10 ways to make water taste better

Do you hate the bland taste of water? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of people refrain from getting in their 6-8 glasses of water a day because they don’t like the taste.

So, where does that leave us? With more headaches, fatigue, and diminished performance throughout the day.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are plenty of ways you can make a glass of water easier to get down, which we’ll get more into in a minute.

In our opinion, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by installing a water cooler. That way, you won’t have to deal with any grimy tap water or unpleasant odours. At Cool Water Company, we provide a range of modern water coolers, perfect for offices, schools, and even homes.

So, let’s get into the other quick ways you can improve the taste of your water.

1. Use ice

This is probably the most simple solution, but it can really improve the taste of the water.

Adding a drop of ice to your water can really freshen it up and get rid of any weird tastes, since the cold ‘dulls’ the flavour, making it more palatable.

When you drink an ice-cold drink, your taste buds pick up on fewer flavours, which is perfect if your tap water has a stronger mineral content. Just store your ice in the freezer and add it to your glass when you need it!

2. Veg and herb infusions

A lot of people are starting to add veggies and herbs to their water, not only to make it even healthier but also to alter its taste.

Doing so produces a more savoury taste, which is better for those who aren’t fond of sweet flavours. The aroma of mint leaves or cucumber adds to the taste, making it more appealing to drink.

Another popular pairing is cucumber and lemon peel for a bit of crispness and zing, or ginger and mint for a bit of a kick. You could also try:

Rosemary and lemon peel
Orange peel and thyme
Celery and lemon
Chili and cucumber

3. Chill your water

If you try just one thing from this list, make it this. Chilling water before drinking it can make a world of difference; it doesn’t change what’s in it, like a filter would, it just changes the tasting experience.

Like ice, letting your water chill makes it taste cleaner, which is exactly what you want if you’re put off by the flavour of tap water. If you notice your water has a strong chlorine taste or smell, chilling it in the fridge for at least 2 hours can dull the notes.

Just use a lidded jug so none of the odours from your fridge get in.

4. Citrus zest trick

Citrus is a great hack if you want to sweeten up your water a bit without adding a stack of fruit and veg or sugary squash.

A tiny amount of citrus goes a long way, since most of what we think of as “citrus flavour” actually comes from the oils in the peel. Not only does it make the water taste better, but it also adds a fruity scent.

Many people use a zest of lime rather than squeezing it in because it adds a bit of tang without making the water sour. You could even run the peel around the rim of the glass rather than adding it to the water.

Try:

Orange
Lime
Grapefruit
Lemon

5. Try herbal tea

There’s more than one way to boost your daily water intake. Herbal tea is much healthier than your average tea or coffee, and it tastes much fresher.

Just add a herbal tea bag to a warm cup of water and let it sit for a while. Most of them are packed with tasty flavours and aromas, adding to the overall experience. It can even mask mild chlorine or metallic notes.

If you prefer a drink that isn’t too bitter, try cold herbal tea; it’s great for the summer. Some popular flavours to try include:

Mint: creates a clean, crisp, refreshing tea
Lemon and ginger: provides a gentle, sweet taste
Rooibos: slightly vanilla/caramel taste
Hibiscus/berry blends: fruity and bold flavours
Chamomile: mellow and gentle for a calming tea

6. Add some flavour drops/powders

Nowadays, you can buy flavour drops or powders to add to a glass of water and give it a bit more character.

There’s no chopping fruit, preparing teas, or chilling water involved. You just add the drop or powder to the water and stir it in! Just look for ones with no sugar and no caffeine. If you prefer a sharp, fruity taste, look for acidic drops. Do you want something a bit sweeter? Opt for drops with sweeteners instead.

These feel like a step towards better hydration, not a replacement for water.

7. Try some fruit water

Similar to herbs and veg, adding fruit to your water can really give it that punch it’s missing.

This is another simple way to improve the taste of your water while getting in some of your five a day. It provides a light, fresh kick and can make drinking water throughout the day a lot more fun.

You can experiment with different types of fruit, from berries to citrus mixes, to change it up a bit. Plus, you’re drinking a low content of natural sugars rather than digesting refined sugars from cordial.

Here are some combinations of fruit to try:

Orange and raspberry
Strawberry and lemon
Watermelon and lime
Apple and cinnamon
Blueberry and lemon
Peach and basil

8. Switch to sparkling water

Sometimes, adding a bit of bubbles is all it takes.

Sparkling water provides that satisfying tingle you get from drinking a fizzy drink, just without the unhealthy additives. Not everyone likes it, but it can help fight off cravings for soft drinks.

It turns a boring glass of water into something fun and refreshing. Serve it cold for the best flavour. You can even try carbonating your water at home to save money!

9. Add a splash of squash or cordial

If you’ve tried fruits and vegetables and drops and nothing is cutting it, then it’s time to try some cordial juice.

While these have a higher sugar content, a few drops won’t do much harm; just make sure not to have it all the time. This works on days when you know you need to drink some water but just want a quick way to make it taste better.

Plus, it’s a great way to help you switch from fizzy drinks to healthier options until you work your way up to plain or fruit water.

10. Switch to a Cool Water Company water cooler

If you want a solution that is consistent and efficient and doesn’t require you to try out a bunch of new hacks, then our water coolers are the answer.

Designed for offices and businesses, our modern bottled water coolers can be placed near desks or high-traffic areas, providing fresh spring water so you can ditch the tap water.

We even sell plumbed-in water coolers for those who want a constant supply of filtered water directly from the mains. Less hassle, better taste. Contact us today to start your free trial!