Winter Citrus Spa Water

Remember when I told you about my winter citrus salad and said that this is what happens when a foodie goes on a diet? Well this winter citrus spa water is part two of that. It’s also what happens when your 3 year old gets the flu and you are desperate to avoid it.

I’m not gonna lie: it also happened because I don’t drink a lot of plain water because I think it’s boring.

Yes, I know, I know. I think the thing that keeps me alive is boring. It’s horrible and I’m trying to get over and that. You know, drink more water and all of that. Adding flavor to water seriously helps me reach for water over coffee or tea. My body is so happy with that.

Bowl of citrus — All the yummy citrus that is going to go in the water

This winter citrus spa water is filled with yummy citrus to give it taste. Grapefruit, blood oranges, and lemon. All things that give it a nice boost of vitamin c. According to Health, regularly eating- or in this case drinking- citrus can help shorten cold and flu symptoms by a full day. If I have to get sick, I’d like it to be quick, thank you very much. Plus, there are tons of other benefits to more citrus that help keep you healthy. I’m all about that right now with all the sickness circulating around.

Slices of grapefruit, lemon, and blood oranges — The only prep you have to do for this citrus spa water: slice up the citrus

You can use any kind of winter citrus you like in this water. I chose blood oranges, grapefruit, and lemons. So you guys know I am obsessed with blood oranges. They are so pretty and so tasty- sort of like a cross between a grapefruit and a navel orange. Tart and sweet together and so juicy. Plus the color. That gorgeous red pink. I just can’t get enough.

Blood oranges are a little tough to find. They are in season from mid December until May. This season, here in the Northeast, they have been slow to make their appearance in grocery stores but as of mid January, I have been able to find them in most grocers including Wegmans and Giant, where Sunkist sells a big bag of them. Yay! More blood oranges for me (and more to come for you)!

As far as herbs go, a lot of times if you go to a spa or drink fancy water, you’ll find mint leaves in the water. That’s fine for me in the warmer months, but I have to tell you, mint really is not my favorite. So instead of mint, I add a few sprigs of rosemary to the water. Rosemary is the ultimate winter herb with its piney scent and flavor. Plus it pairs so nicely with all things citrus, including this winter citrus spa water.

It’s very easy to make too. Just slice up your citrus and throw it into a pitcher with some rosemary. Fill the pitcher with some water. Let it all hang out in the fridge and enjoy. I’ll tell you a secret too. You can totally refill the water and reuse the citrus slices a few times. Still tastes refreshing and citrusy.

Looking for other healthy citrus recipes? Try these: