Fresh fruit is ideal, although frozen strawberries can also be used.

Step 2: Wash the Strawberries

Place the strawberries under cool running water and rinse them thoroughly.

Drain them well and remove the green leafy tops.

You can leave small strawberries whole. Larger strawberries can be cut in half if necessary, although the blender will easily break them down.

Try to remove excess water before blending so the flavor of the fruit remains concentrated.

Step 3: Prepare the Kiwi

1. Cut off both ends of each kiwi.
2. Peel away the skin.
3. Cut each kiwi into several large chunks.
4. Place the pieces into the blender.

There is no need to dice the kiwi into tiny pieces because the blender will quickly puree it.

The kiwi adds acidity and a tropical character that prevents the strawberry flavor from becoming overly sweet.

Step 4: Add the Coconut Water

Pour 2 cups of coconut water into the blender.

Coconut water serves as the liquid base for the drink. Its mild flavor allows the strawberry and kiwi to remain the stars of the recipe.

If you prefer a less concentrated drink, you can add a little extra coconut water later.

Step 5: Add the Salt

Add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to the blender.

Although the quantity is small, salt can help balance the fruit flavors and make the sweetness and acidity seem more pronounced.

The finished beverage should not taste salty. If you can strongly taste the salt, too much has been added.

Step 6: Add Honey if Desired

Add 1 teaspoon of honey if the fruit is particularly tart or you prefer a sweeter drink.

You can easily leave the honey out.

Ripe strawberries can provide plenty of natural sweetness, and ginger ale will also make the final drink sweeter.

For a lighter beverage, omit the honey and use sparkling water.

Step 7: Blend the Fruit

Place the lid securely on the blender.

Blend the ingredients on high for approximately 20 seconds.

The goal is to break down the strawberries and kiwi and create an evenly mixed fruit beverage.

Avoid blending unnecessarily long. Once the fruit has been thoroughly broken down, stop the blender.

Taste a small amount if desired and adjust the sweetness before straining.

Step 8: Strain the Mixture

If you prefer a smooth drink, place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl, jug, or measuring cup.

1. Pour the blended fruit mixture into the strainer.
2. Allow the liquid to pass through.
3. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the fruit.
4. Continue until most of the liquid has passed through.
5. Transfer the strained drink to a clean container.

Straining removes much of the strawberry seeds and fruit pulp.

However, this step is optional. If you enjoy a thicker, more natural fruit texture, simply leave the mixture unstrained.

Step 9: Prepare the Glasses

Fill two glasses generously with ice.

Use clear glasses if you want to showcase the attractive pink-red color of the beverage.

Pour the chilled strawberry kiwi mixture over the ice.

Do not fill the glasses completely because you still need room for the sparkling water or ginger ale.

Step 10: Add the Carbonation

Slowly pour sparkling water or ginger ale into each glass.

Use sparkling water if you want:

• A lighter flavor
• Less sweetness
• More emphasis on fresh fruit
• A clean, crisp finish

Choose ginger ale if you prefer:

• More sweetness
• A stronger fizzy sensation
• A subtle ginger flavor
• A more dessert-like fruit drink

Pour slowly because carbonation can create considerable foam when it meets ice and fruit liquid.

Step 11: Stir Gently

Use a long spoon to give each glass one or two gentle stirs.

Do not stir aggressively because excessive stirring can cause the carbonation to disappear more quickly.

Step 12: Garnish

Finish each glass with a strawberry slice and a thin piece of kiwi.

For an extra attractive presentation, place the strawberry on the rim of the glass or add a small mint sprig.

Serve immediately while the beverage is cold and bubbly.

Flavor Profile

This drink works because every ingredient contributes something different.

Strawberries provide sweetness, fruity aroma, and vibrant color.

Kiwi contributes tartness and a tropical character.

Coconut water provides a mild, refreshing liquid foundation.

Salt balances the fruit flavors.

Honey adds optional sweetness.

Sparkling water provides clean carbonation.

Ginger ale provides both carbonation and additional sweetness.

Together, these ingredients create a drink that is fruity, refreshing, slightly tangy, and pleasantly fizzy.

How to Make It Less Sweet

If you prefer a more refreshing rather than sweet beverage, make a few simple changes:

1. Skip the honey.
2. Use ripe but not overly sweet fruit.
3. Choose plain sparkling water.
4. Add additional ice.
5. Dilute with a little extra coconut water if necessary.

This produces a lighter drink where the natural acidity of the kiwi is more noticeable.

How to Make It Sweeter

For a sweeter version:

1. Add the optional teaspoon of honey.
2. Use very ripe strawberries.
3. Choose ginger ale instead of sparkling water.
4. Add a small amount of additional honey if necessary.

Taste before adding more sweetener because the final flavor can change depending on the fruit.

How to Make It Extra Cold

For an especially cold beverage, chill the coconut water and fruit before blending.

You can also use frozen strawberries.

Another option is to freeze small portions of the strawberry kiwi mixture in an ice-cube tray. Add the frozen fruit cubes to the finished drink so they gradually melt without immediately watering down the flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The fruit mixture can be prepared ahead of time.

1. Wash and prepare the strawberries.
2. Peel and cut the kiwi.
3. Blend the fruit with coconut water, salt, and optional honey.
4. Strain if desired.
5. Transfer the mixture to a clean, covered container.
6. Refrigerate.
7. Add sparkling water or ginger ale only when serving.

The prepared fruit mixture can be refrigerated for approximately 3–5 days when kept properly chilled in a clean, sealed container.

For best quality, use it as fresh as possible.

Freezing Instructions

The blended fruit base can also be frozen.

Pour it into small freezer-safe containers or ice-cube trays.

Freeze for up to approximately 3 months for best quality.

When you want to prepare the drink, thaw the mixture in the refrigerator and serve it over ice with fresh sparkling water.

You can also use frozen fruit cubes directly in the drink.

What to Do With the Leftover Pulp

If you strain the beverage, do not necessarily throw away the remaining fruit pulp.

The pulp can be:

1. Added to smoothies
2. Mixed into yogurt
3. Frozen for future smoothies
4. Stirred into oatmeal
5. Used as a fruit topping

Store leftover pulp in a clean, covered container in the refrigerator and use it promptly, or freeze it for longer storage.

Serving Ideas

This drink pairs beautifully with light foods.

Try serving it alongside:

• Fresh fruit
• Breakfast pastries
• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Sandwiches
• Wraps
• Salads
• Grilled vegetables
• Light brunch dishes

For a party, prepare the strawberry kiwi base ahead of time and keep it chilled.

At serving time, fill glasses with ice, add the fruit mixture, and finish each glass with sparkling water.

Recipe Variations

1. Strawberry Kiwi Mint Drink

Blend the original recipe and garnish with fresh mint.

For a stronger mint flavor, muddle one or two mint leaves gently in the serving glass before adding ice.

2. Tropical Strawberry Kiwi Drink

Replace part of the coconut water with chilled pineapple water or another mild tropical beverage.

3. Ginger Strawberry Kiwi Drink

Use ginger ale as the carbonated ingredient and garnish with a very thin slice of fresh ginger.

4. Berry Kiwi Drink

Add a small amount of raspberries or blueberries to the blender.

5. Extra-Fizzy Version

Use chilled sparkling water and add it immediately before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding Carbonation to the Blender

Do not blend sparkling water or ginger ale with the fruit.

The carbonation should be added at the end.

2. Using Too Much Salt

A small amount is enough. Excess salt can overpower the fruit.

3. Overblending

Blend only until the fruit is thoroughly broken down.

4. Serving Without Chilling

The drink is most refreshing when the fruit mixture and carbonated ingredient are cold.

5. Adding Too Much Sweetener

Start with no honey or just one teaspoon. You can always add more after tasting.

Strawberry Kiwi Drink Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Blending Time: About 20 seconds
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Beverage
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

1. 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
2. 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
3. 2 cups coconut water
4. ¼ teaspoon sea salt
5. 1 teaspoon honey, optional
6. Ice cubes
7. Sparkling water or ginger ale
8. Strawberry and kiwi slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash the strawberries thoroughly.
2. Remove the strawberry tops.
3. Peel the kiwis.
4. Cut the kiwis into large chunks.
5. Add strawberries and kiwi to a blender.
6. Pour in the coconut water.
7. Add the sea salt.
8. Add honey if desired.
9. Blend for approximately 20 seconds.
10. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer for a smoother beverage.
11. Fill two glasses with ice.
12. Divide the fruit mixture between the glasses.
13. Slowly add sparkling water or ginger ale.
14. Stir gently.
15. Garnish with fresh strawberry and kiwi slices.
16. Serve immediately.

Storage Notes

Keep the blended fruit base covered and refrigerated.

For best quality, consume it within 3–5 days.

Keep sparkling water or ginger ale separate until serving.

If freezing, place the fruit mixture in a freezer-safe container and use within approximately 3 months for best quality.

Approximate Nutrition

Nutrition will vary according to the size of the fruit, type of coconut water, optional honey, and carbonated beverage used.

Per serving of the fruit base, before optional honey and carbonated topping, it may provide approximately:

• Calories: 90–110 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 20–24 g
• Protein: 1–2 g
• Fat: Less than 1 g
• Fiber: Approximately 3–4 g
• Natural sugars: Approximately 15–18 g
• Vitamin C: A significant amount from strawberries and kiwi
• Potassium: Approximately 400–500 mg

If ginger ale is used, the sugar and calorie content will be higher than when plain sparkling water is used.