Citrus fruits are a highlight of the winter season, offering a burst of flavor and vibrant color that can brighten even the coldest days. While many turn to heavier comfort foods in winter, citrus provides a refreshing and healthy alternative. Move over root vegetables, it’s citrus season!
Inspired by the abundance of fresh citrus available during winter, this Citrus Spa Water recipe is a delightful way to elevate your hydration routine. Having made this recipe multiple times, I’m excited to share this simple yet elegant drink that is both visually appealing and incredibly revitalizing.
Combining the zesty flavors of grapefruit, navel orange, blood orange, and Meyer lemon with aromatic sprigs of fresh rosemary, this citrus spa water is a perfect balance of tartness and herbal notes. It’s a sophisticated beverage that’s far more exciting than plain water, encouraging you to drink more and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Beyond its delicious taste, incorporating spa water into your daily routine is a smart way to increase your water intake. Using tools like a hydration reminder can be helpful, but sometimes, simply making water more appealing with natural flavors is the key. This citrus spa water naturally encourages you to drink more by making hydration a pleasurable experience.
Spa water is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize your infusions with a variety of fruits and herbs based on your preferences and what’s in season. While a strawberry basil spa water is a summer favorite, this citrus version is perfect for the colder months, offering a refreshing and detoxifying twist.
It’s important to note that citrus spa water is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. As it infuses, the flavors become more pronounced. However, the citrus zest and pith can impart a slightly bitter taste if left for too long. For optimal flavor, consume it within the recommended timeframe.
Citrus spa water is not only a healthy hydration option but also a fantastic addition to any gathering. It’s a thoughtful way to cater to guests who prefer non-alcoholic options, and it adds a touch of elegance to any beverage table.
A beautifully arranged pitcher of citrus spa water, filled with colorful fruits, herbs, and ice, serves as a stunning centerpiece. Its visual appeal is undeniable, and it’s sure to spark conversation and impress your guests. Serving this at a recent gathering, it was a hit – the vibrant citrus slices naturally draw attention and invite everyone to enjoy.
Creating a visually appealing pitcher is simple. Start by layering ice at the bottom to hold the citrus slices in place. Then, arrange slices of grapefruit, oranges, and lemons along with rosemary sprigs around the ice. Continue layering ice and citrus until the pitcher is full, then simply add water.
While you can prepare the citrus slices and rosemary in advance, it’s best to assemble the spa water just before serving to keep the ice from melting and maintain its refreshing chill and visual appeal. However, even a simple pitcher with citrus and water, without elaborate arrangement, will still be beautiful and delicious.
When the water level gets low, simply refill the pitcher. Keeping filtered water readily available makes it easy to replenish your citrus spa water throughout the day or evening.
Understanding Citrus Spa Water
Citrus spa water is a sophisticated and flavorful alternative to plain water, commonly found in spas and upscale hotels. Essentially, it’s water infused with fresh fruits, particularly citrus, and herbs to create a subtly flavored and naturally detoxifying beverage.
The beauty of spa water lies in its customizability. Feel free to experiment with various fruits and herbs to create your own signature blends.
Choosing Your Citrus
The selection of citrus fruits is entirely up to your taste and availability. This recipe utilizes grapefruit, Meyer lemon, navel orange, and blood orange for a diverse and vibrant flavor profile.
Consider incorporating other citrus varieties such as tangerines, clementines, limes, or kumquats. A combination of different citrus fruits will create a more complex and interesting flavor. Don’t hesitate to use a mix of everything you enjoy!
Spa Water Freshness and Storage
Citrus spa water generally stays fresh for 1 to 2 days when refrigerated. You can refresh the pitcher by adding more water as needed. The longer it infuses, the stronger the citrus and herb flavors will become.
Keep in mind that prolonged infusion, especially with citrus, can lead to a slightly bitter taste due to the pith and zest. Enjoy it within a couple of days for the best flavor experience.
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and healthy refreshment to your daily routine or impress guests at your next event, this Winter Citrus Spa Water is the perfect choice. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and hydrating benefits!
Winter Citrus Spa Water Recipe
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Brighten your day with a batch of Winter Citrus Spa Water. This recipe, featuring four kinds of citrus and fresh rosemary, is a beautiful centerpiece and a delicious way to increase your daily hydration.
Ingredients:
- ½ large grapefruit (or 1 medium grapefruit)
- 1 medium navel orange
- 1 medium blood orange
- 1 large Meyer lemon (or regular lemon)
- 6-8 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 8 cups water
- 6 cups ice
Instructions:
- Wash and thoroughly dry all citrus fruits and rosemary sprigs.
- Slice the citrus fruits horizontally into rounds, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
- In a pitcher, layer 1 cup of ice. Arrange citrus slices and rosemary sprigs around the ice, pressing them against the inside of the pitcher.
- Add another cup of ice and continue layering fruit and rosemary until the pitcher is filled with citrus and herbs.
- Pour water into the pitcher to fill it.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse before serving. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Recommended Products:
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 25kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g
- Sodium: 21mg
- Potassium: 87mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 321IU
- Vitamin C: 26mg
- Calcium: 31mg
- Iron: 0.1mg
Enjoy your refreshing Citrus Spa Water! Share your creations on social media using #feastandwestrecipes!