hot fluids, you may be tempted to put your finger against the surface of the water to test the temperature. However, your finger can withstand higher temperatures than your mouth, so what feels warm to your hand might scald your mouth and throat. [7]
  3. Wait until there isn't much steam coming off the water. Gently bring the water to your lips and take a small sip to see if it's ready to drink. [8]
    • Treat your hot water the same way you would tea or coffee.
    • If the water feels too warm as you bring it toward your lips, don't take a sip.
  4. It's better to take small sips than big gulps. Enjoy the warming sensation of your convenient, calorie-free beverage!
    • If you'd like to spruce up your water, you might add a flavoring.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Adding Flavor to Your Water

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  1. Adding lemon is a delicious, easy way to flavor your water. In fact, lemon is traditionally used in hot water to aid digestion. [9] Lemon also gives you a great boost of vitamin C, is low in sugar and helps keep you hydrated. Use up to half the lemon to flavor your water to your taste.
    • As an alternative, pour the water over a slice of lemon. [10]
  2. Place the mint leaves in your mug before you add the water. Use a couple of sprigs for a mild flavor or several sprigs for a stronger infusion. The mint will give your water a crisp flavor that's still milder than tea. [11]
    • You can grow your own mint or buy fresh mint from most grocery stores or farmers markets.
  3. Choose a sweetener you prefer. Use just enough to lightly flavor the water. You don't need much! [12]
    • You might add both honey and lemon for a soothing drink, especially if you're not feeling well. This is a great option for people who don't like tea but want the effects of honey and lemon.
  4. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon into a mug, then add 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) of turmeric, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a pinch of sea salt, and a pinch of raw sugar. Pour 1 cup (240 mL) boiling water over the ingredients and stir until they're combined. This warming blend will beat the winter cold! [13]
    • You can adjust the ingredients to your preferences.
    • If you'd like, you can substitute a drop of honey or agave for the sugar.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Choosing When to Drink

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  1. You can drink hot water anytime you'd like! You might enjoy the taste of the water, or you may enjoy the warming effects. It works for any time of day! [14]
    • Hot water tastes different from cold water, so it's normal to just enjoy the flavor.
  2. Hot water can help your body's natural detoxification process by causing you to sweat more. Since it's hot, it increases your body's temperature and makes you sweat, which is one way your body releases waste products. [15]
    • You might want to drink the hot water before your morning shower.
  3. Hot water may help speed up digestion by warming your body and the food you've just eaten. It's especially helpful for keeping dietary fats soft. End your meals with a mug of hot water. [16]
    • Lemon is also a great addition to your post-dinner water.
  4. If you're feeling backed up, hot water may help. While it's not a magic pill, you can get relief by sipping on a mug of hot water. It's most effective if you drink it regularly. [17]
    • If you have persistent constipation, it's best to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what's causing your constipation.
  5. Many people swear hot water is a great way to lose weight. It can warm your body, which may increase your metabolism. Start your day with a mug of hot water, sip a mug during the afternoon, and enjoy a mug after dinner. [18]
    • It's a great idea to flavor your water, especially if you don't like the taste. For weight loss, mint, lemon, or cayenne pepper are often the go-to flavorings.
  6. Drinking hot water can relax your muscles, relieving stress. Its relaxing effects can also relieve discomfort from muscle cramps, including premenstrual cramps. Sip hot water whenever you feel stressed! [19]
    • Hot water can calm you down better than warm caffeinated beverages, like coffee and tea.
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Common Questions: Making and Drinking Hot Water

Is it good to drink hot water every day?

Yes, it is OK to drink hot water every day. Just like cold and lukewarm water, hot water keeps you hydrated to ensure your body functions properly. Hot water can also potentially improve digestion, reduce congestion, help with achalasia, and bring you comfort. [22]

How can I get hot water fast?

To heat water faster, pour warm water into a wide pot, cover it with a lid, and set it over high heat. [23] To make hot water come out of your faucets faster, reduce the size and length of the pipes that go to your water heater. It also helps to move your water heater to a central spot. [24]

How do you make hot water without a kettle?

Make hot water without a kettle by microwaving your water for 1 to 2 minutes at a time. Or, fill a saucepan or pot with water and place it over your stove on medium-high heat. As another alternative, pour water in a pan or metal container and hold it over a campfire or camping stove. [25]

Tips

  • Drinking hot water is a great way to loosen your mucus when you're suffering from an upper respiratory infection. It can even help you heal faster! [20]
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  • You can blow on your water to make it cool faster.
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  • Drinking hot water can be a great calorie-free way of warming up on a cold day, especially if you don't like tea or coffee.
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Warnings

  • Be careful when handling hot water, as you could burn yourself. Use the handle or a potholder when handling a hot pot of water or a tea kettle.
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  • The hot water can scald your mouth, so wait until it's cooled to drink it. Treat it the same way you would a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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  • Talk to your doctor before drinking hot water if you're taking medications. Some medications may be less effective if you pair them with hot water.
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  • Drinking scalding beverages (greater than 65C/149F) has been linked with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. It is not common to drink water or other beverages this temperature in Europe or North America, although it is in other regions of the world (like South America, the Middle East, and East Africa). [21]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  2. ↑ http://www.tealeafjournal.com/water-temperature.html
  3. ↑ http://www.tealeafjournal.com/water-temperature.html
  4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18226454
  5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12063-burns
  6. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  7. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  8. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-reasons-to-start-your-day-with-lemon-water-infographic/
  1. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/drinking-hot-water
  2. ↑ https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/20-tips-make-drinking-water-taste-better
  3. ↑ https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/20-tips-make-drinking-water-taste-better
  4. ↑ https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/6-hot-healthy-drinks-warm-you-winter
  5. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/drinking-hot-water
  6. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  7. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  8. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  9. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  10. ↑ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673.php
  11. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/359266
  12. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/15/health/coffee-tea-hot-drinks-cancer-risk/index.html
  13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cold-water-vs-warm-water
  14. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-make-water-boil-faster/
  15. ↑ https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/why-your-hot-water-takes-so-long
  16. ↑ https://recipes.net/articles/how-to-boil-water-for-tea-without-a-kettle/

About This Article

Article Summary X

Many people drink hot water for its variety of health benefits. Hot water can help detoxify your body, boost your metabolism, and fight constipation. It can also make a relaxing and healthy drink at the end of a long day. Use a tea kettle or boil water in a pot on the stove. Try adding lemon juice to your hot water for a little flavor and to aid digestion. Or, add fresh mint sprigs for a refreshing taste. If hot water is too bland for you, add a drop of honey or packet of sweetener. Sip your hot water slowly to enjoy it best. For more tips, including how to boil your water to the right temperature, read on!

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