Apple Lime Rosemary Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Apple lime rosemary water is a chilled fruit-and-herb infusion that takes 2 hours 10 minutes total, including 10 minutes of prep and 2 hours of steeping, and yields about 4 cups (950 ml).

For another combination, try the ai infused water generator.

What is apple lime rosemary water?

Apple lime rosemary water is plain water infused with sliced apple, lime and fresh rosemary. The apple adds a gentle fruit flavor, the lime brings tartness, and the rosemary gives the drink an herbal aroma.

This recipe is one way to use fresh fruit to flavor water without blending it. For more combinations built around orchard fruit, see these apple and pear infused water recipes.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

Use approximately 1 cup of sliced apple, 1 lime and 2 rosemary sprigs for 4 cups of water. The measurements below make a lightly flavored pitcher; the yield is approximate because the fruit and herbs are strained out before serving.

Water: 4 cups (950 ml)
Apple: 1 cup sliced (about 150 g)
Lime: 1 large lime, thinly sliced, about 3/4 cup (100 g)
Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs (about 5 g, or 2 tablespoons/1/8 cup loosely packed leaves on the sprigs)

Use a clean pitcher with enough room for the water and ingredients. Slice the apple thinly so more of its surface is exposed to the water, and remove the core and seeds before adding it.

The fruit measurements are approximate: the size of the lime and the thickness of the slices will affect how much fits in a cup. The water-to-fruit ratio is a starting point, not a precise formula.

How do you make apple lime rosemary water?

Wash the apple, lime and rosemary under running water. Clean the pitcher and any utensils before using them.
Slice the apple, discarding its core and seeds, and cut the lime into thin rounds.
Add the apple, lime and rosemary to the pitcher, then pour in the water. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Strain out the fruit and rosemary, then serve the water chilled. Remove the lime by 4 hours to limit bitterness from the pith.

Taste after 2 hours to decide whether you want a longer infusion. If the rosemary already tastes strong enough, remove the sprigs and let the fruit continue steeping until you are ready to strain it.

Why do apple, lime and rosemary work together?

Apple gives the water a mild fruit flavor, much like a simple apple infused water. Lime adds a brighter, tart note; its peel can also make the water bitter if it stays in too long. For a citrus-focused version, see lime water.

Rosemary adds a savory aroma that balances the fruit. A little goes a long way, so start with the suggested sprigs before adding more; rosemary water puts the herb at the center of the drink.

The main benefit of apple lime rosemary water is hydration. We found no evidence that this particular infusion has a special health effect. The liver and kidneys do most of the body's detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste; this drink supports hydration rather than flushing toxins.

How should you store apple lime rosemary water?

Keep the pitcher covered and refrigerated while it steeps and after straining. For the best flavor, drink the water within 24 hours. Discard it after 2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling.

Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than a few hours. Return it to the refrigerator promptly after serving, and use a clean glass each time rather than drinking directly from the storage pitcher.

How can you vary apple lime rosemary water?

For a milder herbal flavor, use one rosemary sprig or remove both sprigs after tasting. For a brighter lime flavor, add a little lime juice when serving; squeezed juice adds calories that are not accounted for in a steeped-only infusion.

Choose a sweeter apple for a softer fruit flavor or a tart apple for a sharper one. You can also serve the finished water over ice, allowing for a lighter flavor as the ice melts. Keep the same refrigerated steeping and storage routine whichever variation you choose.