How to Make Lemon Water
A simple 2-ingredient lemon water recipe made by the pitcher. Light, refreshing, zero calories, and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins.
Servings: 6
Equipment
- 1 Large pitcher
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 citrus juicer or reamer
Ingredients
- 1 large lemon (half sliced thin, half juiced)
- 6 cups cold water
- Ice, for serving
Instructions
- Wash the lemon well and pat it dry. Slice half of it into thin rounds and remove any seeds. Juice the remaining half.
- Add the lemon slices to the bottom of a large pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to gently press down on the slices a few times to release some of their juice.
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice, then add the cold water. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, or up to 2 hours for a more developed flavor. Serve over ice. Drink within 1 day for best taste.
Video
Notes
Save the peel: If you juice the lemon before slicing, zest it first and save the zest for baking or cooking.
Flavor intensifies over time: The longer the lemon sits in the water, the more tangy and eventually bitter it becomes. Top up with extra water if needed, but plan to finish the pitcher within a day.
Warm lemon water: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a mug of warm water (mix boiling and cold water to reach a comfortable temperature). Drink right away.
Flavor variations:
- Cucumber lemon water: Add a few thin cucumber slices.
- Honey lemon water: Stir in honey dissolved in a small amount of warm water first, then add to the pitcher.
- Lemon ginger water: Add a teaspoon of minced fresh ginger or 1 to 2 thin slices.
- Mint lemon water: Add fresh mint leaves to taste.
- Sparkling lemon water: Use carbonated water instead of still and serve immediately.
- Cinnamon or cayenne: Add a small pinch or dash.
- Lime or orange slices alongside the lemon.
- Chia seeds: Stir in a teaspoon for added fiber and omega-3s. For more flavored water ideas, visit alphafoodie.com/flavored-water-recipes/
- Cucumber lemon water: Add a few thin cucumber slices.
- Honey lemon water: Stir in honey dissolved in a small amount of warm water first, then add to the pitcher.
- Lemon ginger water: Add a teaspoon of minced fresh ginger or 1 to 2 thin slices.
- Mint lemon water: Add fresh mint leaves to taste.
- Sparkling lemon water: Use carbonated water instead of still and serve immediately.
- Cinnamon or cayenne: Add a small pinch or dash.
- Lime or orange slices alongside the lemon.
- Chia seeds: Stir in a teaspoon for added fiber and omega-3s. For more flavored water ideas, visit alphafoodie.com/flavored-water-recipes/
Nutrition
Calories: 0.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 0.003g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.01mg