Lemon & Berry Infused Water

Drinks can be a slippery slope when you are trying to avoid excessive amounts of sugar. I like to make a batch of infused water every few days so I have something flavored to sip on. I usually look in my freezer for partially used bags of frozen organic fruit and just toss about a cup to a cup and a half into a gallon size glass jug (I do try to use organic because the whole fruit is going to be sitting in my water for several days and I don't want pesticides flavoring my water, just fruit). Or if I am making pickles and I have a few little cukes that don't fit I chunk them up and add them to the jug. I have discovered a few flavors I don't personally care for (cucumber and lime sounded good, but tasted gross) and a couple that I really like to make over and over. This lemon berry variation is currently my favorite. It reminds me of strawberry lemonade, it isn't overly tart but the berries definitely lend a touch of natural sweetness. Please be aware that this is coming from a girl who prefers unsweetened tea (unheard of here in the south, but I just can't stomach sweet tea) and likes her lemonade a little more on the tart side. I don't know where credit should go for inspiring me to make infused water, my first spa appointment ten years ago with cucumber water, or maybe the endless amounts of lemon water I have sipped on at restaurants? Regardless this is a simple treat that has endless possibilities.

Lemon & Berry Infused Water

3 1/2 quarts filtered water

1 organic lemon, sliced

1 cup frozen organic mixed berries or strawberries

Dump the berries in a gallon sized glass jug, top with the sliced lemon, add the water. Place the jug in the fridge and allow the flavors to infuse the water overnight (or at least 3 hours). With this combination the water will turn a lovely dark pink, with other flavors you will get various results. If I use up the gallon of water fast enough I will refill with another 3 1/2 quarts of water for a second batch. This second batch is not usually quite as strong, if the fruit has been sitting for more than 2 days I just throw it out (to the chickens so I am not actually wasting it!) and start with a new batch of fruit.

I tried to find nutrition information regarding infused water, but the only thing available was plain lemon infused water, and that was listed as 0 calories, carbs, fat and sugar. I don't know if that is the case here.