9 Low-Sugar Hydrating Drinks to Make Water Taste Better
Do you find water a bit boring? Do you struggle to drink enough every day, especially when temperatures rise?
The good news is there are plenty of simple ways to make water taste better without turning to pop, juice or store-bought sugary drinks.
Homemade flavoured waters add flavour, freshness and fun to staying hydrated, while keeping added sugar and calories in check. They're a great option if you want to hydrate better, support your health, or simply enjoy a refreshing drink during the summer.
Here are a few of my favourite ideas.
1. Low-Sugar Pink Lemonade
This pink lemonade is made with raspberries, lemon and sparkling water. It has a lightly fruity, tangy flavour while containing much less sugar than traditional lemonade.
Why we love it:
- Refreshing
- Low in sugar
- Contains antioxidants from the raspberries
- A pretty pink colour that appeals to kids and adults alike
2. Refreshing Lemon-Orange Water
Made with freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon and cold water, this drink is simple, light and perfect for hot days.
Why we love it:
- A source of vitamin C
- Easy to make in just a few minutes
- Fruity flavour with no added sugar
3. Strawberry Basil Sparkling Water
Made with fresh strawberries, basil and sparkling water, this drink has a fruity, slightly herbal flavour that's perfectly refreshing. It's a light alternative to sugary drinks that adds a fun twist to your daily hydration.
Why we love it:
- Refreshing
- Low in sugar and calories
- A unique flavour that pairs the fruitiness of strawberries with the freshness of basil
- A great way to make water more interesting with no added sugar
4. Lime and Mint Infused Water
Inspired by mojito flavours, this flavoured water combines the freshness of mint with the tartness of lime for a simple, light drink. Perfect for hot days or for switching up your daily water routine.
Why we love it:
- Extremely refreshing
- No added sugar
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- A way to switch things up while keeping calories low
5. Watermelon, Lime and Mint Refresher
This summer drink pairs the natural sweetness of watermelon with the freshness of mint and the tang of lime. Light, colourful and naturally low in sugar, it's an excellent alternative to store-bought drinks.
Why we love it:
- Fruity, refreshing flavour
- No added sugar
- Made with watermelon, a fruit that's rich in water
- Perfect for hot summer days
6. Refreshing Cucumber Lemon Water
Made with fresh cucumber, lemon and cold water, this drink is light and perfect for hot days. Cucumber adds a subtle freshness while lemon brings a tangy touch that lifts the flavours.
Why we love it:
- Very refreshing
- No added sugar
- Low in calories
- Great for staying hydrated during the summer
7. Aloe Vera Juice
Made mostly of water, it's an interesting way to switch up your daily hydration. Its delicate taste pairs easily with lemon, citrus or fresh fruit to create original summer drinks.
Why we love it:
- Supports hydration
- Light, refreshing flavour
- Easy to customize with different fruits and herbs
- May have a soothing effect on the digestive system for some people
8. Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea
This comforting herbal tea combines the lightly spicy taste of ginger with the warm notes of turmeric. Delicious hot or served over ice, it's a perfect caffeine-free way to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Why we love it:
- Naturally caffeine-free
- Comforting any time of year
- Made with ginger and turmeric, two spices rich in antioxidant compounds
- Delicious hot or iced
9. Homemade Iced Herbal Teas
This simple option is often overlooked!
Herbal tea bags let you create all kinds of flavoured, sugar-free and caffeine-free drinks. Just brew the tea as usual, let it cool, then add ice.
A few flavours worth trying:
For even more flavour, add a few slices of lemon, lime or orange, some mint leaves, or a handful of frozen fruit.
Why we love them:
- No added sugar
- Caffeine-free
- Very budget-friendly
- Available in a huge variety of flavours
- Ready in just a few minutes
Key Takeaway
Staying hydrated doesn't have to mean drinking only plain water. By simply adding fruit, citrus, fresh herbs or herbal tea, you can create tasty, refreshing, low-sugar drinks that make staying hydrated much more enjoyable every day.
Whether you want to better meet your fluid needs, cut back on sugary drinks, or just enjoy something refreshing in the summer, homemade flavoured water is a simple, affordable and accessible solution. Feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations to find the ones that make you want to drink more throughout the day.
