Plum Orange Thyme Water: Easy Infused Water Recipe

Plum orange thyme water is chilled water infused with fresh plum, orange and thyme; it takes 2 hours 10 minutes to prepare and yields about 4 cups (960 mL).

Adjust the proportions or plan another infusion with the ai infused water generator.

What is plum orange thyme water?

Plum orange thyme water is a fruit-and-herb infusion: sliced ingredients sit in cold water until they give it a gentle flavor. The fruit is steeped rather than blended, so the finished drink is lighter than a juice or smoothie.

It’s one of many stone fruit infused water recipes that use ripe fruit for flavor without requiring a sweetener. The recipe below makes a small pitcher to strain and serve cold.

What ingredients and ratio do you need?

Use approximately 1 cup of sliced plum, 2/3 cup of sliced orange and 2 thyme sprigs for 4 cups of water. The amounts are flexible, but start with this ratio so the herb does not overpower the fruit.

• Water: 960 mL (4 cups), cold
• Plum: 150 g (about 1 cup), sliced and pitted
• Orange: 100 g (about 2/3 cup), sliced
• Fresh thyme: about 5 g (2 sprigs, or about 1/8 cup loosely packed leaves and tender stems)

Choose a ripe, firm plum and a fresh orange. Leave the orange peel on for a stronger citrus aroma, or remove it before slicing for a milder infusion with less potential bitterness.

Cut the fruit into slices that fit comfortably in the pitcher. Keeping the slices intact makes the infusion easier to strain and gives it a lighter flavor than crushing or squeezing the fruit.

A pitcher with a lid gives the ingredients room to circulate and helps protect the drink while it chills. You will also need a knife, cutting board and strainer.

How do you make plum orange thyme water?

Prep time: 10 minutes
Refrigerated steep: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 4 cups (960 mL)

1. Wash the plum, orange and thyme under running water. Rub the fruit gently, even if you plan to peel the orange.
2. Slice the plum and remove its pit. Slice the orange, removing its peel first if you prefer.
3. Add the plum, orange and thyme to a clean pitcher, then pour in the cold water.
4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours. For a stronger flavor, steep for up to 4 hours.
5. Strain out the fruit and thyme, then serve the water cold. Straining by 4 hours helps prevent bitterness from orange peel and pith.

The yield is approximate because some water may remain with the fruit. Taste after 2 hours: the flavor should be subtle, not as concentrated as juice. If you prefer a stronger infusion, leave it in the refrigerator for the remaining steeping time before straining.

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Why do plum, orange and thyme work together?

Plum brings a soft, sweet-tart fruit flavor, while orange adds brighter citrus notes. Thyme contributes a savory, herbal aroma that balances the fruit without making the drink taste like a dessert.

The same gentle fruit flavor is the appeal of plum infused water. For a more citrus-forward base, see orange infused water; for the herb on its own, see thyme water.

The main benefit of plum orange thyme water is hydration. Whole fruit contains nutrients and fiber, but the amounts that transfer into steeped water are uncertain; eating the fruit is different from drinking the strained infusion. Unsqueezed infused water is generally very low in calories, usually under 10 kcal per glass.

The liver and kidneys do most of the body’s detoxification, while the lungs and gut also help eliminate waste. Drinking water supports hydration rather than providing a special detox effect.

How should you store plum orange thyme water?

Keep plum orange thyme water covered and refrigerated. Strain out the ingredients by 4 hours, especially if the orange peel is still on, and drink within 24 hours for the best flavor.

Discard any remaining water after 2 days, or sooner if it becomes cloudy, slimy or sour-smelling. Do not leave the pitcher at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

How can you vary plum orange thyme water?

Make the plum flavor stronger

Add a few extra plum slices to the pitcher before steeping. Keep the pieces intact rather than crushing them if you want a clear, lightly flavored drink.

Soften the citrus

Peel the orange before adding it, or use fewer slices. Removing the peel and pith reduces the chance of bitterness during the refrigerated steep.

Adjust the thyme

Use one sprig for a gentler herbal note, or remove the thyme when the aroma suits you. Keep the fruit refrigerated for the rest of the steep, then strain it as directed.