Sparkling Strawberry Citrus Drink (Print version)

Refreshing blend of strawberries, citrus, and sparkling water, perfect for a light, vibrant drink.

# What You Need:

→ Fruit

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

→ 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

# How to Make:

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 - Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker and fill with ice cubes.
03 - Shake or stir vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds to combine all ingredients and chill 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 tips:

01 -
  • Quick and effortless: From start to finish, this mocktail is ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free: Made with whole fruit and simple pantry staples, it suits a wide range of dietary needs — simply use agave syrup instead of honey for a strictly vegan version.
  • Alcohol-free and crowd-pleasing: Everyone at the table can enjoy it, from kids to adults.
  • Endlessly customisable: A splash of orange juice, a dash of elderflower syrup, or a few cucumber slices can transform the flavour profile entirely.
  • Gorgeous presentation: The deep ruby colour of the strawberries against sparkling water, fresh mint, and lemon slices makes every glass look like something from a summer café menu.
02 -
  • Chill your glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before assembling — it keeps the mocktail colder for longer.
  • Muddle gently but thoroughly: Press the strawberries firmly enough to release all their juice, but avoid over-muddling the lemon rind, which can introduce bitterness.
  • Strain well: Use a fine-mesh strainer to achieve a smooth, pulp-free base that lets the sparkling water shine.
  • Add sparkling water last: Always pour the sparkling water over the strained mixture at the very end and stir gently to preserve the fizz.
  • Use agave for a vegan version: Simply swap honey for agave syrup — it dissolves just as easily and keeps the mocktail entirely plant-based.
  • Make it ahead: Prepare the muddled strawberry base in advance and refrigerate it; add ice and sparkling water only when ready to serve.
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