Fresh Strawberry Coconut Water Mocktail

by Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

April 11, 2013 • 2 comments

As the temperature rises, it’s important to maintain good hydration to feel and perform your best. I grow tired of plain water and a lower-calorie mocktail is sometimes a welcome diversion from a fully leaded cocktail.

Part beverage, part snack, this drink is brimming with a full cup of fresh strawberries per serving. The recipe doesn’t need additional sugar, with the natural sweetness of the coconut water and strawberries, but if you’d like to punch up the fun factor, squirt in a few drops of agave syrup or honey.

As for coconut water, I’ve come to love the plain variety. You just have to find the right brand (my favorite so far is Zico – from the carton, not the plastic bottle), which tastes like the juice from (surprise) a coconut. Nutritionally, 1 cup of coconut water is somewhat similar to a sports drink, but without artificial coloring and high fructose corn syrup, with 43 calories, 14% of your Daily Value for potassium and a touch of sodium and magnesium.

Fresh Strawberry Coconut Cooler

1 cup (166g) diced strawberries (about 6 strawberries)

Mint or basil leaves (optional)

A few drops of agave nectar (optional)

1 cup crushed ice

3/4 cup (177 ml) chilled coconut water

1/2 cup (118 ml) chilled sparkling lime-flavored water

Place the strawberries in a pint-sized glass and smash with a muddler until mostly smooth, with small drinkable chunks. If you don’t have a muddler, you could use a stick blender, Bullet blender, or even try your hand at placing them in a plastic zipper bag and beating them into submission until desired consistency is reached. Add a couple of basil or mint leaves and muddle a few more times. If you’d like to add sweetener, now is the time to do it, since most sweeteners added to a cold liquid do not dissolve.

Add ice, coconut water and sparkling water and swirl with a spoon or straw. Enjoy immediately.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Makes 1 servings, 16 ounces each

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 85 calories, 0.5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 31 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol, 21 g total carbohydrate (3 g fiber), 1 g protein, 4% DV iron, 5% DV calcium, 0% DV Vitamin A,  163% DV Vitamin C.

You might also enjoy:

Strawberry Mint Sauvignon Blanc Sangria

Mango Date Parfait with Cardamom Greek Yogurt

Creamy Ginger Orange Smoothie with Almond Butter

Fresh Strawberry Coconut Water Cooler

By Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Published: April 11, 2013

• Yield: 16 ounces (1 Servings)
• Prep: 5 mins

Refreshing smooth crushed strawberry and coconut water cooler, perfect for a hot summer day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (166g) diced strawberries about 6 strawberries
• Mint or basil leaves optional
• A few drops agave nectar optional
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 3/4 cup (177ml) chilled coconut water
• 1/2 cup (118ml) chilled sparkling lime-flavored water

Instructions

1. Place the strawberries in a pint-sized glass and smash with a muddler until mostly smooth, with small drinkable chunks. If you don’t have a muddler, you could use a stick blender, Bullet blender, or even try your hand at placing them in a plastic zipper bag and beating them into submission until desired consistency is reached. Add a couple of basil or mint leaves and muddle a few more times. If you’d like to add sweetener, now is the time to do it, since most sweeteners added to a cold liquid do not dissolve.
   
2. Add ice, coconut water and sparkling water and swirl with a spoon or straw. Enjoy immediately.
   

• Cuisine: Vegetarian
• Course: Dessert
• Skill Level: Child Friendly