Just add water – 3 easy recipes 

This is a collaborative post.

The sun is shining and you’re as busy as a bee, getting things done. It’s thirsty work, but when time is precious it can be easy to forget about staying hydrated. The solution? Quick and easy recipes that just require water as the main ingredient! 

Water is essential to our health, and to keep our bodies and minds running at their best. So here are a few creative concoctions that will transform that boring glass of H2O into a delicious hydrating experience. Plus, your reusable bottle will help keep it at the perfect temperature for hours. For families with young children, you may also enjoy our post on Getting Children to Drink in Hot Weather.

1. Deliciously tangy homemade lemonade

That classic taste of summer – lemonade – it’s a sure-fire winner. When the days are long and the sun is sweltering, there’s nothing better than when it’s homemade. With only 3 ingredients this recipe is a breeze. 

Now, you could just add lemon juice and sugar to your glass of water, but for a smooth drink it’s best to dissolve it first. 

1. Pop a saucepan on the stove with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water, and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved to create a sugar syrup. 
2. Let the syrup cool down, then add 1 cup of lemon juice and 2-3 cups of ice cold water. That’s it! 

If you really want to dial up the oomph on the zest, use lemons straight from the tree if you can get them. And although we tend to associate that brilliant lemon yellow with summer, did you know that there are many varieties of lemon that fruit throughout the colder months too? So on frosty days when you’re yearning for a zest of sunshine, turn the temperature up on that cup of lemonade and enjoy sipping on hot sweet lemon tea. You can even add the soothing golden glow of honey to enrich your winter hydration ritual.

TIP: Keep your lemonade chilled or lemon tea warm in your insulated reusable cup, ready for you whenever you feel the craving for its tangy sweetness.

2. Hydrate with a refreshing frappe

The icy delight that is a frappe will have you feeling refreshed with every sip. Looking for a quick nutrient boost? A green detox frappe may be just the ticket. Toss a handful of spinach, half a green apple, some cucumber and a few sprigs of mint into your blender. Add a splash of lemon juice and a cup of cold water or a generous handful of ice cubes, then blend until smooth. 

Or get a berry-licious antioxidant hit with a mixed berry frappe. Simply blend a cup of mixed berries (think strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries) with a cup of ice and some chilled water. A berry frappe delivers a refreshing blast of flavour and natural sweetness that can easily be taken on the go.

3. Instant chia powder pudding

It’s not just drinks that can level up your hydration game. Water can also be a key ingredient in puddings and snacks. When you combine chia seeds with water, the tiny seeds soak up the liquid, swelling up to 12 times their original size. 

For a chia pudding that will tantalise your tastebuds:

1. Start by mixing three tablespoons of chia seeds with one cup of water. 
2. Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. 
3. Give it a good shake in a leak-proof reusable cup and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes, or overnight if you prefer a thicker consistency. 

As the chia seeds absorb the liquid and expand they create a creamy, pudding-like texture. Put a spin on your chia pudding by adding different flavours such as cocoa for chocolate-y richness, cinnamon for a hit of spice, or fresh berries for a fruity burst.

There you have it – some easy, delicious recipes that just need a splash of water to come to life! Quick, convenient and perfect for any time of day, whether you’re cooling off with a tangy homemade lemonade, blending up a refreshing frappe, or enjoying the creamy goodness of chia pudding, these recipes are sure to bring a smile to your face and a bit of joy to your day. Embrace the simplicity and joy of these water-based recipes. Here’s to staying hydrated and happy!