Detox Water: 8 Ideal Recipes to Drain Liquids, Deflate and Purify Yourself Through Summer

When we talk about detox waters, we often run the risk of falling into exaggerated promises: losing weight in a few days, “cleansing” the body of toxins, reactivating the metabolism as if by magic. The reality is a little different — and more interesting. Detox waters are not a miracle cure, but they can become a simple and tasty ally in taking care of yourself.

It is water enriched with fruit, aromatic herbs and sometimes spices, which release flavor and beneficial properties: the result is a light, refreshing and natural drink, ideal for increasing hydration and making daily water consumption more pleasant. Drinking more, in fact, is one of the most underrated but effective gestures for feeling better: it aids digestion, supports kidney function, helps keep skin glowing and can even reduce nervous hunger. If we add to this ingredients rich in antioxidants or with digestive properties, the benefit is double.

In short: detox waters don't work miracles, but they are good for you. Plus, they are easy to prepare, beautiful to look at and versatile to enjoy in every season. That said, detox waters can still offer several concrete benefits: they promote hydration which, as mentioned, is essential for general well-being and for the correct functioning of the metabolism; they can reduce the consumption of sugary drinks, thanks to their pleasant but natural flavor; some ingredients (such as ginger, lemon or cucumber) have antioxidant, diuretic or digestive properties which, included in a balanced diet, can support daily well-being.

How to Prepare Detox Waters

Making detox water is quick and easy, and doesn't require any special cooking skills. All you need are a few fresh ingredients, a large jug or bottle, and some water — preferably filtered or still mineral water. The main ingredients are usually fresh fruit, aromatic herbs, and spices: when combined, they release beneficial aromas and active ingredients. After washing and cutting the ingredients, just immerse them in water and leave to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, although the ideal time is a whole night. This way, the flavors blend better and the drink is more intense. Detox waters can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days, but it's best to consume them within 24 hours to fully enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Choose fresh and seasonal ingredients: seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only richer in flavor and nutrients, but also more sustainable. In summer, choose cucumber, strawberries, melon and mint; in autumn try apple, orange, pomegranate or cinnamon.
• Cut the ingredients correctly: thinly sliced ​​or small pieces of fruit release the aroma and active substances more quickly. Spices such as cinnamon are best used in sticks, while ginger is sliced ​​finely or grated.
• Cold or warm water? It depends on the desired result. For a refreshing effect, use cold water from the fridge. If you are looking for a drink that is more active on the metabolism (e.g. with ginger and lemon), you can use warm water.
• Use glass containers: they avoid flavor contamination and better preserve the properties of the ingredients. Carafes with caps or reusable bottles are also ideal for taking out of the house.
• Customize according to your needs: if you are looking for a digestive drink, try lemon and ginger; if you want a draining effect, go for cucumber and mint; for an antioxidant boost, use red fruits and citrus fruits.

Detox Water Recipes to Try at Home

Here are some practical, quick and tasty recipes to prepare at home. For all versions, the procedure is similar: combine the ingredients in a jug with fresh water (preferably filtered), let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours or all night, and enjoy during the day.

1. Lemon, Cucumber and Mint Detox Water

A classic recipe that promotes hydration, helps to deflate and stimulates digestion thanks to the combined action of lemon and cucumber. Lemon stimulates digestion, cucumber is hydrating and mint has a refreshing effect. To prepare it you need:

• 1 liter of water
• ½ organic lemon, sliced
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves

Wash all the ingredients well. Cut the lemon and cucumber into thin slices, then place them in a jug with the mint leaves. Pour the water, stir and leave to infuse in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (better overnight). Filter before serving, if you want a clearer drink.

2. Detox Water With Strawberries, Basil and Lime

A sweet and delicate drink (depends on the dosage) but at the same time rich in antioxidants, which helps improve digestion and give energy with a fresh and fruity flavor. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, lime aids digestion and basil has calming properties. To prepare it you need:

• 1 liter of water
• 5-6 strawberries cut in half
• ½ lime sliced
• 3-4 fresh basil leaves

Wash and cut the strawberries and lime. Put them in a jug together with the basil, slightly chopped by hand. Add the water, mix gently and leave to infuse in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Serve your detox water very cold.

3. Detox Water With Ginger, Lemon and Honey

A water capable of stimulating the metabolism, but which also has a digestive and soothing effect, perfect even at the change of season. Ginger, in fact, is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, while honey gives a touch of natural sweetness. To prepare it you need:

• 1 litre of warm or room temperature water
• 4-5 slices of fresh ginger
• ½ squeezed lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Peel and thinly slice the ginger. Squeeze the lemon and pour the juice into the jug with the water. Add the ginger and, if you like, honey. Mix well and let it sit for a few hours before drinking. Do not refrigerate if using warm water.

4. Detox Water With Apple and Cinnamon

A drink that recalls autumn but that can also be enjoyed in other seasons, thanks to the many varieties of early and late apples that we have the U.S.. It promotes intestinal regularity and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

• 1 liter of water
• ½ apple (preferably red) cut into slices
• 1 cinnamon stick

Wash the apple well and cut it into thin slices. Place it in a jug together with the cinnamon stick. Pour the water, stir and leave in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. The longer it infuses, the more the cinnamon will release its aroma.

5. Detox Water With Berries and Rosemary

A decidedly summery drink, which is also an excellent source of antioxidants, tones and supports circulation thanks to the effect of rosemary, but also that of berries, with deflating and draining effects. To prepare it you need:

• 1 liter of water
• 1 handful of berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries — fresh or frozen)
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

Wash the berries (if they are fresh) and the rosemary well, then put them in a jug with the water and mix. Leave to infuse in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours. Filter before serving to prevent the rosemary from overpowering the flavor.

6. Detox Water With Pineapple, Cucumber and Ginger

A very fresh and thirst-quenching recipe, which helps to drain excess fluids, stimulate digestion and promote purification, counteracting water retention and swelling. To prepare it you need:

• 1 liter of water
• 3 slices of fresh pineapple cut into pieces
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 3-4 thin slices of fresh ginger

Cut the pineapple into cubes and the cucumber into thin slices. Combine everything in a jug with the ginger and pour in the water. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours, better all night. Filter before drinking.

7. Detox Water With Pink Grapefruit, Rosemary and Fennel

A water that promotes the drainage of liquids, stimulates microcirculation and has a deflating effect, ideal for fighting cellulite and improving skin tone: perfect for when temperatures are particularly high. To prepare it you need:

• 1 liter of water
• ½ pink grapefruit, cut into thin slices
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (optional, for a stronger effect)

Wash the grapefruit well and cut it into thin slices. Place it in the jug together with the rosemary and the slightly crushed fennel seeds. Pour in the water, stir and leave to infuse in the fridge for 6–8 hours. Filter before serving.

8. Green Tea, Lemon and Mint Detox Water

Here is a drink that speeds up the metabolism, promotes the drainage of liquids and fights water retention thanks to the polyphenols of green tea and the stimulating action of lemon. Also excellent to sip during the day as an alternative to coffee. To prepare it you need:

• 500 ml green tea (cold, unsweetened)
• 500 ml of natural water
• ½ organic lemon, sliced
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves

Prepare the green tea and let it cool completely. Pour into a pitcher with the natural water, add the lemon slices and mint. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.