How to Drink Lemon Water

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: May 25, 2021 References Tested

Lemon water is known for its nutritious benefits, but it’s also a tasty and refreshing drink. To make the most of your lemon water, you should infuse the water properly and drink it in the morning. You can also add a variety of flavors, such as fruits and herbs, to the lemon water for a different taste.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Reaping the Health Benefits of Lemon Water

1
Infuse ½ of a sliced lemon into every 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of filtered water. Slice the lemon thinly and then place it in a cup or pitcher. Pour filtered water over the slices to begin infusing the fresh lemon into the water immediately. It should take 5-10 minutes for the first hint of lemons to infuse into the water. Taste the water as it diffuses, and remove the lemons from the water when you’ve reached your desired taste.^{[1]
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- For a subtle lemon infusion, remove the lemons after only 5 minutes.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, leave the lemons in warm water for 30-45 minutes or 2-3 hours in cold water.
Tip: Sometimes, lemon water can taste bitter due to the rind. If you don’t like this taste, you can peel the lemon before infusing it or simply squeeze the juice from the lemon into the water.
2
Pour warm water over lemon slices to extract vitamin C. Warm water helps to bring out all of the nutrients in lemon, including vitamin C. Heat your water to your preferred temperature in an electric kettle or in the microwave, and then place the lemons in a cup before you add the water.^{[2]
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- Try to keep the water temperature below boiling temperature. If the water becomes too hot, the rind can make the water taste overly bitter.
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3
Drink lemon water in the morning to rehydrate. Your body can become dehydrated overnight due to a loss of water. Have a glass or mug of lemon water first thing when you wake up to reap positive benefits, like increased energy in the morning. Lemon juice also contains important nutrients like potassium, which is an electrolyte that can prevent muscle cramping during physical activity.^{[3]
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- In addition to preventing cramping, potassium, which is found in many citrus fruits, also helps to maintain the body's fluid balance, leading to better hydration throughout the day.^{[4]
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- You can also use this time in the morning to relax and plan for your day.
4
Use a straw to prevent tooth decay when you drink lemon water. One of the negatives of drinking lemon water is that it contains a lot of citric acid, which can damage your tooth enamel. Make sure the straw is behind your teeth when you’re drinking the water, or rinse your mouth with fresh water after you have lemon water.^{[5]
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Tip: If you’re going to drink lemon water everyday, invest in a reusable straw made of metal or purchase a package of paper straws. This will help to prevent unnecessary waste from disposable plastic straws, which aren’t recyclable.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Adding Other Flavors to Lemon Water

1
Make a refreshing citrus water with lemon and lime. In a cup or pitcher, add 1/4 of a sliced lemon and ¼ of a sliced lime for every 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of cold water. Let the water infuse for 2-4 hours, and then remove the lemon and lime before serving.^{[6]
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- You can add a fresh lemon or lime wedge to your drink when you’re ready to have a glass.
2
Add blueberries to lemon water for extra nutrients. In a pitcher of cool, filtered water, add 8-10 thin slices of lemon and a handful of blueberries. Let the blueberries and lemon infuse into the water for 2 hours, and then remove the lemons before serving.
- Make sure you rinse the blueberries thoroughly under running water before adding them to the water to remove any dirt or chemicals.
3
Include 2-3 mint leaves in warm lemon water if you need an energy boost. Add mint leaves and 4-5 slices of lemon to the bottom of a mug, and then pour warm water into the mug until it’s full. Let the flavors diffuse into the water, and then use a spoon to remove the mint and lemons before enjoying your beverage.^{[7]
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- For a refreshing cool beverage, add 3-4 slices of cucumber to your glass!
- Mint can also help aid in digestion and clear up clogged sinuses.
4
Infuse rosemary, strawberry, and blackberry in lemon water for a tasty treat. Fill a pitcher with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of cold, filtered water, and add 10 quartered strawberries, a handful of blackberries, and 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Squeeze the juice from ½ of a lemon into the water, and then stir it. Let the water infuse for 1-2 hours before enjoying.
- Be sure to rinse all of the fruit and rosemary before you add it to the water to remove dirt and chemicals.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I drink lemon water while pregnant?

Community Answer

Yes, lemon water is safe for most people unless you have an existing allergy to citrus. It is a healthy way to enjoy water.