Sparkling Strawberry Refreshing Drink (Print Version)

A refreshing blend of fresh strawberries, citrus, and sparkling water for a vibrant, light beverage.

# Components:

→ Fruit

01 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 2 thin slices lemon, plus extra for garnish
03 - 2 thin slices cucumber, optional

→ Syrup

04 - 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

→ Juice

05 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

→ Sparkling

06 - 1.5 cups chilled sparkling water

→ Garnish

07 - Fresh mint leaves
08 - Ice cubes

# Directions:

01 - In a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass, muddle the strawberries, lemon slices, and cucumber slices with the honey or agave syrup until the strawberries are well crushed and release their juices.
02 - Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the shaker and fill with ice cubes.
03 - Shake or stir vigorously to combine all ingredients and chill the mixture thoroughly.
04 - Strain the mixture evenly into two glasses filled with fresh ice.
05 - Top each glass with sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
06 - Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes just ten minutes and tastes like you spent an hour at a fancy bar.
  • Fresh, vibrant flavors that actually make you feel good drinking them, no guilt attached.
02 -
  • Don't skip the fresh lemon juice because bottled versions taste stale and flat, and this drink lives or dies by brightness.
  • Muddle gently enough that the strawberry seeds stay mostly intact, because broken seeds make the drink taste bitter and grassy instead of fresh and sweet.
03 -
  • If you want a frozen version, blend the muddled strawberries with ice before straining and then top with sparkling water for a slushy texture.
  • Make a batch of simple syrup at home if honey's not your thing, and you can prep it ahead so assembly becomes even faster.
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