When you want a refreshing homemade beverage that feels more interesting than plain water, this Strawberry Kiwi Drink is a bright and simple option. It combines fresh strawberries, kiwi, coconut water, a small amount of sea salt, and sparkling water to create a colorful drink with a naturally fruity flavor.
The combination of strawberries and kiwi gives the drink a pleasant balance of sweetness and tanginess. Strawberries provide a vibrant red color and fragrant berry flavor, while kiwi adds a slightly tart, tropical note. Coconut water forms the liquid base, helping create a light and refreshing consistency.
A small amount of salt is included to complement the fruit and balance the overall flavor. Sparkling water is added just before serving, giving the finished drink a crisp, bubbly character.
Despite the name sometimes used for drinks like this, there is not strong evidence that a particular beverage can directly regulate or “reset” cortisol levels. It is better described as a refreshing fruit-based drink that can contribute fluids and nutrients to your overall diet.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
There are several reasons to keep this drink in your homemade beverage rotation:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Uses simple ingredients
- Naturally colorful
- Refreshing and fruity
- Can be made with fresh or frozen strawberries
- Easy to adjust for sweetness
- Sparkling water adds a pleasant fizz
- Suitable for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon refreshments
- Can be prepared ahead of time
- Easy to customize with additional fruit or herbs
What Makes This Drink Different?
Many fruit-based wellness drinks use orange juice as their main fruit component. This version takes a different approach by pairing strawberries with kiwi.
The strawberries contribute natural sweetness and a beautiful color, while kiwi adds acidity and tropical flavor. Coconut water provides a mild liquid base without dominating the fruit.
Instead of relying on a powdered drink mix or heavily sweetened syrup, the recipe uses whole fruit as its primary source of flavor.
Ingredient Guide
Strawberries
Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal because they provide excellent natural sweetness and aroma.
Frozen strawberries are also a convenient alternative. They can make the finished drink particularly cold and may give it a slightly thicker texture before straining.
Kiwi
Kiwi provides a pleasantly tart flavor that balances the strawberries.
Peeling the kiwi before blending helps create a smoother mixture and removes the tougher outer skin.
Coconut Water
Coconut water acts as the main liquid ingredient.
Its mild flavor works well with both strawberries and kiwi. If you don’t enjoy coconut water, filtered water or another suitable unsweetened beverage can be substituted.
Sea Salt
Only a small amount is necessary. Salt can help balance the fruit’s sweetness and bring the other flavors together.
Because salt content varies between products, adjust the amount according to taste and dietary needs.
Honey
Honey is optional.
Very ripe strawberries may provide enough sweetness without any additional sweetener. If the fruit is tart, a small amount of honey can soften the flavor.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water transforms the blended fruit mixture into a light, bubbly beverage.
For the best carbonation, add it immediately before serving.
Ginger ale can be used instead if you want a sweeter drink with a subtle ginger flavor, although this will increase the sugar content.
Preparing the Fruit
Begin by washing the strawberries thoroughly.
Remove the green tops and cut larger strawberries into smaller pieces if necessary.
Peel the kiwi and cut it into chunks.
There is no need to make the pieces perfectly uniform because everything will be blended.
Blending
Add the strawberries, kiwi, coconut water, sea salt, and optional honey to a blender.
Blend for approximately 20 seconds or until the mixture is evenly combined.
Avoid excessive blending because prolonged blending can introduce additional air and create unnecessary foam.
Straining
Straining is optional.
If you prefer a smooth, juice-like drink, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.
Press gently with the back of a spoon to extract additional liquid.
The strainer will catch many of the seeds and larger pieces of fruit pulp.
If you enjoy a thicker, more smoothie-like beverage, simply skip this step.
Serving
Fill glasses with ice.
Divide the prepared strawberry-kiwi mixture between the glasses.
Top each glass with sparkling water immediately before serving.
Stir gently to combine without rapidly releasing the carbonation.
Garnish with strawberry and kiwi slices.
Fresh mint can also be added for an optional cooling aroma.
Helpful Tips
Use ripe strawberries for naturally sweeter flavor.
Chill the coconut water before preparing the recipe.
Frozen strawberries can be used when fresh berries aren’t available.
Add sparkling water immediately before serving.
Don’t over-blend the fruit.
Strain only if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Taste the mixture before adding honey.
Adjust the amount of sparkling water according to your preferred strength.
Easy Variations
Strawberry Mint Cooler: Add several fresh mint leaves during blending or use them as a garnish.
Ginger Strawberry Kiwi Drink: Add a small piece of fresh ginger for a sharper, warmer flavor.
Cucumber Fruit Cooler: Add several cucumber slices for an especially refreshing summer drink.
Berry Blend: Replace part of the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries.
Citrus Version: Add a small squeeze of fresh lime for additional brightness.
Still Fruit Drink: Skip the sparkling water and serve the blended mixture over ice.
Serving Suggestions
This drink works especially well with:
- Breakfast
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt bowls
- Whole-grain toast
- Light lunches
- Brunch
- Salads
- Afternoon snacks
- Outdoor gatherings
- Picnics
For parties, prepare the fruit mixture ahead of time and keep the sparkling water separate. Add carbonation individually when serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare and strain the fruit mixture, then transfer it to a clean, airtight container.
Refrigerate promptly.
For best quality, use the refrigerated mixture within a few days rather than treating five days as a guarantee of freshness. Check for changes in smell, appearance, or taste before consuming.
Keep sparkling water separate until serving.
For longer storage, the strained mixture can be frozen in a suitable freezer-safe container. Leave enough space for expansion.
Thaw in the refrigerator and stir thoroughly before serving.
Using the Leftover Pulp
If you strain the drink, don’t necessarily discard the remaining fruit pulp.
It can be incorporated into:
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Chia pudding
- Homemade fruit sauces
- Frozen fruit cubes
This can help reduce food waste while making use of the remaining fruit flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Frozen strawberries work well and can make the finished beverage colder.
Is honey necessary?
No. Honey is completely optional. Taste the fruit mixture first and add it only if additional sweetness is needed.
Can I skip straining?
Absolutely. Without straining, the drink will have more pulp and a thicker texture.
Can I replace coconut water?
Yes. Filtered water can be used for a simpler version. An unsweetened electrolyte beverage can also be considered, but check its ingredients and nutrition information.
Can I prepare this for guests?
Yes. Prepare the strawberry-kiwi mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Add sparkling water separately just before serving.
Does this drink lower cortisol?
There is no good evidence that this specific recipe directly lowers or regulates cortisol. Its value is primarily as a refreshing beverage containing fruit, fluids, and nutrients. Claims that a particular “cortisol cocktail” can meaningfully control cortisol should be treated cautiously.
Ingredients
Main Drink
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 kiwis, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cups coconut water
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, such as Redmond-style sea salt or pink Himalayan salt
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
- Sparkling water, for topping
Garnish
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Fresh kiwi slices
- Fresh mint leaves, optional
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- Blender
- Fine-mesh strainer, optional
- Large measuring jug or pitcher
- Spoon
- Serving glasses
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit
Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the green tops.
Peel the kiwis and cut them into manageable chunks.
Step 2: Blend
Place the strawberries, kiwi, coconut water, sea salt, and optional honey into a blender.
Blend for approximately 20 seconds, or until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 3: Strain
For a smoother drink, place a fine-mesh strainer over a large jug or bowl.
Pour the blended mixture through the strainer and gently press the pulp with the back of a spoon.
Skip this step if you prefer a thicker drink with more fruit texture.
Step 4: Add Ice
Fill two serving glasses with ice cubes.
Divide the strawberry-kiwi mixture evenly between the glasses.
Step 5: Add Sparkling Water
Top each glass with sparkling water.
Add it immediately before serving to preserve the carbonation.
Step 6: Garnish
Garnish with fresh strawberry and kiwi slices.
Add mint if desired.
Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
The provided nutrition figures should be considered estimates, especially because the final values depend on the coconut water, fruit size, honey, salt, and amount of sparkling water used.
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 98 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 533 mg
- Potassium: 890 mg
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Vitamin A: 88 IU
- Vitamin C: 125 mg
- Calcium: 101 mg
Actual nutrition can differ substantially depending on the brands and quantities used.
Duration
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Blending: About 20 seconds
- Cooking: None
- Total preparation time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
