Non-alcohol drinks (particularly, flavored waters)

7 years ago

Hello! I'm hosting a get-together this Sunday evening for 22. Because it's a Sunday evening, I'd like to offer a nice non-alcoholic beverage in addition to the wine and beer we're serving, and something a bit more special than cans of LaCroix. A few weekends ago, I attended a party where the hostess had water flavored with strawberries, and it was very simple but very thoughtful for those attending who were not imbibing.

What are your favorite flavored water combos, besides the mainstream cucumber, lemon, etc. Has anyone infused ginger in water? Any other n/a suggestions (nothing too sweet)?

Featured Answer

plllog

7 years ago

Grainlady's "Sassy Water" is fab (see below for post/recipe saved on my computer). Follow the proportions. When I've winged it, it hasn't been nearly as good. And do use water that starts out tasting good, or else purified. I use my favorite spring water. I've never added the tea bags, and generally can't get spearmint, so use regular garden mint.

I made a LOT of "Sassy Water" last summer (Prevention Magazine Recipe from the Flat Belly Diet). It's supposed to be for weight loss (which I wasn't aware of when I had it at a friends home and asked for the recipe), but it WAS a good use for all those cucumbers and mint from the garden and a nice refreshing drink. You will find several versions of this recipe on-line. I also added a couple flavored tea bags to the mixture like Lemon Zinger, Wild Berry Zinger, Bigelo Perfect Peach Herb Tea or Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion to give it different flavors and colors. If you have a cutting mandolin, it's the quickest way to slice the cucumber and citrus.
8 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 medium cucumber, sliced thin
1 medium lemon, sliced thin
12 leaves spearmint (any mint will work)
Directions:
1 Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher.
2 Refrigerate overnight.
3 Strain water.
-Grainlady

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Comments (10)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
7 years ago
I like flavored seltzers or mineral waters. Perrier makes them in dfferent flavors as does Canada Dry. But my most favorite are the sparkling fruit beverages from San Pellegrino, especially the grapefruit and the pomegranate-orange.

I also like iced tea, unsweetened and unflavored, but sugar or lemon can be provided for those who prefer.

To me, most flavored waters are just tasteless....they just taste like water :-)
Feathers11 thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Feathers11
Original Author
7 years ago
Gardengal, I never liked flavored (infused) waters, either, and had the same reaction as you: tasteless. Pretty, but tasteless. But the strawberry infused water I had was really good--you could taste the strawberry flavor. And it was just plain strawberries (no added flavoring). So I'm wondering if maybe I've just not had the right combo or not infused long enough.
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sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)
7 years ago
Best to blender some of the fruit, then mesh strain it. Watermelon, ginger, strawberry...just a cup of each for a couple gallons makes all the difference. Then ice and some whole fruit in the dispenser jug. Lemon slices, some squeezed in.

Use lots of water in the blender. Some add a can of ginger ale when refilling....a bit too sweet for me but most like it.
Feathers11 thanked sleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)
biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)
7 years ago
I love flavored seltzers but infused still water can be nice as well. I prefer oranges to lemons or limes - a bit less acidic without being sweet, and the skins add a ton of flavor. I haven't had strawberry but I'm sure it's lovely - you could add some sliced kiwi or mango to give it a more tropical flair.
Feathers11 thanked biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
7 years ago
Flavored, unsweetened seltzers mixed with juice are good too.
colleenoz
7 years ago
To be honest, I'd rather have just plain ice water. I hope you'll have a jug of plain water handy for fusspots like me :-)
User
7 years ago
I'm another plain water person. I can't understand why people mess with something as simple as water by adding flavors!
plllog
7 years ago
I always serve good plain water no matter what else is available, but Martha, do you never drink coffee, tea, beer, soda, or even juice (in a roundabout way)? They're all water with flavors. Don't think of flavored water as "water". Think of it as light punch. :)
Feathers11
Original Author
7 years ago
Great ideas--thank you, everyone. All great tips.

Colleenoz and Martha, I got you guys covered, too. Plain water will be on the drink menu. :-)

Non-alcohol drinks (particularly, flavored waters)

plllog

Comments (10)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Feathers11
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Non-alcohol drinks (particularly, flavored waters)

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