When I want something refreshing, hydrating, and easy to make at home, this strawberry kiwi drink is one of the simplest options. It has a bright fruit flavor without relying on orange juice, and everything comes together in a blender in just a few minutes.

The combination of strawberries, kiwi, coconut water, salt, and sparkling water makes this drink light, fruity, and refreshing. I especially like making the fruit mixture ahead of time and keeping it chilled in the refrigerator. Then, whenever I want a glass, I only need to pour some over ice and add sparkling water.

This recipe is also a nice alternative to the usual orange-juice-based cortisol cocktail recipes. Strawberries and kiwi give the drink plenty of natural fruit flavor while keeping the mixture less citrusy. Kiwi also brings a pleasantly tart flavor that works really well with the sweetness of strawberries.

The finished drink has a fresh strawberry taste first, followed by the slightly tangy flavor of kiwi. Coconut water keeps the base light, while a small amount of salt adds the savory electrolyte element. If you prefer a sweeter drink, honey can be added, but it is completely optional.

Why I Like Making This Drink at Home

One of the best things about this recipe is how little preparation it requires. There is no complicated cooking involved, and I do not need several different steps to prepare the fruit. Everything goes straight into the blender.

It Takes Only a Few Minutes

Once the strawberries and kiwi are ready, the actual preparation is very quick. I blend the ingredients for about 20 seconds, strain the mixture, and pour it over ice.
The straining step takes a little extra time, but I find it worthwhile because it removes the strawberry seeds and fruit pulp. The result is a smoother drink that feels more like a refreshing fruit juice.
If you do not mind a little pulp, you can make the process even simpler by skipping the straining step. However, for the smoothest texture, I recommend using a fine-mesh strainer

No Orange Juice

Traditional versions of this type of drink often use orange juice as the fruit base. This recipe takes a different approach by using strawberries and kiwi instead.
That gives the drink a completely different flavor. Instead of a strongly citrusy taste, you get a combination of sweet strawberries and tangy kiwi.
The kiwi also adds plenty of natural fruit flavor without making the drink heavy.

Simple Way to Add Electrolytes

The ingredients in this drink provide several naturally occurring nutrients. Coconut water contributes potassium, while the added salt provides sodium.
Strawberries and kiwi bring their own nutritional benefits, including vitamin C and other nutrients found naturally in fresh fruit.
Because the recipe uses regular food ingredients rather than a powdered drink mix, the preparation is straightforward. I simply blend the fruit with coconut water and salt, strain it, and finish it with sparkling water.

Choosing the Ingredients

There are only a handful of ingredients in this recipe, so using fresh, good-quality ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the finished drink.
Strawberries
For the fruit base, I use 1 cup of fresh strawberries with the tops removed.
Fresh strawberries work especially well when they are ripe and naturally sweet. If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can also be used.
If using frozen fruit, there is no need to completely thaw it if you are comfortable blending it directly. The drink may simply be a little colder.
I like strawberries in this recipe because their sweetness balances the tartness of the kiwi. They also give the drink its attractive pink-red color.
Kiwi
The recipe uses 2 kiwis. I peel them and cut them into large chunks before adding them to the blender.
There is no need to chop the kiwi into tiny pieces. Large chunks are perfectly fine because the blender will break everything down quickly.
Ripe kiwi gives the drink a pleasant balance of sweetness and tartness. If the kiwi is very firm, the finished drink may taste a little more tart.
Coconut Water
Coconut water forms the liquid base of the recipe.
I use 2 cups of coconut water, which gives the blended fruit enough liquid to process easily while keeping the flavor relatively light.
Coconut water also contributes potassium to the drink. If coconut water does not work for you, filtered water or electrolyte water can be used instead.
The choice of coconut water can affect the final flavor, so I prefer one that tastes clean and not overly sweet.
Salt
Only 1/4 teaspoon of salt is needed.
The recipe specifies Redmond’s sea salt or pink Himalayan sea salt. This small amount adds sodium and also gives the drink a slightly more balanced flavor.
Because the recipe contains fruit and coconut water, you do not need a large amount of salt. I recommend measuring it rather than adding it by eye.
Honey
Honey is optional.
If the strawberries and kiwi are already sweet enough, I leave it out. When the fruit is more tart than expected, 1 teaspoon of honey can add just enough sweetness to balance the drink.
Since honey is optional, you can decide whether to include it based on the fruit and your preferred flavor.
Sparkling Water or Ginger Ale
Sparkling water is added after the fruit mixture has been strained.
I like adding it right before serving because it gives the drink a light, fizzy finish. You can also use ginger ale for a sweeter, more flavorful version.
The sparkling liquid should not be blended with the fruit mixture. It is added at the end so the drink keeps its carbonation.
Fruit for Garnish
A few slices of strawberry and kiwi make a simple garnish.
This is optional, but it makes the drink look especially nice when serving it over ice. A small strawberry slice or piece of kiwi on the rim of the glass is all you need.

How I Make the Strawberry Kiwi Mixture

Start With the Fruit

I begin by washing the strawberries and removing their green tops. The kiwi gets peeled and cut into large chunks.
There is no need to spend too much time making the fruit pieces uniform. They are going into the blender, so rough chunks are enough.
Once the fruit is ready, I add it to the blender.

Add the Coconut Water

Next, I pour in the coconut water.
The liquid helps the strawberries and kiwi blend smoothly. I then add the salt and, if I want the drink slightly sweeter, the optional honey.
At this point, everything needed for the fruit base is in the blender.

Blend Until Smooth

I blend the mixture on high for about 20 seconds.
The goal is simply to break down the strawberries and kiwi and combine everything into a smooth liquid. There is no need to blend for several minutes.
Over-blending is not necessary here. Once the fruit has been broken down and the mixture looks evenly combined, it is ready for the next step.

Why I Strain the Mixture

After blending, the drink will contain small strawberry seeds and bits of fruit pulp.
For a smoother drink, I pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large jar or measuring cup. I use a spoon to gently press the mixture through the strainer.
This helps separate the liquid from most of the seeds and pulp.
The straining process also gives the finished drink a cleaner texture, especially when it is poured over ice and topped with sparkling water.
There is no need to throw away the strained fruit pulp. It can be saved and added to a smoothie later.

Serving the Drink

Once the fruit mixture has been strained, I fill glasses with ice.
I pour the strawberry kiwi mixture over the ice and leave some room at the top for sparkling water.
Then I add sparkling water or ginger ale and give the drink a gentle stir.
Finally, I add a few strawberry and kiwi slices for garnish.
It is best served right away while the sparkling water is still fizzy.
The result is a cold, fruity drink with a combination of sweet strawberry, tangy kiwi, lightly salty coconut water, and refreshing carbonation.

A Few Simple Ways to Adjust It

Although I keep the ingredients the same, there are a few ways to change how I serve the drink.
For a Less Sweet Drink
I leave out the optional honey and use sparkling water rather than ginger ale.
The natural sweetness of the strawberries is usually enough for me, especially when they are ripe.
For More Fizz
I add a little more sparkling water when serving. I pour it in slowly over the ice so it does not foam too much.
For a Sweeter Version
When the fruit is particularly tart, I include the optional teaspoon of honey. Ginger ale can also be used as the topping.
For a Make-Ahead Drink
I prepare the strawberry kiwi mixture in advance, strain it, and keep it refrigerated.
When I am ready to serve it, I simply pour the chilled mixture over ice and add sparkling water or ginger ale.
This makes the recipe convenient when I want to prepare several servings ahead of time.

What to Do With the Leftover Fruit Pulp

After straining, some strawberry and kiwi pulp will remain in the strainer.
I do not like wasting it, so I save it for smoothies. It can be mixed into another fruit smoothie for additional texture and fruit flavor.
Another option is to freeze the leftover mixture into ice cubes. These fruit-filled cubes can then be added to drinks later.
If you plan to save the pulp, transfer it to a clean container and refrigerate or freeze it promptly.

Making the Drink Ahead

The fruit mixture can be prepared ahead of time, which is one of the reasons I find this recipe useful.
I blend and strain the strawberries, kiwi, coconut water, and salt, then transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate it.
The prepared juice mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When I want a drink, I pour some of the mixture into a glass over ice and add sparkling water or ginger ale.
The mixture can also be frozen for longer storage, for up to 3 months. When using frozen portions, they can be allowed to thaw and then topped with sparkling water, or the frozen mixture can be used as ice-like cubes and allowed to melt.