DIY Hop Water: Taste It Before You Spend $12 on a Six-Pack

Why I Love This Hop Water Recipe

Curious what hop water actually tastes like? Here's how to make your own at home in minutes, so you can decide if it's worth buying before you commit to a six-pack.

First and foremost, if you make your own, you will save a lot of money! I looked at various hop water on the market, and while some did taste great, others were OK. If I spend $35 for a 12-pack, it better be great tasting. Over time, I started thinking about what hop water is - isn't it hops and water? Like a tea?

It is pretty simple, and inexpensive, too. Hop water can sound challenging, but I have taken some of the hassle out of it with my recipe. Up next are some tips on making your own.

Tips To Make Your Own Hop Water

Of course, you should start by choosing a hop variety you like. If you aren't sure where to begin, look at the hops in your favorite beers. Then, look for those hops at a brew store and you are one step closer to getting into the kitchen!

Herbs and flowers pair well alongside hops. Again, I'd recommend turning to your favorite herbs or flowers. Truth be told, I would also check out hop water flavors available to purchase first. Based on what flavors sound good, I would attempt to make that flavor at home.

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When you are ready, try growing your hops! This year, I bought a few varieties of hops that I'm hoping will be a wonderful addition to my garden. I plan to dry the hops whenever they can be harvested so I can use them over winter in hop water.

Now I must get back to planning how I'm going to grow my hops this year. While you wait for my next post, check out my other drink recipes on the blog. Would you try growing hops?

Growing Hops For Homemade Hop Water

Growing hops at home is relatively easy. First, find a place that sells hop rhizomes. Then, select the variety of hop you'd like to grow. Then, plant per the directions (typically, they can be planted if the soil is workable and the temperature is above freezing). Hops grow very tall/long and need a support of some sort. For example, a cattle panel works great as a trellis for hops! Year one, you likely won't get many hops; year two will be a little more, and by year three the plant should be producing at full capacity.

Grow & harvest, and then dry the hops for later use when making hop water.

Choosing Hops For Hope Water

As you look for hops to use for hop water, there will be many options. If you are a regular beer drinker, you likely know what types of beer you like. I would start by searching what kind of hops are used in your favorite beer. This will ensure you like that flavor profile and should like the taste of the hop water.

If you aren't a regular beer drinker, many sites list flavor profiles, and that can be used as a guide for choosing.