You'll be amazed at the refreshing flavors that pop out when you soak lemons and fresh herbs in water for an hour or so. No sugar. Just pure, thirst-quenching goodness.

Hit-The-Spot Lemon Water

4 lemons, sliced
1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh mint or basil leaves
6 to 8 cups bottled water or tap water
6 to 8 cups ice cubes
Fresh mint or basil sprigs

1. Place lemon slices in a large pitcher. Carefully rub the 1 1/2 cups mint leaves between the palms of your hands to slightly bruise the leaves. Add to the pitcher with lemon. Pour in water. Cover and chill for 1 to 8 hours.
2. Strain lemon-water mixture. Discard herbs. Divide lemon slices and additional fresh mint or basil sprigs equally among 6 to 8 tall glasses or pint-sized canning jars. For each serving, add 1 cup of ice cubes; fill with the lemon water.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutritional facts per serving: calories (1/6 of recipe): 11, total fat: 0g, saturated fat: 0g, monounsaturated fat: 0g, polyunsaturated fat: 0g, cholesterol: 0mg, sodium: 8mg, carbohydrate: 4g, total sugar: 1g, fiber: 1g, protein: 0g, vitamin A: 0%, vitamin C: 34%, calcium: 1%, iron: 1%

Recipe and photograph provided by Better Homes and Gardens - BHG.com a member of the Home and Family Network for the best of cooking, gardening, decorating and more. © 2003 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved.