Drinking detox water for weight loss is the ultimate cleanse to heal your gut, stay hydrated, and transform your body! These detox water recipes boost your metabolism, eliminate toxins and amplify glowing skin through the support of aging and antioxidants from lemons!
One of the best weight loss tips is to drink water - even full moon water. Water is pure, clean, calorie-free and rids the body from toxins and free radicals. To put it bluntly, water is healing, flushes the system and makes you shine from the inside out! Come-on, who doesn't want that!? These are the best detox drinks that do it all, right alongside my strawberry detox water and cranberry detox water.
Quick Look
- 🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏳ Infuse Time: 1 hour, or overnight for more potency
- 🍽️ Serving: 1 glass (33 calories for the fruit infused water)
- 💧 The 4 Recipes: lemon cucumber, apple cider vinegar, lemon cayenne pepper, and fruit infused
- 🍋 The Base: lemon water in every one
- 🌶️ Flavor Profile: Bright citrus, cool cucumber and mint, tangy vinegar, a spicy ginger kick, and naturally sweet berries
- ✋ Difficulty: Add to water, let it set, pour over ice.
Quick Answer
Start with lemon water and build from there. Fruit infused water: 1 cup of still or sparkling water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and ⅓ cup fresh berries, set in the refrigerator 1 hour or overnight, then add ice. Lemon cucumber water: a pitcher of water with the juice of 2 lemons plus lemon, cucumber and mint slices, set 1-3 hours. Apple cider vinegar drink: 8 ounces water, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Lemon cayenne pepper water: 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1 inch fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Drink any one of them 3 times per day.
Jump to:
Drinking water instead of caloric beverages is beneficial to fueling the body with less calories. Water detoxing is a great way to reduce fat stored in the liver in obese individuals, including adults and children when lemon and vinegar are added.
It's also a good idea to track your water intake to make sure you drink enough water a day. It might be challenging to keep your progress in mind, so consider a water tracker app that will store all your records at hand. This way, you will rest assured you consume enough water your body needs so badly.
You might be thinking that water is boring, tasteless, and "I have to choke it down half the time". Not with these detox water recipes! These beverages are refreshing, go down smooth, and are slightly naturally sweetened so you can enjoy these detoxifying drinks.
When I was in college caffeinated diet coke was my go-to beverage ALL THE TIME! I'm not talking about one or two glasses; I am talking about two liters of soda per day! I was addicted. On top of that I never drank water, had terrible tiny bumps under my skin, and my menstrual cycles were never on time. Even after a workout, I would grab a diet coke to soothe my thirst instead of water!
Yes, I was THAT addicted! When I found out my body was out of sorts, hormones off-balanced and I needed a good cleanse (you can read a bit of my health journey on my about page here), I stopped cold turkey and started every day with warm lemon water first thing in the morning along with these detox water recipes throughout the day. What this does is reset the body and alkaline the blood.
Then I got into the benefits of lemon water and this lemon cucumber detox water. I drink a pitcher of either one religiously throughout the day. Eventually after drinking these natural detox water recipes I stopped craving sugary drinks as much. I sweeten my water naturally with fresh produce such as lemons, berries, cucumbers, apple cider vinegar, ginger and cayenne pepper. Consider checking out this article too if you need a few tips for how to do a sugar detox.
Why These Detox Waters Work
Click to see the technique science
- Lemon water is the base of all four. Lemons are an acidic food that when it enters the body combined with water, alkaline the blood stream, replenish a dehydrated body and enhance the body's ability to absorb water.
- Time does the flavoring. Letting the produce set 1 hour to overnight pulls the nutrients and flavor into the water with no sugar added.
- Apple cider vinegar activates digestion. Its acetic acid, consumed regularly, decreases abdominal fat and build-up of body and liver fats.
- Cayenne revs the metabolism. Cayenne pepper stimulates the digestion enzymes which boosts the metabolism by increasing body temperature.
- Fruit replaces sugary drinks. Fruit infused waters are slightly sweetened with the natural flavor of your favorite fruits with far less calories and almost zero sugars.
Health Benefits of Detox Water
The more you drink these detox water recipes, the better your digestion (and less indigestion!) will be! It also aids in weight loss, flat belly, and increases your metabolism! Drinking detox water supports:
- liver cleanse
- removes toxins
- clearer skin
- weight loss
- better digestion
- increases hydration
- improves mood
- decreases risk of kidney stones
- improves energy levels
- balances pH levels in the body
[source] It also pairs with my lemon salt water first thing in the morning and a cortisol cocktail at night.
Key Ingredients
- Water - still, or sparkling seltzer water for the fruit infused version.
- Lemons - juice and slices; the base of every recipe here, packed with vitamin C.
- Cucumber and fresh mint - for the lemon cucumber water. Cucumbers have anti inflammatory properties as they are rich in water and fiber and reduce swelling.
- Raw apple cider vinegar - 2 teaspoons per glass, always diluted in water. Try my homemade apple cider vinegar too.
- Cayenne pepper and fresh ginger - the metabolism boosters in the lemon cayenne water.
- Fresh berries - blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, ⅓ cup per glass.
- Real maple syrup - 1 teaspoon to lightly sweeten the vinegar drinks.
Full recipe ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below.
The 4 Detox Water Recipes
I'll share in-depth the benefits that each of these water cleanse recipes have on the body too! Drinking more water will help with digestion and flushing out toxins in the body. So, ready to start your power cleanse diet?! Actually, slash that. Let's not call it a "cleanse diet, super cleaner or weight loss cleanse". Let's revamp it to just be a part of a healthy way of life!
1. Lemon Cucumber Detox Water
This detox drink is a delicious blend of lemons, water, mint leaves, and cucumber slices, and is so easy and refreshing! Add lemon and cucumber slices to water and let it set to maximize nutrients into the detox water. Lemons are high in vitamins such as vitamin C which boosts the immune system. If you want, you can skip the cucumber and just do lemon, but you will be missing out on the benefits of cucumbers. Get the recipe for Lemon Cucumber Detox Water here.
7 benefits of drinking lemon water:
- Lemon water flushes out the system and stimulates the liver. Side note: did you know your liver can store unwanted things like too much iron or it can malfunction to produce extra cholesterol (which the body naturally produces). Lemon water boosts liver productivity to rid the body of extras it does not need. Much like adding Draino to plumbing to unclog a pipe!
- Aids in digestion. Removes bloating and indigestion!
- Builds the immune system. Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which helps increase the body's immunity to sickness!
- Prettier skin! Yes please! Lemons detoxify the blood which maintains skin's radiance. It is also rich in antioxidants to eliminate free radicals that can cause dull skin and cause aging effects.
- Lose weight with lemon water! Lemons naturally contain pectin fiber which helps to ward off hunger cravings.
- Helps with anxiety and depression. Lemons have a calming effect to the nervous system, even just smelling the citrus.
- Prevents kidney stones. The citric acid in lemons increases urine total which helps to fight off kidney stones.
[source] Drinking lemon water in the morning starts the body off with balanced digestion after resting for 8 hours without food or water and boosts liver function. Now that we know 7 benefits to lemon water, let's ramp up the lemon water (base of these detox cleanse recipes) by adding more beneficial detoxing ingredients!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Drink
A zesty blend of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and water to rid the body of unhealthy bacteria. Apple cider vinegar has fat burning properties and studies show that drinking 1-2 tablespoons per day can help you lose weight. It is slightly sweetened with real maple syrup to add a delicious flavor. What's all the rave about apple cider vinegar drink anyways? ALOT! Drinking apple cider vinegar water is one of the best things to drink for weight loss and a flat belly since the main ingredient is water and apple cider activates digestion. Get the recipe for Apple Cider Vinegar Drink here.
Raw apple cider vinegar drink benefits:
- Puts the good bacteria in your body for the improvement of gastrointestinal health associated with a fermented beverage. This aids in the outcomes of a flat belly and less bloat! This apple cider vinegar (ACV) drink contains strand-like chains of protein enzyme molecules that help regulate bacteria in the gastrointestinal. Think of your gut as your second brain. It is a powerhouse that controls your organs and you want to make sure it stays healthy and is rich in good-for-you bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria. Not only does ACV contain good bacteria, it is also rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and other vitamins and minerals [source].
- Drinking 1-2 tablespoons per day helps to maintain blood sugar levels and aids in digestion. Drink 30 ml (2 tablespoons always diluted in water) per day to help with weight loss.
- Kills bacteria in the mouth and removes stains. Whiter teeth!
- Aids to support cardiovascular health thanks to apples [source].
- Assists weight loss! Raw apple cider vinegar such as this one contains acetic acid. Acetic acid, when consumed regularly, decreases abdominal fat and build-up of body and liver fats [source] [source].
3. Lemon Cayenne Pepper Water
This beverage is one of the ultimate detox water for flat belly! This detoxing drink is slightly spicy with a sweet combination of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger and real maple syrup to sweeten. Cayenne pepper is spicy and burns- in a good way! Like most spicy foods, cayenne pepper is fantastic to rev-up the metabolism! This recipe has metabolism boosting ingredients and anti-inflammatory properties from adding fresh ginger, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
Cayenne pepper health benefits:
- Helps digestion. Cayenne pepper stimulates the digestion enzymes which boosts the metabolism by increasing body temperature.
- Heals the gut.
- Detoxes and improves poor circulation. It stimulates circulation to reduce blood clots and remove bacteria and toxins from the body.
- Supports weight loss. When eaten for breakfast, cayenne pepper can decrease the appetite, therefore consuming less food. It is an anti-inflammatory food which is known to soothe bloating, infections and food allergies.
- Is an anti-oxidant and rich in capsanthin and mixed carotenoids, mainly B-carotene, B-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and capsorubin of C. Cayenne is also essential for disease prevention [source].
4. Fruit Infused Detoxing Water
A refreshing combination of fresh berries soaked into the water for a slightly naturally sweet flavor. This is delicious using sparkling or seltzer water and combining fruits and herbs such as mint leaves and basil leaves in addition to berries. Want to feel fancy? Serve it in a champagne glass😊. This is the recipe in the card below.
Health benefits of drinking fruit water: Lose weight with fruit water! Fruit infused waters are an excellent alternative to sugary drinks and have far less calories with almost zero sugars. Craving something sweet to drink? Fruit infused waters are slightly sweetened with the natural flavor of your favorite fruits. This one is made with antioxidant rich berries and a splash of lemon juice.
- Blackberries aid to build elasticity in the skin for a more vibrant look! Blackberries are responsible for strengthening collagen formation to tighten and tone the skin, helping you to look younger. They also are packed with fiber for weight loss and are a lower calorie fruit.
- Lower sugar. Natural sweetness comes from fruit.
- Boost immunity from antioxidants from fruit.
- Aids in weight loss since it is lower in calories and sugar than juice and contains fiber to flush toxins and curbs cravings [source].
How to Make Fruit Infused Detox Water
1In a glass add regular water or plain sparkling water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and fresh berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
2Let set in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight for more potency. Add ice to the glass before drinking.
3For the other three waters, follow the variations in the recipe card notes: lemon cucumber makes a pitcher (set 1-3 hours), the apple cider vinegar and lemon cayenne drinks mix in a single glass over ice.
As always, be sure to check out the full recipe details in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
- Drink any one of these 3 times per day for maximum health benefits.
- Warm lemon water first thing in the morning resets the body after 8 hours without food or water.
- New to apple cider vinegar? Use more water for less apple cider taste while still holding health benefits, and always dilute it.
- Skip the ice on the ACV drink and drink it warm for best absorption.
- Eat the ginger after finishing the lemon cayenne water if you like it, or let the water set 1 hour in the refrigerator for more ginger flavor and benefits.
- Measure smart: in general you should consume ½ your weight in ounces per day. Chia fans, add my chia water to the rotation.
More Detox Drinks to Try
Drinking lemon water everyday and these four detox water recipes will help you lose weight, boost metabolism, stay hydrated, curb hunger, get glowing skin, stay healthy, kill off viruses, and calm anxiety and depression! Cheers to that! Keep going with my green detox juice, green machine juice, detox beet juice, a chlorella detox smoothie or a round of apple cider vinegar shots, and the full lineup of juice recipes for weight loss.
Detox Water FAQs
Drinking water is excellent to improve skin texture. Water (especially infused with lemon) pushes out toxins and free radicals that age us and linger in the body and allows the skin to breathe more freely.
In general you should consume ½ your weight in ounces per day. So if you weigh 100 pounds you should drink 50 ounces of water per day. For detox water and detox drinks, drink about 3 times per day.
At least 1 hour in the refrigerator, or overnight for more potency. The lemon cucumber pitcher sets 1-3 hours; the longer it sets the more flavorful the water.
It replaces caloric and sugary drinks with water that is naturally flavored, and ingredients like apple cider vinegar (acetic acid) and cayenne pepper support digestion and metabolism. Drinking water instead of caloric beverages fuels the body with less calories.
Yes, the fruit infused water is delicious with sparkling or seltzer water, and you can add herbs like mint leaves and basil leaves in addition to the berries.
Either works. Over ice is refreshing, or skip the ice and drink it warm for best absorption. Always dilute the 2 teaspoons of vinegar in a full glass of water.
More Detox Drinks and Recipes
I hope you enjoy these detox water recipes! And don't forget to rate the recipe in the recipe area and leave a comment below! Follow along with me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for a feature and more recipe inspiration! And don't forget to leave a comment below!
Detox Water Recipes For Weight Loss and Cleanse
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Plus get latest recipes and emails.
Ingredients
Fruit Infused Water
- 1 cup water or sparkling (bubbly seltzer) water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup fresh berries such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries
- ice
Instructions
- In a glass add regular water or plain sparkling water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and fresh berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Let set in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight for more potency. Add ice to the glass before drinking.
- See below notes for other variations.
Notes
- Lemon Cucumber Detox Water- Makes a pitcher. Fill up a pitcher with water (about 6 cups). Squeeze the juice from 2 lemons into the pitcher. Cut the third lemon into slices and it to the pitcher along with cucumber slices (from about 1 cucumber) and a few sprigs of mint and let all ingredients set for 1-3 hours before drinking. The longer it sets the more flavorful the water. Fill the remaining pitcher with ice. Enjoy chilled in a glass.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Drink- In a glass add ice, 8 ounces of water, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup. Mix well and enjoy! Or skip the ice and drink warm for best absorption.
- Lemon Cayenne Pepper Water - In a glass add 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, pinch of cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1-inch fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon maple syrup or to taste. Mix well and enjoy over ice! If you like ginger, eat it after finishing the water. For more ginger flavor and benefits, after mixing the ingredients together let the water set for 1 hour in the refrigerator before drinking. Serve chilled over ice.
Jennifer says
Can I use the fruit multiple days or add fresh fruit to new water?
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
The fruit can set up to 1 day, otherwise it starts to break apart and may not taste as fresh. In that case, remake a fresh pitcher or glass.
Michelle says
Haven’t started though my inquiry before starting - can I use frozen fruits - raspberries blackberries - and lemon juice can it be the bottle on the shelf?
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
Yes, you can use frozen fruit, which is delicious! And lemon juice can be bottled, as long as it is fresh squeezed without additives.