Christmas Water: 4 Fab Holiday Infused Flavour Ideas

Give those boring jugs of water a festive makeover with a seasonal infusion. Perfect for making non-drinkers feel special, or simply a fun, tasty way to stay hydrated over the festive season.

Why Infused Water?

Have you tried infused water? It has countless health benefits. Plus, it looks the part, tastes delicious, and is a great budget-friendly alternative to bottled drinks. What’s not to love?!

I’m a huge year-round fan, and it’s been such fun playing with seasonal flavours to create Christmas water ideas. We’ve got four festive flavour combinations to share. Each of these delicious, refreshing drinks will add a splash of Christmas cheer to your day. Which will you try first?

What Is Infused Water?

Quite simply, infused water is water with added fruits, vegetables, or herbs that has been left to infuse, allowing the flavours to blend. It’s a tasty, low-calorie, no-sugar drink with fabulous health benefits from the nutrients of the ingredients. The ingredients can easily be tailored to the season and occasion. So, why not create your own Christmas water infusions to enjoy or try our suggestions below.

Christmas Flavoured Water Ideas

Here are four of our absolute favourite combinations for you to try – all completely different.  From the classic festive flavours of cranberry and orange to the refreshing red and green combo of pomegranate and mint/lime, the warming spices of seasonal apple pie, and the palate-cleansing pairing of ginger and pear.  Which one sounds like your winner?

Cranberry Orange Delight

Ingredients: Cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs.

Description: The vibrant colour trio makes this Christmas water as pleasing to look at as it is to drink. Sweet orange hits the palate first, followed by aromatic, woody rosemary that intensifies as it infuses. Cranberries add a rosy hue, creating a refreshing citrusy festive drink.

Optional Extras:  Embrace the citrus tang with the addition of some lemon slices too.  Or add some basil for an extra pop of green and a slightly sweet and peppery herbal note that pairs well with citrus.

Pear Ginger Sparkle

Ingredients: Pear slices and fresh root ginger.

Description: Crisp pear and spicy ginger unite to create a subtly sweet and warming drink. This delightful infusion adds a cosy, wintry flavour that’s perfect for staying refreshed and hydrated during the holiday season.

Optional Extras: For a sprinkle of festive magic, add a little gold or silver edible lustre dust / glitter to make your Christmas Water shimmer.  Or dissolve some honey into the mix for a little extra warming sweetness.

Pomegranate Mint Zing

Ingredients: Pomegranate seeds, fresh mint leaves, and slices of lime.

Description: Refreshing and vibrant, this infused water is packed with antioxidants and has a delightful hint of mint. The pomegranate seeds add a festive pop of colour, while the lime juice gives it a zesty kick that’s in perfect contrast to the rich festive foods.

Optional Extras: Adding basil would introduce a sweet, peppery note that complements the mint and pomegranate.  Or try cucumber for a cool, refreshing element.

Winter Spiced Apple

Ingredients: Apple slices, fresh figs, and cinnamon sticks.

Description: Think warm apple pie, but in a cool and refreshing drink. The combination of apples, figs, and cinnamon creates a rich and flavourful infusion that captures the cosy essence of the festive season in every sip.

Optional Extras: Lean further into the apple pie flavours with half a pod of fresh vanilla for creamy sweetness or by adding more seasonal spice (nutmeg, cloves, and star anise).

Why Infused Water?

We love infused water any time of year and enjoy experimenting with different flavour combinations. We often make a large jug to keep on the fridge door. But at Christmas time, its brilliance is particularly multi-faceted:

Looks beautiful: These Christmas-infused waters look amazing and festive.  Forget the lonely water jug at the back of the counter.  You’ll want to display this festive beauty front and centre!

Quick to prepare in advance: Infused waters are quick to prepare and best made in advance to allow the flavours to develop.

Healthy alternative: Homemade flavoured water is a great alternative to sugary drinks, offering a welcome winter nutrient boost and zero-calorie hydration.

Less hosting required: Beautiful jugs on display mean guests can help themselves, reducing your hosting duties.

Great for non-drinkers: A beautiful, tasty option for designated drivers, pregnant guests, kids, and other alcohol-free guests.

Keeps people hydrated: Keeps everyone feeling happy and healthy and will hopefully help cut down on hangovers too!

Budget-friendly: Depending on ingredients, it can be a cost-effective alternative to bottled drinks. Plus, with guests filling up on delicious festive water, you may find the food consumption comes down too!

How To Make Infused Water

Prepare the Ingredients: Gather and wash the ingredients. Remove herb leaves such as mint from their stems, slice, or quarter the fruits, and thinly slice root ginger.

(Optional: Freeze the fruit before adding – keeps the water colder and allows for advance prep.)

Add the Flavours & Ice: Add the ingredients to a large pitcher jug, drinks dispenser, or punch bowl. Layer with ice for a balanced infusion and prettier display.

Top Up with Water: Once all the ingredients are added, fill the container with fresh, cold water.

Freezing Fruit

Cranberries, citrus fruits, and apples freeze well.

For cranberries: Purchase frozen or spread fresh ones on a tray to freeze.

For citrus and apples: Slice, lay out on a tray lined with greaseproof paper, freeze, then store in labelled freezer bags.

Serving Suggestion

Serve Christmas-infused water in a decorative punch bowl or large pitcher.  Use water dispensers for easy refilling and to keep fruit and herbs in the container for continuous infusion. We would recommend a 5-liter (1 gallon) dispenser to make the most of the ingredients. 

Old jam jars make great extra glasses.  Place alongside the drinks dispenser to create an eye-catching self-serve water station.

Is Infused Water Good For You?

Absolutely! Infused water encourages hydration with tasty, low-calorie drinks and provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals from the ingredients used:

• Citrus fruits and cranberries: High in vitamin C, boosting your immune system.
• Herbs like mint and ginger: Soothe the digestive system and promote better digestion.
• Ingredients like berries, pomegranates, and citrus fruits: Add antioxidants to your water.
• Hydration: Helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails, and supports weight management.

Make it part of your daily routine to prepare a jug for the fridge each morning to keep yourself hydrated during the busy Christmas countdown.

Infused Water FAQs

How long should I let my water infuse?

For the best flavour, let your water infuse for at least 2 hours at room temperature or 4 hours in the fridge. For a stronger taste, let it sit in the fridge overnight.

Can I reuse the fruits and herbs?

You can refill the pitcher with water once or twice, but the flavours will be less intense each time. After that, it’s best to start fresh.

How long does infused water last?

Typically best enjoyed within 24-48 hours. And in fact, the more subtle complex flavours are often more prominent after the water has infused for longer.  Beyond 1-2 days fruits and herbs may start to break down, affecting the taste.

How much ice should I use?

We like to use as much ice as possible.  It’ll keep the water chilled for longer, particularly as you’ll need to allow for the infusion time at the beginning.  Plus, the melting ice aids a balanced infusion as it slowly adds more water into the mix.

Can I use sparkling water?

Yes, in theory you can use sparkling water.  However, as the water needs to be left to infuse, you’ll find the sparkling water will start to go flat and be diluted by any melting ice.  So, whilst the idea is lovely, the reality can be a little trickier.

Christmas Water Recipes