Freeze Lemon Juice In Ice Cube Trays For An Easy Way To Enhance A Glass Of Water

Glass of lemon ice water next to whole and sliced lemons
Glass of lemon ice water next to whole and sliced lemons - Alexpro9500/Getty Images

Staying hydrated is an imperative component of maintaining overall health, but, according to a 2023 survey by CivicScience, almost half of American adults aren't meeting their daily water intake requirement. Despite its importance, it's not uncommon to find the task of drinking enough water somewhat boring. One innovative and refreshing trick to encourage more water consumption is enhancing its flavor by adding lemon juice -- though many people hate the hassle of cutting lemons every time they're thirsty. A simple yet effective way to get around this is by creating lemon juice ice cubes.

Preparing lemon juice ice cubes is pretty straightforward and easy. First, slice fresh lemons in half and juice them. Then, carefully pour the lemon juice into ice cube trays and pop them into the freezer. Once frozen solid, remove the juice cubes from the trays, pack them in resealable plastic bags, and keep them in your freezer. Voilà! You now have lemon juice ice cubes ready for use whenever you need them. To prepare a rejuvenating glass of lemon-infused water, simply drop one or two lemon ice cubes in and enjoy.

This method is not only convenient but is also a great way to maintain a consistent lemon-to-water ratio as you drink. It also eliminates the need for cutting and squeezing a lemon each time you want to enhance your water, making the process cleaner and more efficient. Lemon-infused water prepared this way ensures that you're more likely to reach for that glass of water more frequently, which in turn aids in achieving proper hydration.

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Other Ways To Enhance Your Drinking Water

Fruit infused water in three glass jars
Fruit infused water in three glass jars - Tatiana Bralnina/Shutterstock

In addition to lemon juice, there are many other ways to elevate the taste of water and make it more appealing. For example, herbs such as mint or basil can be delightful inclusions. Mint imparts a cool, refreshing flavor, while basil adds a subtle, savory note. Similarly, fruits like berries, oranges, or cucumbers can be added to water to create different infusions. These not only make the water tastier but also visually appealing, which can encourage you to drink more.

Spices, too, can be a remarkable addition to your glass of water. A cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh ginger can add a warm, spicy undertone that can be particularly comforting in colder weather. These spices also come with their own set of health benefits, enhancing not only the flavor but also the nutritional value of the water.

Additionally, the concept of cold brew tea has been gaining popularity. Simply adding a tea bag to cold water and letting it steep for a few hours can impart a subtle flavor, making it an excellent and more interesting option for hydration. All these ingredients emphasize the versatility of water as a beverage. With these simple inclusions, water becomes more than a mundane drink, transforming into an inviting, flavorful experience that encourages regular consumption, thus helping you maintain your optimum hydration levels.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.