Apple Infused Water: Recipe, Ratio and Steeping Time

Apple infused water is chilled water steeped with sliced apple; it takes 2 hours 10 minutes in total and makes about 4 cups (960 mL). For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is apple infused water?

Apple infused water is a type of fruit infused water made by letting apple slices sit in drinking water in the refrigerator. The fruit gives the water a subtle flavor without blending it into the drink.

The taste depends on the apple: a sweet variety gives a gentler flavor, while a tart one makes the water taste sharper. Use an apple you enjoy eating, and leave the peel on for color and flavor.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

For one pitcher, use about 1 cup of sliced apple for every 4 cups of water. The slices should fit comfortably in the pitcher with room for the water to circulate.

Ingredients

150 g (about 1 cup) thinly sliced apple, washed and cored
960 mL (4 cups) cold drinking water

Recipe details: Preparation time is 10 minutes, chilling time is 2 hours, and the yield is about 4 cups (960 mL). You will also need a clean, covered pitcher or jar and a strainer if you prefer to remove the fruit before serving.

For a lighter flavor, use fewer apple slices. For a more pronounced flavor, keep the same ratio and steep the apple infused water toward the longer end of the recommended range.

How do you make apple infused water?

Wash your hands, the pitcher and the apple. Rinse the apple under running water; do not use soap on the fruit.
Core the apple, remove the seeds and cut the flesh into thin slices. Measure about 150 g (1 cup).
Add the apple slices to the pitcher and pour in 960 mL (4 cups) of cold drinking water.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
Serve the apple infused water chilled. Strain out the slices first if you prefer a clear drink.

This recipe uses steeped apple rather than juice or blended fruit. You can adjust the amount of apple next time if the finished drink tastes too mild or too strong.

How long should apple infused water steep?

Steep apple infused water in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours. Taste it after 2 hours; if you want more apple flavor, return it to the refrigerator and taste again before the 4-hour mark.

Thin slices expose more of the apple to the water than large chunks. Keep the pitcher covered and cold while it steeps rather than leaving it on the counter.

How should you store apple infused water?

Keep apple infused water covered in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours for the best flavor. You can strain out the apple after steeping and refrigerate the water in a clean, covered container.

Discard the drink after 2 days at the latest, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. A normal appearance or smell does not guarantee that a drink is safe, so follow the storage time even if it looks fine.

What variations can you make?

Apple cinnamon water

Apple cinnamon water adds a warm spice note to the apple flavor. Follow that recipe for its ingredient amounts and method.

Apple cinnamon ginger water

Apple cinnamon ginger water combines apple with cinnamon and ginger for a spicier variation. It is an option if you want more flavor than apple alone provides.

What are the benefits of apple infused water?

Apple infused water can make plain water more appealing and help you stay hydrated. The drink is usually very low in calories when the apple is steeped rather than blended or squeezed, but its exact calorie content is not known; eating the slices adds the fruit's calories.

There is no established evidence that apple infused water removes toxins. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste; sweating removes only trace amounts. Read more about apple infused water benefits.

For the separate question of body weight, see apple infused water for weight loss.

Who should avoid apple infused water?

Avoid apple infused water if you are allergic to apple. If you develop trouble breathing or swelling of the throat after consuming it, seek emergency medical care.

If a clinician has asked you to limit fluids, ask how this drink fits your limit. For more precautions, see apple infused water side effects.

FAQs

Apple slices may brown during preparation because they are exposed to air. Browning alone does not tell you whether the drink is safe, so keep it refrigerated and observe the storage guidance above.