1 gallon water (in a clear jug or pitcher or urn)
4 firm strawberries, sliced in 1/4-inch segments, discard green or white tops
4 cucumber slices with skin, sliced in 1/4-inch segments or thinner, if desired
1/4 cup fresh mint sprigs, rinsed well
2 orange slices, sliced in 1/4-inch segments, then slice in 1/2 (optional)

Prepare freshly sliced ingredients and mint then add to clear gallon jug of water or clear pitcher or urn. This is so you cans see the fruit and if it needs to be changed out after a while because it may become too soggy looking. The longer the fruit is in the water the more flavorful the water becomes!

This Fruit Infused Water may be served immediately and chilled or not and with or without ice. The clear gallon jug makes it handy to transport and see the fruit. The fruit, vegetable and mint can also be frozen in a block of ice then added to the Fruit Infused Water in a Pitcher, Urn or Punch Bowl.

Change out the fruit if it sits in the water longer than 6-8 hours or starts to look soggy or water logged. Only use freshly prepared ingredients for best results!

This healthy refreshing drink makes a nice alternative to plain water as well as alcoholic or caffeinated drinks and is highly recommended if you are dieting or trying to raise your daily water intake. Enjoy :)

Serves 1-2 people (depending on your daily intake of water).

Submitted by: Julianne Laub