How to Make Lemon or Lime Water

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If you're struggling to drink more water every day, make lemon water. Just add lemons, limes or both to water for a refreshing, enjoyable drink. The taste will be a lot more dynamic and interesting, and you’ll get all of the hydration you need! Lemon or lime water adds an elegant touch to a dinner party, and is also a flavorful beverage that you can enjoy throughout the day.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time (steeping): 2 to 4 hours
  • Total time: 2 to 4 hours, 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lemons or 3 large limes
  • 2 quarts (1.9 liters) water

Makes 2 quarts (1.9 liters)

Method 1
Method 1 of 9:

Prepare the Fruit

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Lemon or Lime Water
    Remove any stickers from the fruit and place the citrus on a small cutting board. Use a small knife to carefully slice the fruit into thin slices. You may want to discard the ends of the fruit as well as any seeds.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 9:

Squeeze the Lemons

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Lemon or Lime Water
    Gently squeeze the lemons (and limes, if you're using them) so they release a little juice and essential oil directly into the chilled pitcher. Don't squeeze them so much that the slices lose their round shape. Place all of the slices in the pitcher. [1]
Method 3
Method 3 of 9:

Fill the Pitcher

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Lemon or Lime Water
    If you'd like sparkling water, pour in 1 quart (0.9 liters) of seltzer water. Use a long-handled spoon to stir the citrus slices with the water. [2]
    • For sparkling water, you'll add another quart of seltzer just before serving.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 9:

Chill the Citrus Water

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  1. Chilling the water will infuse it with the lemon and lime flavors while making it colder. Chill the water for 2 to 4 hours. [3]
    • Keep in mind that the flavors of the water will be stronger the longer it chills.
Method 5
Method 5 of 9:

Remove the Fruit

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Lemon or Lime Water
    If you want sparkling lemon water, add one more quart (0.9 liter) of seltzer water to the pitcher.Pour the citrus water into serving glasses. Add a few fresh slices of lemon or lime and ice cubes before you serve the drinks. [4]
    • Store the lemon water for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
    • You can add fresh water to the sliced lemons that you removed from the pitcher, but the second batch of citrus water may not be as flavorful.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 9:

Include Other Fruits

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  1. Wash the fruit carefully, and if any stems remain, remove them. You can also slice fresh fruit and add it to the pitcher. Consider adding:
    • Strawberries
    • Pineapple
    • Fresh berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
    • Oranges
    • Peaches or plums
    • Melon (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)
Method 7
Method 7 of 9:

Add Vegetables

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Lemon or Lime Water
    The cucumber will stay crisp for hours and can add a refreshing flavor to the water. For a slightly spicy kick, consider slicing jalapeños and adding them to the lemon water.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 9:

Add Fresh Herbs

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  1. Gather a handful of fresh herbs and rub them a little between your fingers. This will release flavorful oils. Remember to wash the herbs before you use them.
    • Try mint, basil, lavender, thyme, or rosemary.
    • You can also add hibiscus flower which will turn the water a soft pink color.
Method 9
Method 9 of 9:

Sweeten the Lemon Water

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Lemon or Lime Water
    Keep in mind that adding other fruits (such as strawberries or pineapple) can naturally sweeten the citrus water. Stir in a little honey according to your taste.
    • You could also use agave nectar or stir in grated ginger to mask the sour flavor of the water.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use lemon juice instead of whole lemons?
    Community Answer
    While you could squirt lemon juice directly into water, the water will become cloudy. Many commercial lemon juices contain preservatives or even dyes, so it's best to slice your own citrus for the water.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Is pouring a cup of water and squirting two drops of lemon into it a good way to make lemon water?
    Community Answer
    Two drops would give a faint scent. If you want it a little bit sweet and a little bit sour, add a tablespoon of honey and 4-5 drops of lemon.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 22
  • Question
    What ratio of lemon to water do I use for health benefits?
    Community Answer
    You can put as many lemons in the water as you want. It is just to your taste. Be careful though because lemon is sour and you might need time to get used to this taste.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You'll Need

      • Large glass pitcher
      • Small knife and cutting board
      • Long-handled spoon
      • Fine mesh strainer, optional

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/lemon-infused-water-3362398
      2. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/lemon-infused-water-3362398
      3. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/lemon-infused-water-3362398
      4. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/lemon-infused-water-3362398

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you make your lemon or lime water, chill a pitcher in the freezer for several hours or a day. Then, wash 2 lemons or 3 limes and slice them thinly. Squeeze all of the slices gently into the pitcher, then place the slices inside. Next, pour the water into the pitcher and chill it for 2 hours. Finish by scooping out the lemons and serving. To learn what variations you can try, such as by adding berries or vegetables, read on!

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