Ok… this isn’t really a recipe.
And it’s not really a Totoro tradition.
But… I have never been fond of water. I know the health benefits of drinking water; I know the need to keep hydrated. But I just don’t like the taste.
Pinterest is filled with infused water recipes that pair fruits with herbs for detoxing our bodies. My body can use a bit of cleansing, and I love the beautiful colors of these bountiful pitchers, but the herbs were too strong for my enjoyment.
As a last ditch effort I tried an experiment – and it worked!
I cut up some fresh strawberries, but found the taste of the water weak. So I wondered if I could enhance the flavor with a bit of Strawberry balsamic vinegar.
OH. MY. It is delicious! Not too sweet, not too tart, simply perfect.
I use about one tablespoon (more or less) to 32 ounces. Typically I prepare the pitcher with fruit and vinegar at night to allow the flavors to meld.
I have yet to drink 32 ounces in a single day, but that is the goal. And with summer weather coming, I don’t think that will be a problem.
I plan to return to the Tasteful Olive soon and try other fruit/vinegar pairings. For example, I think Blueberries with Blackberry vinegar; Navel Orange with Blood Orange vinegar; Limes with Sicilian Lemon Vinegar; or Lemons with Pineapple Vinegar.
The possibilities are nearly limitless!
And as an added benefit, these vinegars could be paired with a good olive oil for a fruity salad dressing – perfect for summer!
This post is a part of BethFishReads’ Weekend Cooking link-up. For more delicious recipes, please visit this weekly blog feature.
Great idea Molly. My head likes the idea, but my mouth is a little skeptical. I’m willing to try it, however. I like that I can double_ duty this with oil for salad dressing. Thanks for the idea.
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I doubted the idea too, Margot! But my mouth really does enjoy it 🙂
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I too hate water (I know that sounds weird but it’s true). I often make decaf iced tea to substitute, but I like the idea of incorporating fruit flavors. I’ll have to try this balsamic vinegar version.
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I also use decaf ice tea in a pinch 🙂 Really… I just don’t drink much of anything.
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Interesting idea. It certainly sounds good and I’m willing to try it, but I’d probably try a peach combination. However, I don’t have to flavor my water to appreciate it. I worked hard on the farm as a kid. Those sizzling summer days made me hurry to the well for a long drink of our ice cold water. And I drink plenty of water most of the time now. However, no water has ever tasted as good as that well water did after a hard day sweating in the fields.
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I can understand that, Suzan. I never lived on a farm, but I do know when I am hot and sweaty, iced cold water is a welcomed treat 🙂
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Fun way to drink more water! I tried mint and lemon for awhile. Now, we got a filter on the tap and I can get myself to drink that without adding flavors.
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I am just not a fan of mint – wish I were! So many infused “recipes” call for mint, and I know it helps with digestion too.
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There’s nothing wrong with drinking water, and your enhancement sounds enjoyable for hot weather, but forcing oneself is really unnecessary. You don’t need water in large quantities. See this:
http://www.npr.org/2008/04/03/89323934/five-myths-about-drinking-water
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Thank you so much for this informative article, Mae
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What a terrific idea, thanks for sharing.
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Let me know if you find a good pairing I should try 🙂
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I don’t mind the taste of plain water at all — adding fruit and vinegar might make a nice change. Thanks for sharing this idea. 🙂
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I’m hoping I will soon learn to enjoy the taste of plain water as well… but for now, this is a great alternative.
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Another excuse to buy specialty vinegars! I just used the last of my pomegranate vinegar, and need to look for more of that, so I’ll look for strawberry vinegar, too. I love water, though, and used to worry my mother (who doesn’t like to drink water) with how much water I drank daily growing up! Now I probably need to drink more than I do, so I vary plain water with flavored seltzer water.
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I love to hear how you use specialty vinegars, Laurie! Any recipes you care to share? 🙂
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Mostly in salad dressings and marinades, I guess, nothing exciting! I make a lot of salads, including a lot of rice salads in the spring and summer. Sometimes I just sub in a specialty vinegar for half or all of whatever plain vinegar is called for. I did once do a Weekend Cooking post on balsamic vinegar reduction (heard about on The Splendid Table) so I expect that technique would work with other vinegars too.)
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I will definitely check out the “reduction” post! And I have never made rice salad, but this sounds like a great summer side dish. Thanks so much for the recommendations 🙂
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Oh, yum! I love rice salads. My husband, not so much, so I get them all to myself usually!
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I love plain water, with or without ice. It’s refreshing, but maybe depends upon the source? Ours is filtered rain water.
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The source could be a part of it, Claudia. I also think I just don’t drink enough of any liquid (except my morning coffee) 🙂
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