Looking for a refreshing, tangy, and just a bit sweet drink to quench your thirst? Look no further than this Zesty Kiwi Lemonade Delight! Created by the talented Lynn Mumbing Mejia, this vibrant and flavorful beverage brings together the tartness of lemons and the tropical sweetness of kiwis in a fun, fizzy way. It’s perfect for warm weather, gatherings, or whenever you need something to brighten your day. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Kiwi Lemonade Delight is an irresistible twist on the classic lemonade. The combination of fresh kiwi and zesty lemon creates a delightful balance of sweet and sour. The addition of sparkling water or soda gives it a refreshing fizz, making it feel like a special treat every time you sip it. Plus, it’s so easy to make and looks stunning in a glass with its vibrant green color. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this drink will make any moment feel festive!
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of what you’ll need for this delicious Kiwi Lemonade Delight:
- Fresh kiwis (peeled and chopped)
- Lemons (juiced)
- Honey or simple syrup for sweetness
- Sparkling water or club soda for fizz
- Ice cubes to keep it chilled
The full list of ingredients and measurements can be found below in the recipe card!
Directions
- Prepare the kiwi: Peel and chop the kiwis into small pieces.
- Juice the lemons: Squeeze the juice from the lemons, making sure to remove any seeds.
- Blend the base: In a blender, combine the chopped kiwis, lemon juice, and honey (or simple syrup). Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Strain the mixture: For a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture to remove any pulp or kiwi seeds.
- Serve: Pour the kiwi-lemon mixture into glasses filled with ice. Top with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy kick.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with extra kiwi slices or a lemon wedge for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Sweetness level: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or simple syrup. If you prefer it less sweet, you can skip the sweetener altogether.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the kiwi-lemon base ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep it fizzy.
- Other fruit options: Experiment with adding other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or mint for an extra burst of flavor.
- Frozen version: For a slushy twist, blend the mixture with ice cubes or freeze the kiwi-lemon mixture into ice cubes and blend with water when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Non-sparkling version: If you prefer a non-fizzy drink, simply omit the sparkling water and use still water or coconut water instead.
- More tropical: Add pineapple or mango for a more tropical twist to this kiwi lemonade.
- Alcoholic version: For an adult version, try adding a splash of rum or vodka for a fun cocktail!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Zesty Kiwi Lemonade Delight pairs beautifully with summer snacks or light meals. Serve it with a fresh fruit salad, grilled chicken, or even a cheese platter. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to barbecue dishes or a light brunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While this drink is best served fresh, you can store the base mixture (without the sparkling water) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the sparkling water right before serving. Avoid storing the drink with ice, as it will dilute the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this drink without a blender?
Yes! You can mash the kiwi with a fork or potato masher, then mix it with the lemon juice and sweetener. However, using a blender creates a smoother, more cohesive drink.
2. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice works best for the most vibrant flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if you’re in a pinch. Fresh lemons, though, will make a noticeable difference in taste!
3. Is it okay to use canned kiwi?
Fresh kiwi is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, but canned kiwi can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s not overly sweetened.
4. Can I adjust the drink to be less tangy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of lemon juice and use a bit more kiwi or sweetener to balance the tartness.
Conclusion
Lynn Mumbing Mejia’s Zesty Kiwi Lemonade Delight is the perfect summer drink—refreshing, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness. This delightful beverage is sure to brighten your day, whether you’re enjoying it on a hot afternoon or serving it up at your next gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this refreshing drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Cheers to vibrant, fruity goodness!
Print
Zesty Kiwi Lemonade Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Drink, Beverage, Summer Refreshment
- Method: Blending, Stirring
- Cuisine: American, Refreshments
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Zesty Kiwi Lemonade Delight is a vibrant, refreshing drink that combines the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweet, tangy flavor of ripe kiwi. Created by Lynn Mumbing Mejia, this twist on traditional lemonade is both sweet and tangy, perfect for quenching your thirst on a sunny day. It’s a fun and fruity drink that can be enjoyed by the whole family!
Ingredients
- 4 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups (480ml) fresh lemonade (or lemon juice mixed with water and sugar)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) cold water
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kiwi:
Place the peeled and chopped kiwis into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and pureed. - Mix the Lemonade:
In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemonade with the cold water. Stir in the honey or simple syrup, adjusting to taste depending on how sweet you prefer the drink. - Combine Kiwi and Lemonade:
Add the pureed kiwi to the lemonade mixture and stir well to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or syrup. - Serve:
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the kiwi lemonade over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for a refreshing touch. - Enjoy:
Serve chilled, and enjoy this fruity, zesty twist on lemonade!
Notes
- If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the kiwi puree to remove the pulp before adding it to the lemonade mixture.
- For a fun twist, you can add a splash of sparkling water for some fizz.
- You can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approximately 8 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g