3 refreshing non-alcoholic drinks with a sweet secret ingredient

(NC) If you’re looking to elevate your mixing game this season, strawberries are a simple but impactful ingredient. Naturally sweet and vibrant, they add flavour, visual appeal and nutritional benefit. For instance, according to Health Canada, just one cup of strawberries provides approximately 95 per cent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, along with essential fibre, potassium and folate. 

Whether muddled, blended or infused, California strawberries bring a bright twist to beverages that feel both indulgent and nourishing. Here are some recipes to try: 

Basil Strawberry Lemonade 

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Servings: 4  

Ingredients: 

• 1 quart (946 ml) water 
• 1 cup (250 ml) lemon juice – freshly squeezed 
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) sugar 
• 1 lb (450 g) strawberries – rinsed 
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) fresh basil leaves 
• 1 pinch salt 

Directions: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed for just 20 seconds. 
2. Pass through a strainer and keep refrigerated until ready for the party. 
3. Serve over ice with slices of lemon, strawberries and basil leaves as garnish. 

The combination of fresh basil, lemon juice, and strawberries creates a balanced drink that is both refreshing and rich in antioxidants. 

Strawberry Agua Fresca with Chia

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Servings: 5 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tbsp (30 ml) chia seeds 
• 4½ cups (1125 ml) of water 
• 12 strawberries hulled 
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sugar 
• 2 lemons 
• 1 cup (250 ml) ice 

Directions: 

1. Add chia seeds to ½ cup (125 ml) of water and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. 
2. Place 8 strawberries, sugar, juice from one lemon and 1 cup (250 ml) of water into the blender. Blend until puréed. 
3. Pour 3 cups (750 ml) of water into a large pitcher. Add the strawberry purée and chia mixture and stir until fully combined. 
4. Slice remaining strawberries and one lemon (including peel) and add to pitcher. 
5. Pour ice into pitcher. Serve cold and garnish with strawberries and mint. 

Blending strawberries with water, lemon and chia seeds results in a cooling beverage packed with fibre and nutrients that support heart health. It’s especially appealing on warm days when you need something both energizing and refreshing. 

Sparkling Strawberry Ginger Refresher  

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Servings: 2 

Ingredients: 

• 8?fresh strawberries,?hulled 
• ½ inch (1.3 cm) piece of fresh ginger?grated or zested 
• ½?cup (125 ml)?ice cubes 
• ¼?cup (60 ml)?water 
• 1?can lemon-flavoured,?or flavour of your choice, sparkling water 

Directions: 

1. In a blender, add strawberries, ginger, ice cubes and water. Blend to combine into a smooth slushy, about 1 minute. 
2. Pour strawberry slushy evenly into two glasses. Top each glass with half of the lemon sparkling water, and if you like, an extra squeeze of lemon. 

The subtle spice of ginger enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit, resulting in a balanced and invigorating sip. 

Find more drink recipes at californiastrawberries.com.