Herbed Citrus Infused Sparkling Water
A light and refreshing sparkling water infused with fresh citrus slices and fragrant herbs, perfect for hydration or a non-alcoholic treat. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together sparkling water, lemon slices, orange slices for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 5 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 16 oz sparkling water
- 3 slices lemon slices
- 3 slices orange slices
- 6 leaves fresh mint leaves
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a large glass or pitcher with 1 cup ice cubes.
- Step 2: Add 3 fresh lemon slices, 3 fresh orange slices, 6 fresh mint leaves, and 4 fresh basil leaves to the glass.
- Step 3: Pour 16 oz sparkling water gently over the ingredients to preserve bubbles.
- Step 4: Stir gently with a spoon to combine the citrus and herb flavors with the sparkling water, releasing aromatic notes.
- Step 5: Let the infusion sit for 3 minutes before serving chilled for a crisp, flavorful hydration experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herbed Citrus Infused Sparkling Water take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Herbed Citrus Infused Sparkling Water?
Refrigerate any leftover herbed citrus infused sparkling water in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Citrus Infused Sparkling Water?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herbed Citrus Infused Sparkling Water for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herbed Citrus Infused Sparkling Water?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
