Start Your Day off with a Glass of Ice Cold RefreshMint!
Infused water is not only pretty. It is flavorful and nutritional. I love to make infused water the night before so when I wake up the next morning, I have something to look forward to start off my day. I also love sipping these waters throughout the day as well, especially in summer. The red and green complement each other so well as do the strawberry and mint flavors. These light and lovely drinks are so simple to make, and they are so vibrant and beautiful and make me feel that way, too!
A few years ago, I planted mint in my backyard in a sweet little garden space my husband prepared right outside my back porch. Each morning, as I sat outside, I could smell the fresh aroma dance into my day, and I felt refreshed. I have used mint in several recipes, but I have especially loved the simplicity of adding it to water.
Water alone is not only necessary for life, but offers great benefits that you can easily observe and feel. Drinking water is cleansing and it does so on many levels. It is a wonderful and natural detox for the body and also boosts your energy level as well as affects your mood. Add some mint, and you have given your water another boost.
Mint cleanses the palate and increases your body’s ability to digest, which is why it is great to have before a meal. It can also soothe your stomach, which is why you can add it to your bedtime tea. This past week, I clipped some fresh mint from my garden and prepared a pitcher of water to which I added some juicy, red strawberry slices. Strawberries also have a mighty offering.
Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. They also contain iodine and folate in addition to copper, potassium, biotin, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B6 and surprisingly, omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredients
- 1 Pitcher full of filtered water
- 2 Handfuls of fresh strawberries, washed
- 1 Handful of fresh mint leaves, washed and taken off the stem
Instructions
- First, fill your pitcher, any size, with filtered water. I usually use a two quart pitcher.
- Next, slice the strawberries in any direction you like, leaving the stems on or not. (There is nutrition in the whole strawberry)
- Then, carefully pluck the mint leaves off the stem.
- Finally, gently add the strawberries and mint to the pitcher of water. Cover, and put it in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, the water will be chilled and flavorful!
- Enjoy!
I discovered that mint, once planted, has staying power, and I love how my husband’s gesture of creating a loving space for my mint grew into something I am still enjoying a few years later. Each time I go to clip some of the mint, I am reminded of the time and energy he generously offered on that warm summer day. I’m sure it is infused in what I feel when I enjoy my mint creations.
with summer love and daily refreshMint,
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