Garlic Water: Recipe, Ratio and How to Make It

Garlic water is water infused with fresh garlic; this recipe takes 2 hours 5 minutes, including steeping, and makes about 4 cups (960 mL).

For another custom infusion, try the AI infused water generator.

What is garlic water?

Garlic water is made by steeping fresh garlic in drinking water, then straining out the pieces. It has a savory, pungent flavor rather than the sweetness of a fruit infusion.

The garlic is used for flavor, so you do not need to eat it to drink the infusion. Explore the broader spice and seed water collection for more savory ideas.

What ingredients and ratio do you need for garlic water?

Use one garlic clove for every 4 cups of water. This makes a lightly flavored batch; the strength will depend on the size and freshness of the clove and how finely you cut it.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (960 mL) drinking water
• 1 fresh garlic clove, about 3 g or 1 teaspoon minced

You will also need a clean covered pitcher or jar, a knife and a strainer. If your clove is unusually large, start with part of it and adjust the next batch to taste.

How do you make garlic water?

1. Wash your hands and rinse the garlic under running water. Peel the clove and mince it with a clean knife.
2. Add the garlic and 4 cups (960 mL) of drinking water to a clean pitcher or jar.
3. Cover the container and refrigerate it immediately. Steep for 2 hours.
4. Strain out the garlic pieces and pour the garlic water into a clean glass. Keep the remainder covered in the refrigerator.

The 2-hour steep produces a mild infusion. For a stronger flavor, leave the garlic in the refrigerated water for up to 4 hours before straining.

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How long should garlic water steep?

Steep garlic water in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours. Start with 2 hours if you prefer a milder taste, then use a longer steep in a future batch if you want more garlic flavor.

Straining stops the pieces from continuing to infuse. The flavor may still change during storage, so taste the chilled drink before serving it again.

How should you store garlic water?

Keep garlic water covered and refrigerated, and drink it within 24 hours for best flavor. For a simple, cautious routine, discard any remainder after 24 hours.

Discard it sooner if it develops cloudiness, a slimy texture or a sour smell. Appearance and smell alone cannot guarantee that a drink is safe. Do not leave garlic water at room temperature for more than a few hours.

What are some garlic water variations?

Keep the same 4 cups (960 mL) of water and change the ingredients to suit your taste. Refrigerate and strain each variation as you would the basic recipe.

Milder garlic water

Use about half a clove, roughly 1.5 g or 1/2 teaspoon minced. This is a useful starting point if raw garlic tastes too sharp to you.

Stronger garlic water

Use 2 small cloves, about 6 g in total, or steep the basic recipe closer to 4 hours. Add more garlic gradually rather than assuming a stronger drink has greater health benefits.

Garlic water with lemon or cucumber

Add a slice of lemon or a few thin cucumber slices to the pitcher. If using lemon, strain it out by 4 hours to limit bitterness from the peel.

What are the benefits of garlic water?

Garlic water provides fluid, which helps support hydration. Garlic contains plant compounds, but the amount that transfers into a steeped drink is not established here, and research on garlic or garlic supplements does not establish the effects of this particular recipe.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification, while the lungs and gut help eliminate waste. Garlic water does not flush toxins or cleanse blood. See garlic water benefits for a closer look at the evidence.

Who should avoid or be careful with garlic water?

Avoid garlic water if you have a garlic allergy. Raw garlic can also cause digestive discomfort, so consider avoiding it if it triggers heartburn or upsets your stomach.

If you take blood-thinning medicine or have surgery planned, ask your clinician about regular or large amounts of garlic; garlic supplements can increase bleeding risk, and the amount in an infusion is uncertain. Do not stop prescribed medication. Read more about garlic water side effects.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat after consuming garlic. Contact a clinician if digestive symptoms persist or if you are unsure whether garlic is appropriate for you.

Garlic water FAQs

Do you have to drink garlic water on an empty stomach?

No. There is no need to drink garlic water on an empty stomach; have it at a time that suits you. If it causes discomfort, stop drinking it.

Can you slice the garlic instead of mincing it?

Yes. Thin slices are easier to strain, though they may give the water a different strength of flavor. Keep the same refrigerated steep and storage times.