How to Make Lemon or Lime Water

Co-authored by Jennifer Lease, RD, CDN and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: February 8, 2024 Approved

If you're struggling to drink more water every day, make lemon water. Just add lemons, limes or both to water for a refreshing, enjoyable drink. The taste will be a lot more dynamic and interesting, and you’ll get all of the hydration you need! Lemon or lime water adds an elegant touch to a dinner party, and is also a flavorful beverage that you can enjoy throughout the day.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time (steeping): 2 to 4 hours
Total time: 2 to 4 hours, 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 lemons or 3 large limes
2 quarts (1.9 liters) water

Makes 2 quarts (1.9 liters)

Method 1

Method 1 of 9:

Prepare the Fruit

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Remove any stickers from the fruit and place the citrus on a small cutting board. Use a small knife to carefully slice the fruit into thin slices. You may want to discard the ends of the fruit as well as any seeds.

Method 2

Method 2 of 9:

Squeeze the Lemons

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Gently squeeze the lemons (and limes, if you're using them) so they release a little juice and essential oil directly into the chilled pitcher. Don't squeeze them so much that the slices lose their round shape. Place all of the slices in the pitcher.^{[1]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 9:

Fill the Pitcher

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If you'd like still water, pour in 2 quarts (1.9 liters) of cold, filtered water. If you'd like sparkling water, pour in 1 quart (0.9 liters) of seltzer water. Use a long-handled spoon to stir the citrus slices with the water.^{[2]
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- For sparkling water, you'll add another quart of seltzer just before serving.

Method 4

Method 4 of 9:

Chill the Citrus Water

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Put the pitcher of citrus water into the refrigerator. Chilling the water will infuse it with the lemon and lime flavors while making it colder. Chill the water for 2 to 4 hours.^{[3]
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- Keep in mind that the flavors of the water will be stronger the longer it chills.

Method 5

Method 5 of 9:

Remove the Fruit

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Scoop out the lemon slices and consider straining the lemon water through a mesh sieve if you notice seeds. If you want sparkling lemon water, add one more quart (0.9 liter) of seltzer water to the pitcher.Pour the citrus water into serving glasses. Add a few fresh slices of lemon or lime and ice cubes before you serve the drinks.^{[4]
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- Store the lemon water for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- You can add fresh water to the sliced lemons that you removed from the pitcher, but the second batch of citrus water may not be as flavorful.

Method 6

Method 6 of 9:

Include Other Fruits

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Add a pop of color and bright flavor to your lemon water by adding a handful of fresh berries to the pitcher. Wash the fruit carefully, and if any stems remain, remove them. You can also slice fresh fruit and add it to the pitcher. Consider adding:
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Fresh berries (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- Oranges
- Peaches or plums
- Melon (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew)

Method 7

Method 7 of 9:

Add Vegetables

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The cucumber will stay crisp for hours and can add a refreshing flavor to the water. For a slightly spicy kick, consider slicing jalapeños and adding them to the lemon water.

Method 8

Method 8 of 9:

Add Fresh Herbs

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Make your lemon water interesting by adding fresh herbs before chilling the water. Gather a handful of fresh herbs and rub them a little between your fingers. This will release flavorful oils. Remember to wash the herbs before you use them.
- Try mint, basil, lavender, thyme, or rosemary.
- You can also add hibiscus flower which will turn the water a soft pink color.

Method 9

Method 9 of 9:

Sweeten the Lemon Water

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If you dislike the strong flavor of lemon water, you may want to sweeten it a little before you drink it. Keep in mind that adding other fruits (such as strawberries or pineapple) can naturally sweeten the citrus water. Stir in a little honey according to your taste.
- You could also use agave nectar or stir in grated ginger to mask the sour flavor of the water.

Community Q&A

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Question

Can I use lemon juice instead of whole lemons?

Community Answer

While you could squirt lemon juice directly into water, the water will become cloudy. Many commercial lemon juices contain preservatives or even dyes, so it's best to slice your own citrus for the water.

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Question

Is pouring a cup of water and squirting two drops of lemon into it a good way to make lemon water?

Community Answer

Two drops would give a faint scent. If you want it a little bit sweet and a little bit sour, add a tablespoon of honey and 4-5 drops of lemon.

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Question

What ratio of lemon to water do I use for health benefits?

Community Answer

You can put as many lemons in the water as you want. It is just to your taste. Be careful though because lemon is sour and you might need time to get used to this taste.

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