By Holly Byerly

Gearing up for an active and eventful season — working out more or traveling the globe —it is vital that we keep hydrated with water. The recommended eight glasses a day (closer to nine 8 oz. glasses for women, thirteen glasses for men and even more for children) can sometimes leave us wanting something more. For variety, we often reach for sugary, artificial flavor-ridden alternatives. Below are some healthy hydrating alternatives (any of these infused waters easily keeps for 2 days; just add more filtered water as needed) that I keep stocked in my fridge all year long. Enjoy!

1) REFRESH!

Sweet Basil & Strawberry Refresher

1 Full Pitcher of Filtered Water

3 Large Strawberries – Sliced

10 Large Basil Leaves – Torn in half

2) WAKE UP!

Citrus Wakeup Water

1 Full Pitcher of Filtered Water

1 Lime – Sliced

1 Lemon – Sliced

1 Orange – Sliced

2-4 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary

3) COOL AS A…

Cucumber-Ginger Cooler

1 Full Pitcher of Filtered Water

1 Small Cucumber – Sliced

10 Thin Slices of Fresh Ginger

4) CHILL

Pear-Mint Hydrating Chill

1 Full Pitcher of Filtered Water

1 Crisp Pear – Sliced

4-5 Sprigs of Fresh Mint – Crushed in hand

Try it as a hot tea, too!

Note: Citruses, strawberries and mint can be allergenic (both as foods and on skin, which can manifest as acne, rashes or darkening around the mouth and chin). If you’re allergic to any of these ingredients, swap out for alternatives! The wonderful thing about these infused waters is how many ingredients work well with them, and how little fruit or vegetables you need to subtle, deliciously, flavor your water.

Got a recipe to share? Tell us about it below!