Good Water also known as lemon water is the beverage we served at the wedding reception I recently helped with. I have no idea why it is called Good Water other than the fact that it is good!
I am guessing it earned that name when people started asking, “Is that the good water?”
We served regular water and Good Water at the reception. The Good Water has a wonderful, light lemon flavor.
It is made using lemon extract and citric acid.
According to Wikipedia, citric acid is a weak organic acid, and it is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic, or sour, taste to foods and soft drinks.
I purchased the citric acid at a local pharmacy – Beaverton Pharmacy. It comes in a powder form. A small bottle was $18.00 but you only need a tablespoon per batch.
My friend Karen who was helping me at the reception mentioned that instead of using lemon extract you can use a mixture of pineapple and coconut extract to create a pina colada flavored water – yum! I am definitely going to try that next time.
We served the water in two large, pretty water containers. One was just plain old, boring ice water and the other was Good Water with sliced lemons. With the hot weather we were experiencing the Good Water was so refreshing and definitely the most popular water!
I love these water containers but because they are self serve with a spigot you need to make sure you place them somewhere where the water that will spill out doesn’t cause any problems. Ours was over some porous pavers so it wasn’t a problem but if the table is on a floor it may make the floor slippery.
At your next party enjoy some Good Water!
Good Water
5 quarts water
3 C sugar
1 Tbsp lemon extract
1 Tbsp citric acid
3 sliced lemons
1/2 pkg of ice
Mix ingredients together in a large container. Serves 30






















I saw those containers for sale at Costco last year and did not buy them. I kick myself now as I can’t find them at a decent price out here in Connecticut. I think they are a great,and pretty way, to serve water or something to drink.
I’ve only had “good water” with oranges and orange extract. But I’m sure its yummy with lemon! And I love those beverage things. Costco had them for $26 this year so I got a bunch for gifts. Everyone loves them! Thanks for all of the fun ideas!
Does this have to be bottled water or can it be tap? I’m a tap water drinker.
I used water right out of the tap!
I love homemade flavored waters! I do this all the time at home — great alternative to unhealthy drinks for my kids like soda, etc.
Looks delish!
This sounds wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing. I can’t wait to try this.
Looks great! Can you use Splenda instead of sugar?
Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer,
I don’t see why not. I have never substituted it but it’s worth a try. Let me know if you try it.
Yes, my Mom makes this all the time and she uses Splenda and it’s still GREAT water!
I’ve been waiting for this recipe as it sounded so intriguing!
Jenn’s idea of oranges and orange extract sounded good too.
My DIL Cathy in UT has this container and makes a refreshing drink of cucumber water for parties. I think it’s made with a powdered lemonade mix (the citric acid) and sliced cucumbers. Very different and refreshing!
You do have to be careful when washing the container as it is made of glass and is very heavy.
OK – as a non-cook – how is this not lemonade?
Mmm, yummy, I love this stuff!
I have also made this with orange extract. It is yummy both ways. When we make it we always get a huge bag of Sonic’s nugget ice to put in the punch bowl. It makes for a great presentation. Also, I have found the citric acid for much cheaper at health food stores in the soap making area. I know wierd hu….. But it’s about $8.00 for a 12oz.container. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that container. So pretty.
Does the sugar dissolve since it is not being boiled? It sounds so refreshing! Now I need to search for citric acid.
Yum! Thanks for sharing.
Thank-you for sharing! We served this at our September (the meeting formerly known as) Enrichment and it was a hit.
I’ve directed all the sisters back to your blog for the recipe
You can also buy Citric Acid at the health food store. A medium size bottle is under $5.
Hi Leah Anne!
I love cucumbers in water too.
I know this is an older post but I just have to say I love this! I’m actually planning my wedding now and I’m looking at ideas for fancying up the water.
I would love it if you shared this at our summertime blog hop today, I think others would like it! Hope to see you there:
http://www.recipelionblog.com/fabulous-food-fridays-may-blog-hop/
Sarah @ RecipeLon
This is a bit random, but I am wondering if Fruit Fresh can be used in place of the citric acid? I am hoping to make this very soon and I already have that on hand. Just curious! Thanks!
I have never tried it so don’t know. Worth a try!