Decked-Out Water

Prep: 5 min., Chill: 1 hr. This is a standard at Assistant Test Kitchens Director James Schend's dinner parties. "It's flavored water that's more refreshing than plain tap or bottled water," he says.

Yield: Makes 12 cups

Ingredients

• 1  medium cucumber
• 12  cups  water
• 3  thin orange slices
• 3  thin lemon slices
• 3  fresh, thin ginger slices
• 3  fresh flat-leaf parsley or cilantro sprigs
• 6  fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
• Garnish: fresh parsley or cilantro sprigs

Preparation

1. Cut 2 thin lengthwise slices from cucumber. Reserve remaining for another use.

2. Stir together cucumber slices, 12 cups water, and next 5 ingredients in a pitcher; cover and chill 1 hour. Pour over ice in glasses before serving. Garnish, if desired.