Hydration 101 - How can I make my Water more Interesting?

Let's be honest, drinking plain water can sometimes feel like a chore! And at the rate we’re going with the summer heat, we probably need an extra litre with all the sweating!  If you're struggling to hit your daily targets because ‘nothingness’ isn't a flavour profile you enjoy, you aren't alone. 

Staying hydrated doesn't have to be a test of willpower. Here is how to level up your water game without relying on sugary cooldrinks or artificial additives. 

1. The Natural Infusion Kit

The gold standard for ‘fancy water’ is using fresh ingredients. The trick is to let them steep for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) to let the flavours truly marry. Here are some flavour profiles that work well with water: 

• Cucumber, mint and lime
• Smashed raspberries, lemon and basil
• Pineapple and jalapeño slice
• Apple slices and cinnamon stick

Use a muddler or a spoon to gently bruise herbs like mint or basil before dropping them in. This releases the essential oils that carry the flavour. 

2. Level Up Your Ice Game

If you don't want your water looking cluttered with floating fruit and herbs, freeze the flavour into the ice itself. Here are some examples: 

• Fruit cubes – freeze pomegranate seeds, blueberries, or small lemon wedges into large ice cube trays.
• Coffee/tea cubes – if you like iced lattes or teas, freeze the liquid into cubes. As they melt, your drink gets stronger instead of watered down.
• Floral Ice - Use edible flowers (like pansies or hibiscus) for a stunning aesthetic that makes you feel like you're at a high-end botanical bar.

3. Play with Texture and Temperature

Sometimes it’s not the taste that’s boring, but rather the mouthfeel. Here are some ideas on how to improve the texture: 

• Get bubbles – invest in a carbonator or grab some plain sparkling water. The bite of the CO2 mimics the satisfaction of soda.
• The crunchy ice factor - if you have access to an ice maker, or you have enough space in your freezer for a couple of trays of ice cubes, add them to your water to make the hydration process feel more like a snack.
• The warm hug – if cold water feels like a shock to your system, try hot water with lemon. It’s a staple in many cultures for digestion and feels much more intentional than a room-temperature glass.

4. Salt and Minerals

If you find yourself drinking a ton of water but still feeling thirsty, you might need better absorption. There are a couple of ways to add the electrolytes: 

• The pinch method – adding a tiny pinch of salt provides trace minerals and can actually make the water taste smoother, and help you hydrate better.
• Electrolyte drops/powders – look for unsweetened mineral drops to add a subtle, crisp mineral taste similar to high-end bottled spring water.

5. Better Equipment

Never underestimate the psychological power of a nice vessel! Some ideas on how to improve your water drinking include: 

• The straw effect – most people drink significantly more water when using a straw. It’s a mindless, low-effort way to sip.
• Insulation – if you hate lukewarm water, a high-quality vacuum-insulated flask is a non-negotiable.

Conclusion 

At the end of the day, hydration shouldn't feel like a chore on your to-do list – it should be a highlight of your routine. By shifting from ‘plain and boring’ to ‘infused and intentional’, you aren't just hitting a physical goal, you're practicing a small, daily act of self-care. 

Whether you prefer the zing of a jalapeño-pineapple blend or the quiet chill of a cucumber-infused glass, the best water is the one you actually want to drink. So, grab your favourite bottle, toss in some fresh ingredients, and cheers to a much more hydrated (and flavourful) version of you.