Lemon water is a simple yet revitalizing drink made by combining fresh lemon juice with water. It’s often sipped first thing in the morning or enjoyed throughout the day for its refreshing taste and potential health benefits. This hydrating beverage is known for its light citrusy flavor and versatility, making it an easy way for me to boost my water intake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and customizable lemon water is. Whether I’m aiming to stay hydrated, support digestion, or just enjoy a zesty flavor, lemon water checks all the boxes. It’s incredibly quick to make, requires only two ingredients, and can be served warm or cold depending on my preference. I also like that it feels like a healthy ritual I can stick to daily without much effort.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fresh lemons
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Water (filtered or spring water is ideal)
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Optional: honey, mint, cucumber slices, ginger, or ice cubes
Directions
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I start by slicing a fresh lemon in half. For one glass, I usually need half a lemon.
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I squeeze the lemon juice into a glass or pitcher, removing any seeds that fall in.
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I pour in about 1 cup (8 oz) of cold, room temperature, or warm water, depending on what I feel like.
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I stir the mixture gently and add extras if I want—like a drizzle of honey, a few mint leaves, or even a slice of fresh ginger.
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I enjoy it right away or store it in the fridge for a chilled version.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 serving and takes about 2–3 minutes to prepare. If I’m making a batch for the whole day, I’ll use 1–2 lemons per liter of water and keep it in the fridge to sip on throughout the day.
Variations
I switch things up often depending on what I’m in the mood for:
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Mint Lemon Water: I muddle a few fresh mint leaves before adding water.
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Cucumber Lemon Water: I add thin cucumber slices for an extra cooling touch.
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Ginger Lemon Water: I grate a small amount of fresh ginger into the glass for a warm, spicy kick.
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Honey Lemon Water: I stir in a teaspoon of honey for sweetness.
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Sparkling Lemon Water: I use sparkling water instead of still for a fizzy version.
Storage/Reheating
I store lemon water in a sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours for the best flavor. If I use warm water and want to reheat it later, I gently warm it on the stove or microwave, but I make sure not to boil it so I don’t destroy any beneficial properties of the lemon.
FAQs
How much lemon should I put in my water?
I typically use half a lemon per 8-ounce glass of water. If I’m making a large batch, I adjust the amount depending on how strong I want the lemon flavor.
Can I drink lemon water every day?
Yes, I drink it daily. It’s a great way for me to stay hydrated and feel refreshed, especially in the morning.
Is it better to drink lemon water warm or cold?
I go with what feels best for me. Warm lemon water is soothing and good for mornings, while cold lemon water is refreshing during hot days.
Can lemon water help with digestion?
For me, it often helps kickstart digestion and reduce bloating, especially when I drink it first thing in the morning.
Will lemon water damage my teeth?
Since lemon juice is acidic, I try to drink it through a straw and rinse my mouth with plain water afterward to help protect my tooth enamel.
Conclusion
Lemon water is one of those simple habits that makes a big difference in how I feel. It’s hydrating, refreshing, and easy to customize to fit my tastes. Whether I’m drinking it to start my day or as a flavorful alternative to plain water, I always enjoy the brightness it adds.
Print
Lemon Water
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Lemon water is a refreshing and hydrating drink made with fresh lemon juice and water. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with various add-ins, and often consumed for its potential health benefits.
Ingredients
- 1/2 fresh lemon (per glass)
- 1 cup (8 oz) water (cold, room temperature, or warm)
- Optional: 1 tsp honey
- Optional: a few mint leaves
- Optional: 2-3 cucumber slices
- Optional: 1 tsp grated ginger
- Optional: ice cubes
Instructions
- Slice the lemon in half and squeeze the juice of one half into a glass, removing any seeds.
- Add 1 cup (8 oz) of water in your preferred temperature (cold, room temperature, or warm).
- Stir the mixture gently to combine.
- Optionally add honey, mint, cucumber slices, ginger, or ice cubes as desired.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for a chilled version.
Notes
- Use a straw to help protect teeth from acidity.
- Adjust lemon quantity based on personal taste or batch size.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours for best flavor.
- Do not boil lemon water when reheating to preserve nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (8 oz)
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
