Fruit-Infused Sparkling Water Recipes for the Office
Summary: Fruit-infused sparkling water is a fresh, healthy and office-friendly way to boost hydration by adding natural flavor, variety and enjoyment without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Fruit-infused water is a simple, seasonal way to make enhanced water exciting at work. Fruit-infused means that the water gets its flavor from fresh fruits. Real fruit infusions add flavor without added sugars, making these beverages healthier than soft drinks and processed fruit juices.
What counts as "fruit-infused sparkling water"?
“Fruit-infused sparkling water” is a broad term that includes sparkling and still varieties. It’s different from flavored sparkling water.
Sparkling vs. still fruit water
Sparkling and still water are equally hydrating, but they have different flavors and textures. Still water is the plain water that comes from a tap, bottle or bottleless cooler. Sparkling water is infused with pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
CO2 gives water a bubbly texture. When the CO2 dissolves, it forms carbonic acid, which makes sparkling water tangier than still water. Sparkling water is different from seltzer.
Fruit-infused vs. flavored sparkling water
Fruit-infused water is made by steeping whole fruits and herbs in water. The flavor comes from fresh fruit, so there are no added sugars. Flavored sparkling water includes natural and artificial flavors. Some varieties contain added sugars, sodium or sugar-free water flavoring agents.
Tips for buying
If you’re interested in sparkling water with fruit infusions, look for natural sweeteners, low sodium, no added sugar and minimal additives. For canned options, prioritize unsweetened versions.
Office-friendly, fruit-infused sparkling water recipes
Following these fruit-infused water recipes can make hydration more fun for everyone.
Everyday favorites
These recipes use ingredients that are readily available throughout the year:
- Lemon-lime water. Fill a pitcher with 8 cups of water. Add two sliced lemons and one sliced lime. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Strawberry-basil water. You’ll need six to eight strawberries (hulled and quartered), a handful of fresh basil leaves and half of a medium lemon. Add the fruit and basil to a 3-quart pitcher. Fill the pitcher with 4 cups of ice and 8 cups of water. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Grapefruit, pomegranate and mint water. Add one thinly sliced grapefruit, a half-cup of pomegranate seeds and 10 fresh mint leaves to a pitcher. Fill the pitcher with ice and water. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Seasonal flavors (spring & summer)
During the spring and summer, peaches, watermelon, cherries and cantaloupe are all at their peak. We suggest trying these recipes:
- Peachy keen water. Prepare sage ice cubes by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped sage into every compartment in your ice tray. Freeze. To make the infused water, combine 3/4 cup of puréed peach, 4 cups of cold water and one whole tray of sage ice cubes. Stir well and refrigerate.
- Watermelon-mint water. Add 3 cups of cubed watermelon (seedless) and six sprigs of fresh mint to a pitcher. Fill the pitcher with 4 cups of ice, pour in 8 cups of water and refrigerate.
Seasonal flavors (fall & winter)
Fall and winter are all about apples, cinnamon and other seasonal flavors. Spice things up with these recipes:
- Apple-cinnamon water. Place four cinnamon sticks and two thinly sliced apples in a pitcher. Add 2 quarts of water. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
Cranberry-orange water with rosemary. Add 2 cups of halved cranberries, four sliced oranges and three sprigs of rosemary to a pitcher. Cover with 64 ounces of water. Chill for at least 3 hours.
Prioritizing safety
Remember to use fresh fruit instead of artificial ingredients. You can also enhance safety by making water around 10 a.m. and replacing it with a fresh batch by 3 p.m.
Benefits and considerations
Before offering fruit-infused water, keep these benefits and considerations in mind.
Hydration
Flavor variety encourages employees to drink more water. It may even reduce their soda consumption. Remember that sparkling and still water are equally hydrating.
Dental sensitivity considerations
Carbonation and acidity can affect the teeth, so consider supplying straws. This isn’t medical advice — just a suggestion to help employees.
Watching sugar, sodium and other ingredient intake
Fresh fruits are superior to artificial sweeteners or flavoring syrups. Encourage healthy habits by buying unsweetened waters with no sodium added.
Bottom line: Keeping the office hydrated with flavorful options
A hydration station has everything employees need to enjoy fruit-infused water. Use clear dispensers and large labels to make it easier to identify ingredients. If possible, offer multiple flavors for variety.
You can also rotate seasonal flavors with a few regular favorites. Use surveys or polls to determine which flavors employees want to try.
How Culligan Quench can help
Culligan Quench can help improve your hydration program by providing sparkling water dispensers. These dispensers provide carbonated water on demand. Culligan Quench also offers filtration to ensure clean, safe hydration.
Our products offer a cost-effective alternative to bottled water, and they help reduce waste. Culligan Quench offers space-efficient solutions for spaces of all sizes. Best of all, we offer easy maintenance, reliable service and a variety of products to meet different workplace needs.
Here are the key points to remember when adding fruit-infused water to your workplace:
- Opt for freshness: Fruit-infused water uses fresh fruits and herbs to add flavor without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
- Improved hydration: Sparkling and still fruit-infused water are equally hydrating, offering different textures and taste preferences.
- Make it fun: Seasonal, office-friendly recipes make it simple to provide variety and keep employees engaged with hydration.
- Prepare your recipe: Using fresh ingredients, proper preparation timing and clear labeling helps ensure both safety and enjoyment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of fruit-infused water?
Top fruit-infused water benefits include increased energy, reduced risk of illness and improved hydration.
How is fruit-infused water made?
Fruit-infused water is made by adding fresh fruits and herbs to still or sparkling water.
Is fruit-infused water good for you?
Yes, fruit-infused water is good for you, provided you don’t add sugar or artificial ingredients. Fresh fruits and herbs contain beneficial nutrients, making infused water part of a balanced diet.