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Walnut water is made by soaking shelled walnuts in water so their flavor, nutrients, and natural compounds infuse into the liquid.
It’s a simple drink that anyone can prepare at home with just two ingredients and a little patience.
If you’ve been wondering how to make walnut water, the good news is that the process is incredibly easy and doesn’t require any special equipment.
You can make walnut water using raw walnuts, filtered water, and a jar, and the result is a lightly nutty, refreshing beverage you can enjoy any time of day.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make walnut water, the different methods you can use, and a few tips to get the best flavor possible.
Let’s dive in.
How to Make Walnut Water
Learning how to make walnut water comes down to one simple idea: you soak walnuts in water and let time do the work.
The water pulls out the mild, earthy flavor of the walnuts along with some of their water-soluble nutrients.
Here’s how to make walnut water step by step.
1. Choose Good Quality Walnuts
The first step in making walnut water is picking the right walnuts.
Raw, unsalted walnut halves or pieces work best because they haven’t been roasted or coated in oil and salt.
Fresh walnuts have a sweeter taste, while older ones can turn bitter, which will carry over into your walnut water.
Give them a quick sniff before you start.
If they smell sharp or paint-like, they’ve gone rancid and won’t make good walnut water.
2. Rinse and Soak the Walnuts
Rinse about half a cup of shelled walnuts under cool running water to remove any dust or bits of shell.
Place them in a clean glass jar and pour in two to three cups of filtered water.
Cover the jar and let the walnuts soak at room temperature for at least eight hours, or overnight.
This soaking step is the heart of how to make walnut water because it’s what allows the flavor and nutrients to release into the liquid.
3. Strain and Store Your Walnut Water
Once the soaking time is up, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth into a clean bottle or pitcher.
The liquid you’re left with is your walnut water, ready to drink.
You can also blend the soaked walnuts with fresh water for a creamier, milk-like version of walnut water.
Store your walnut water in the fridge and drink it within three to four days for the best taste.
Benefits of Drinking Walnut Water
Walnut water carries some of the goodness of walnuts into a drink that’s light and easy to sip.
Here are a few reasons people enjoy making walnut water part of their routine.
1. It’s Hydrating and Refreshing
At its core, walnut water is still water, so it keeps you hydrated just like plain water does.
The subtle nutty flavor makes it more interesting to drink, which can help you hit your daily water goals.
If plain water bores you, a glass of walnut water might be the gentle upgrade you need.
2. It Contains Water-Soluble Nutrients
Walnuts are known for healthy fats, but they also contain vitamins and minerals that can leach into water during soaking.
Small amounts of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and certain B vitamins end up in your walnut water.
It’s not a replacement for eating walnuts themselves, but it’s a pleasant way to get a little extra from them.
3. It’s a Gentle, Caffeine-Free Drink
Walnut water has no caffeine, so it’s a great option for evenings or for anyone cutting back on coffee and tea.
It’s also dairy-free and naturally free of added sugars.
You can sip it chilled on a hot day or warm it gently if you prefer something comforting.
Tips for Better Walnut Water
Once you know how to make walnut water, a few small tweaks can take it from fine to fantastic.
Keep these pointers in mind.
1. Use Filtered Water
Since water is the main ingredient in walnut water, its quality matters.
Filtered water gives you a cleaner, sweeter base without the chlorine taste that tap water sometimes has.
Better water means better walnut water, plain and simple.
2. Don’t Soak Too Long
Soaking walnuts for eight to twelve hours is ideal for making walnut water.
Leave them in the water for more than a day or two at room temperature, and the liquid can start to ferment or turn sour.
If you need more time, move the jar to the fridge while it soaks.
3. Experiment With Flavor
Plain walnut water is lovely, but you can dress it up however you like.
Try adding a dash of cinnamon, a slice of lemon, or a drizzle of honey before you drink it.
A few mint leaves also pair beautifully with the nutty taste of homemade walnut water.
4. Save the Soaked Walnuts
Don’t toss the walnuts after you’ve made your walnut water.
Soaked walnuts are softer and easier to digest, and they’re great in oatmeal, smoothies, or baked goods.
That way, nothing goes to waste when you make walnut water at home.
So, How Do You Make Walnut Water?
You make walnut water by soaking raw, shelled walnuts in filtered water for eight to twelve hours, then straining the liquid into a clean container.
It’s a simple two-ingredient drink that’s hydrating, caffeine-free, and lightly nutty in flavor.
Use fresh walnuts, filtered water, and a little patience, and you’ll have a batch of walnut water ready to enjoy in no time.
Whether you drink it chilled, flavor it with cinnamon or lemon, or blend it into a creamier version, learning how to make walnut water opens the door to a fun, fuss-free homemade beverage.
Give it a try tonight, and you’ll have a fresh glass of walnut water waiting for you in the morning.