This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure and privacy policy.
Have you ever tried Orange Water? It may sound simple (because it is!), but adding sliced oranges and a hint of vanilla to a big pitcher of water makes staying hydrated even easier. It’s perfect for a summer party!
We have my sister-in-law to thank for this recipe, because she served this at my baby shower, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.
It’s the perfect non-alcoholic drink for entertaining, with no added sugar. Everyone loves it!
Benefits of Oranges
Is orange water good for you? Here’s what you’ll love about adding oranges to your water.
- Even without the fiber, orange juice may help to lower blood pressure.
- Oranges are a source of citric acid, and as a result, orange juice may help to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
- Vitamin C and citric acid (both found in oranges) have been shown to improve iron absorption.
- Orange peel contains a compound called limonene, which may have a protective effect on the skin.
How to Make It
- Start with water. Add fresh filtered water to a pitcher that can hold 2 liters (or 8 cups).
- Slice the fruit. Slice the oranges into pieces that will fit into the mouth of your pitcher, about 1/4-inch thick, and then slice them in half to make them fit in my serving pitcher. You can slice them even smaller, into quarters, if your pitcher has a more narrow spout. You don’t want to make it difficult on yourself to remove the orange slices later, and I like it when a few slices pour into the glass!
- Let it rest. Once you’ve added the orange slices and vanilla to the water, let it sit for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge.
- Enjoy! Serve it over ice and with extra orange slices, if you want it to look extra-pretty. I sometimes like to add a fresh basil leaf, too.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
You can make orange-infused water up to 2 days in advance, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. I don’t recommend storing it for more than 36 hours, as the water may become too bitter from the orange peels.
More Healthy Drinks to Try
- Fresh Basil Lemonade
- Watermelon Juice
- Cinnamon Tea
- Ginger Tea
- Beet Juice
- Elderberry Tea
- Rosemary Tea (try it iced!)
Ingredients
- 8 cups filtered water (2 liters)
- 1 orange , sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a pitcher with 8 cups of water and slice the orange into pieces roughly a 1/4-inch thick. Cut them in half, or in quarters, depending on how large the mouth of your pitcher is. (You want them to be easily removed later for cleaning!)
- Add the vanilla and orange slices to the water, stir well, and let the flavors meld together for 2 to 4 hours in the fridge before serving. Serve chilled, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
We just put up a post that features and links to this recipe. Feel free to share on social!
Here’s the link: http://www.jusbyjulie.com/index.php/blog/fruit-infused-flavored-water-recipes/
Im trying to be more health conscious, will I get any benefits from just using oranges?
This is oh so good! It makes water taste almost creamy….like an orange creamsicle!
I love infused water, but didn’t like placing slices from the fruit in my drinks. That is, until I learned how to clean them properly. Combine 1/2 part apple cider vinegar and 1/2 part water in a spray container. Spray your veggies & fruit thoroughly. Wait 5-10 minutes, then rub the skin with your hands to remove any vinegar residue. Rinse w/cold water, rub again, pat dry then eat! The vinegar kills the bacteria that lives in the crevices of veggies and fruits (greens, apples, tomatoes, grapes, lemons, oranges, limes, etc.
I just started to do these flavored (infused) waters and it has been a Godsend cause I usually struggle to get hydrated daily. I normally do organic oranges, lemons or lime juice (I noticed my water turns bitter with lime skins), a sprig of mint or basil. I also like just ginger root, mint and cinnamon sticks.
Oh this is gorgeous, can’t wait to try!
Orange and thyme sprigs are a different variation. I love the sound of this one though:)
Thanks for the tips!! Just bought a several pound bag of orange and was looking for some ideas on how to infuse it. Tried orange and ginger which was ok but not as good as the apple cinnamon one that I had tried before. Just happen to have a thyme plant and a vanilla bean so I will have to give these a shot! Thanks again!
This sounds so good, I have another to add to my list.
this sounds just wonderful and refreshing will be making it
YUM! Being pregnant too any alternative to just plain water sounds so refreshing! I’ve been doing seltzer water and mango lemonade.