Bottled Water Recipe

Sanitize bottle

If the bottle is reusable, wash it with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, then sanitize by rinsing with a mild bleach solution (1 tsp bleach per 1 liter water) and rinse again with filtered water. Allow to air dry or wipe with a clean cloth.

Chill water

If using room-temperature filtered water, chill it in the refrigerator until cold, about 1–2 hours. If you prefer cold immediately, prepare ice cubes ahead of time.

Place the clean bottle on a stable surface. If using a funnel, position it in the bottle mouth to avoid spills.

Pour 1 liter of chilled filtered water into the bottle using the funnel if desired. Leave a small headspace (about 1–2 cm) below the cap to allow for slight expansion if freezing or to avoid splashing.

If using ice cubes, add up to 6 ice cubes into the bottle before capping. Note: ice will melt and dilute the water over time; for long-term storage, omit ice.

If adding flavor, drop in 1–2 lemon slices and 2–3 mint leaves. Gently swirl the bottle to distribute flavor. For a stronger infusion, let sit in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before sealing (if you plan to drink soon) or leave sealed for up to 4 hours.

Secure the cap tightly to prevent contamination and spills. Wipe the outside of the bottle if needed and label with the date if storing.

Store the bottled water in the refrigerator if chilled or in a cool, dark place if kept at room temperature. Consume flavored water within 48 hours for best taste; plain filtered bottled water can be stored sealed for up to 6 months (for reusable bottles, follow manufacturer guidance).

To serve, open the cap, pour into a glass, or drink directly from the bottle. If ice was added and water is diluted, consider replacing ice for subsequent servings.