We all know we need to up our water intake when it's hot outside, but sometimes drinking water can feel like a downright chore. While ice-cold water can feel instantly refreshing at times, at others it's boring and our taste buds long for more. If you don't want to reach for soda or juice, we have the perfect solution that is just as tasty as it is simple: infusions! Drink infusions are easy to make, delicious, refreshing, and you'll most likely already have all the ingredients you need lying around the house. At Solo, we like to think that everyday is a SOLObration, so while you may want to throw a lemon slice in your water and call it a day, we're here to show you just how fun infusions can be. 

Some ingredients that can be used in infusions are:

Fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, oranges, lemons, limes, blueberries, blackberries, pomegranate seeds...

Herbs: Basil, mint, thyme, rosemary...

Vegetables: Cucumber, celery, fennel...

...the list goes on and on. If you're feeling fancy you could even add in edible flowers like lavender or hibiscus, or spices like vanilla bean or cinnamon. Don't be afraid to stick to only two ingredients--experiment with multiple and see what you like best! You can be as creative or as simple as you want.

These infusions are perfect for a Memorial Day barbeque, Labor Day party, 4th of July picnic, simply sitting by the pool, or even to sip on while picking the kids up from day camp!  Here are a few of our favorite infusion combinations:

Cucumber + Basil: Wash both your cucumber and fresh basil, then cut half your cucumber into slices. Place the cucumbers as well as a handful of basil into your water. Add ice, place the water in the fridge, and make sure to let the combination sit for at least half an hour*. The longer you let the flavors infuse, the stronger they will be.

Strawberry + Mint: Wash your strawberry and mint, then cut a handful of strawberries into thirds so the flavor will have more opportunity to soak into the water. Make sure to remove the leaves! Place the strawberries in your water, along with a few sprigs of mint. Add ice, place the water in the fridge, and make sure to let the combination sit for at least half an hour*. The longer you let the flavors infuse, the stronger they will be.

Orange + Basil: Wash your orange and fresh basil, then cut the orange into slices. Place the orange slices in your water, adding in a few basil leaves. Add ice, place the water in the fridge, and make sure to let the combination sit for at least half an hour*. The longer you let the flavors infuse, the stronger they will be. Citrus infuses more quickly than other fruits, so take that into account!

*Though we recommend letting your infusions sit for a period of time for maximum flavor, you can also enjoy your drink immediately for a more subtle taste.

When you're done infusing, you have the option of straining out your ingredients or enjoying your drink with them. Some ingredients will break down into the water, such as berries, and cause a fun color change in your water. To showcase the simple elegance of infusions and the fun colors that they can produce, serve your beverage in Solo®’s Clear Plastic Cups. They're a twist on the classic Solo® Squared cups that let you show your drink off! Buy all of your Solo® Products NOW at Walmart! 

Looking for other summer party tips? Check these out!