Detox Water: Recipes for Weight Loss, Clear Skin, & Cleanse

Until a few years ago, I was one of those people who really didn't like drinking water. I know it sounds cliché when people say lemon water is their beauty secret, but the truth is… starting your day with a glass of any infused or detox water really does make a noticeable difference. Once you drink them consistently and start paying attention, you’ll see how they can dramatically affect how your body feels and how your skin looks.

When I started drinking lemon and ginger water every morning, even after a few days, my skin looked clearer, and I felt less tired and bloated. On weeks or months when I didn’t hydrate enough, the signs showed up quickly: small breakouts on my cheeks, dull skin, headaches, and that heavy, sluggish feeling. So, I looked deeper into how to add these infused and detox waters into my routine in a way that was enjoyable and sustainable.

I went on a quest to learn different recipes and how to make detox water for different purposes.

In recent years, I’ve experimented with dozens of detox water recipes, testing different combinations based on the season, time of day, hormones, and how my body feels. I discovered what worked best for a morning detox, after-meal use, and a gentle reset.

You can also use most detox waters for a weekend cleanse or 10-day cleanse, but I prefer to integrate them into my everyday life.

Detox Water Health Benefits and Why You’ll Love These Recipes

I learned that making your own detox water is very easy. I experimented with recipes and customized them.

Combining fruits, herbs, roots, and spices in your morning or evening detox drink can improve digestive health, reduce bloating, boost energy, promote glowing skin, and help your body release built-up toxins. The more intentional your ingredients, the faster and more noticeable the results.

While the concept of detox water feels like a modern health and wellness trend, these recipes and natural remedies are anything but new. When I started to learn more about different detox water combinations and their benefits, I realized that some of the recipes I was reading about I had first heard from my grandmother and my great-aunt. Old Caribbean grandmas would never call it “detox water,” but they absolutely believed in using infused waters as daily remedies for the body.

For years, my grandma started her days drinking clove water infused the night before, or warm lemon water with garlic to gently wake up the body and support natural detox. She used her infused waters to cleanse her system, alleviate pain, and restore balance after sleep.

At night, she boiled passionflower and drank the infused water to help her sleep more easily. For her, getting good sleep and letting go of daily stress were just as important as removing physical toxins, since both can weigh on the body.

Looking back, my grandma had a detox water for almost everything: one before bed to relax, one in the morning to wake up and cleanse, and special blends to boost the immune system when we felt under the weather.

There are so many detox water recipes out there, with blends that go from cleansing to glowing skin and weight loss. Classic mixes like fresh ginger, cayenne pepper and lemon water or black pepper and turmeric infused waters are popular for a reason. Today, I’m sharing some of my grandmother’s secret drinks along with simple, refreshing detox water recipes designed to help you feel healthier, lighter, and glow from the inside out.

How to Make Detox Water

There are two simple methods to make detox water at home, and the method you choose can slightly change both the flavor and the strength of the detoxifying benefits. I choose based on the ingredients.

Cold Water Infusion 

Best for: Fruits, herbs, cucumber, citrus

Flavor: Light, refreshing

This is the easiest and most common way to make detox water. Chop fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables. Place all ingredients in a glass pitcher or bottle, fill with water, and refrigerate for 2-12 hours.

Let them infuse slowly. I like to let my waters infuse overnight for a stronger flavor, but you can also let them infuse throughout the day while you drink them.

Hot Infusion (Boiled Detox Water)

Best for: Garlic, cloves, onions, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric

Flavor: Strong and medicinal

Boiling is ideal when you want a more powerful infused water or for harder cover ingredients. Boil water, add ingredients, and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink warm or let cool to room temperature. Warm water infusions are especially good for colder months.

Best Detox Water Recipes for Weight Loss, Clearer Skin & Cleanse your Body

Garlic and Lemon Water (Detox Cleanse Water​)

If you’re looking for a detox morning lemon water, this lemon and garlic combination is a must. It’s an acquired taste, not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most effective detox water recipes for digestion and immunity. My grandma and mom have sworn by this drink for years. To soften the strong garlic flavor, I add honey or orange slices.

Garlic & lemon water benefits: Supports healthy cholesterol levels, weight loss and bone health

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed

• Juice of 2 lemons

• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Method 1 – Boiled:

Boil water, add crushed garlic, and simmer for 8-12 minutes. Remove your garlic water from the heat, add lemon juice, strain, and let cool slightly before drinking.

Method 2 – Infusion Only:

Add crushed garlic and lemon juice to room-temperature water. Cover and let infuse for 8-10 hours, then drink.

Raspberry, Lemon & Basil Infused Water for Clearer Skin

If you are looking for a lighter, fruit-forward detox water recipe, this basil, raspberry, and lemon infused water is refreshing and perfect for those looking for detoxifying drinks for clearer skin. It’s my favorite summer detox water, I love the combination of basil, raspberries and lemon.

Basil infused water benefits: Antioxidant support, hydration, clearer skin

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water

• ½ cup of fresh raspberries

• 5-6 basil leaves

• 1-2 lemons, sliced

Method 1 – Cold Infusion:

Add all ingredients to a pitcher and refrigerate for 4-12 hours.

Method 2 – Quick Infusion:

Lightly press the raspberries, lemon slices and basil to release flavor, then infuse in water for 2-4 hours.

Clove Detox Cleanse Water (Gut & Metabolism Support)

Clove detox water is one of those traditional remedies that doesn’t get enough attention. This detox water has so many benefits. 

Read our clove water recipe to learn more. 

Detox water benefits: Promotes oral health and healthy blood sugar levels

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 4-5 whole cloves

• 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Method 1 – Boiled:

Boil cloves in water for 5-15 minutes, strain, and drink warm or cooled.

Method 2 – Infusion Only:

Add cloves to water and let them infuse overnight for 8-12 hours.

Rosemary, Orange (or Apple) & Cinnamon Water

If you love herbal, aromatic flavors, this rosemary, citrus, and cinnamon infused water is perfect for you. It’s a beautiful blend for digestion, circulation, and overall body balance. I like to rotate between oranges and lemon slices in the summer and green apple slices in winter, depending on what my body needs.

Cinnamon water benefits: Improves circulation, aids digestion, boost metabolism

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2 oranges or lemons, sliced

• 2 cinnamon sticks

Method 1 – Hybrid:

Boil cinnamon and rosemary for 5 minutes, cool, then add citrus and infuse for 4 hours.

Method 2 – Infusion Only:

Add all ingredients to cold water and refrigerate.

Red Onion Detox Water with Lemon & Honey

This red onion detox water may sound intense, but it’s one of the most powerful traditional detoxifying drinks for immunity and inflammation. We use lemon juice in ours, but a Cypriot friend recommended olive oil instead.

Detox water benefits: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 1 red onion, sliced

• Juice of 1 lemon or two tbsp of olive oil

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Method 1 – Boiled:

Boil the onion for 10 minutes, strain, and add lemon juice and honey.

Method 2 – Infusion Only:

Add onion slices to water and infuse for 12 hours, then strain and add lemon juice.

Pineapple, Limes or Lemon & Cucumber Water for Weight Loss & Bloating

This detox water recipe is ideal for supporting weight loss. The bromelain enzymes in pineapple help support digestion and provide natural anti-inflammatory benefits. I love experimenting with different combinations of pineapple and lime in my infused water, and I’ve added basil leaves, fresh mint, and thyme, all of which taste delicious.

Cucumber & lemon detox water benefits: Reduces bloating, supports digestion, promotes hydration

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water

• 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• Juice of 1 lime or lemon

• 1 lime, sliced

• Pinch of black pepper (optional)

Method 1 – Boiled:

Wash, peel, and cut the pineapple into chunks. Set the chunks aside, then boil the pineapple skin with black pepper, if using. Strain the pineapple water, then allow it to cool before adding the pineapple chunks, cucumber, and lime juice.

Method 2 – Infusion Only (Extra Refreshing):

Infuse all ingredients in the fridge overnight.

Fire Cider Infusion

Fire cider is one of the most powerful traditional remedies and infused drink recipes. It’s made by combining several strong ingredients known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties. Fire cider isn’t meant to be subtle; it’s meant to be spicy and highly effective. This is a vinegar-based infusion.

Infusion benefits: Overall health, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal

Ingredients:

• 2 bottles of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother

• 3 knobs of ginger

• 3 knobs of turmeric

• 5-7 garlic cloves

• 2 red onions

• 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper

• 2 jalapenos

• 2 lemons

• 2 limes

• 2 oranges

• 2-3 teaspoons of black pepper

• 2 sprigs of thyme

• 2 sprigs of rosemary

• A few oregano leaves

• A few mint leaves

• 2-3 cinnamon sticks

• 5 whole cloves

• 2 teaspoon raw honey (optional)

Method 1 – Infusion Only:

Add all the chopped ingredients to a large pitcher or glass jar. I like using a food processor to chop several ingredients at once to save time, but you can also mince or chop everything by hand. 

Pour in the two bottles of apple cider vinegar, shaking the bottles well before pouring to get the mother. Make sure all the ingredients are fully submerged. Seal the jar with a nonreactive lid and store it in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks, shaking the jar every one or two days.

Once the four weeks have passed, strain the mixture and add honey, if using. Refrigerate and drink one to two shots daily for up to 6 to 8 months.

Detox Water with Lemon, Mint leaves & Strawberries (Refreshing Summer Blend)

This strawberry, lemon, and mint infusion is another summer favorite. It’s super easy to sip all day.

Detox water benefits: Hydration, digestion, glowing skin

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water

• ½ cup of fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1-2 lemons, sliced

• 8-10 fresh mint leaves

Method 1 – Cold Infusion:

Lightly crush the mint leaves. Add strawberries and lemon slices, then refrigerate to infuse.

Oregano, Turmeric & Tamarind Infused Water

This oregano, turmeric, and tamarind infused water is a deeply traditional herbal remedy used to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe cold symptoms. It has a savory flavor with a subtle tamarind tang.

Infused water benefits: Digestive support, cold remedy, gut balance

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano or two small fresh sprigs

• 2 turmeric knobs

• 10 tamarind pods

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Method 1 – Boiled:

If using whole pods, peel off the shell and lightly break the pulp apart. If using tamarind paste/pulp, (3-4 tbsp) no prep needed. Drop the tamarind, oregano, black pepper and turmeric knobs into the boiling water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The water will turn light brown and slightly thick. Use a spoon to mash the tamarind, turmeric, and oregano leaves to release more flavor. Strain out solids

Fennel Seeds, Green Apple and Lemon Infused Water

If you’re focused on weight loss and digestion, you need to try this apple and lemon infused water. Fennel seeds add fiber and help support gut health, while green apple and lemon provide natural detoxifying and antioxidant benefits.

Infused water benefits: Weight loss support, digestion, lower risk of heart disease

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of plain water

• 1 green apple, thinly sliced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

Method 1 – Infusion:

Add all ingredients to your water and drink throughout the day.

Method 2 – Overnight Infusion:

Infuse overnight for a thicker, more filling texture.

Anise, Bay Leaf & Chia Seeds Detox Water

This anise, bay leaf, and chia seed detox water is good for bloating and PMS relief. Anise has long been used to calm the gut, while bay leaves and chia seeds help support detoxification and digestive balance.

Detox water benefits: Reduces bloating, supports digestion, and gut balance

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water

• 6-8 star anise

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Method 1 – Boiled:

Boil anise and bay leaves for 10 minutes, remove from heat, strain, let the water cool down, then add chia seeds.

Method 2 – Infusion Only:

Add all ingredients to the water and let them infuse overnight.

Passion flower Detox Water (Calming & Sleep Support)

If your goals are stress relief, better sleep, and gentle detoxification, this passion flower detox water is a must. My grandma always believed that calming the nervous system was part of detoxing the body, and this recipe is perfect for slowing down and resetting at night.

Detox water benefits: Stress reduction, sleep support, nervous system balance

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon dried passion flower leaves or 1 passion flower

Method 1 – Boiled:

Boil the flower or dried leaves for 15 minutes, strain, and drink warm before bed.

Method 2 – Infusion Only:

Infuse passionflower leaves in water overnight, then strain and drink in the evening.

Tips & Variations for Making Detox Water

• If a recipe tastes too strong, dilute it with extra water. 

• For sweeter detox water recipes, or fruit infused waters add orange slices, pineapples, or berries.

• Honey is completely optional; even a small amount can help balance bold ingredients like garlic, clove, or onion.

• You can also change the ingredients depending on the season. In summer, opt for cold-infused detox water with mint, cucumber, or berries.

• In winter, we opt for drinking infused water with spices, roots, and herbs, either boiled or left to steep overnight. It will help you stay warm and have a strong immune system.

• If you’re new to detox water, start with fruit-based blends and slowly introduce stronger herbal combinations. 

Best Bottles or Pitchers for Detox Water

Using the right container makes detox water easier to prepare and more enjoyable to drink. We use this glass pitcher , it is ideal for detox water recipes, as they don’t absorb flavors and keep ingredients fresh. Look for pitchers with built-in infusers to separate fruit and herbs from the water.

For on-the-go detox water, glass or stainless steel infuser bottles work best. Wide-mouth bottles make it easier to add ingredients and clean thoroughly. Avoid plastic when possible, especially for overnight infusions or warm detox water.

Detox Water FAQ

• How long does detox water last in the fridge?

  You can store your infused or detox water in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, depending on the ingredients. Citrus and herbs hold up well, while softer fruits may lose flavor after a few days.

• Can infused water be stored at room temperature?

  In winter, infused waters can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 day. In warmer months, refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness and safety.

• Can I reuse the ingredients?

  Yes, most fruits, vegetables and herbs can be reused once within 24 hours. Simply refill with water and enjoy a lighter infusion.

Love These Detox Water Recipes? Explore More Wellness Drinks

We hope you enjoy these refreshing detox water recipes as much as we do. This collection is perfect to keep on hand for daily hydration and gentle cleansing. Each recipe is simple to make at home and easy to customize.

If you experiment with different fruits, herbs, and add-ins, share your favorite variations in the comments. We’d love to hear what combinations you’re loving. Pin or save them to your Pinterest board so you can easily recreate them throughout the week.

Explore our wellness section, where you’ll find herbal tea blends, immune-boosting green juice recipes, and other healthy drink ideas to support your routine. Subscribe to our email list and join to be the first to know when new wellness drink recipes are posted.

Besitos,

Laura