CITRUS BERRY REFRESHER
Citrus Berry Refresher is a naturally infused water that combines juicy citrus with sweet berries for a refreshing and nutrient-packed drink. It’s a simple and delicious way to elevate daily hydration using whole ingredients and no added sugar. With vibrant colour and light fruity flavour, this cooler is perfect for summer sipping, post-workout recovery, or daily water intake enhancement. The blueberries contribute antioxidants, while oranges deliver vitamin C, making this beverage as nourishing as it is flavourful.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Juice
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
British
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, 5 Ingredients or Less, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Spring, Picnic, Party, Family Reunion
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Alcohol–Free Drinks, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Low/ No Sugar, Quick & Easy, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian
DISH TYPE
Iced Tea
INGREDIENTS
- 2 orange slices
- 8 blueberries
- 300 millilitres of cold water
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrate: 6.3 g
- Sugar: 4.8 g
- Sodium: 12.1 mg
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Calcium: 25.7 mg
- Iron: 0.1 mg
- Potassium: 80.8 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Citrus Berry Refresher:
- Wash The Produce: Rinse the oranges and blueberries thoroughly under cold running water to remove any residues.
- Slice The Orange: Cut two thin, circular slices from a fresh orange, keeping the peel intact for a fuller citrus flavour.
- Prep The Blueberries: Lightly press each blueberry using the back of a spoon to release some juice without breaking them entirely.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the orange slices and gently pressed blueberries into a glass or water bottle.
- Add The Water: Pour in 300 millilitres of cold water and stir gently to help begin the infusion process.
- Infuse And Chill: Let the ingredients sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes. For a stronger flavour, chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours.
- Serve: Drink directly or strain if preferred. Add ice for extra refreshment.
PREP TIME
4 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
- Use Seedless Oranges: Select seedless oranges to avoid bitterness and improve the sipping experience.
- Slightly Muddle Berries: Gently bruising the blueberries enhances colour and flavour without clouding the water.
- Chill Before Serving: A minimum of one hour in the fridge boosts both taste and cooling effect.
- Use A Glass Bottle: Glass preserves the citrus aroma and colour better than plastic containers.
- Rotate Fruit: For a cleaner taste if stored overnight, remove fruit after 6 to 8 hours and replace with fresh slices.
VARIATIONS
- Add Mint: Introduce a few mint leaves for a superb finish that complements the fruity notes.
- Include Cucumber: For a spa-style twist, add two thin cucumber slices to the mix.
- Use Sparkling Water: Swap the still water with sparkling water to create a bubbly citrus-berry refresher.
- Add Strawberries: Add a few slices of strawberry to enrich the drink’s sweetness and antioxidant content.
- Infuse With Basil: A couple of fresh basil leaves add a subtle herbal edge, pairing well with orange.
- Include Lemon: Replace one orange slice with lemon for a tarter, more citrusy flavour profile.
- Create Ice Cubes: Freeze blueberries and orange zest in water to make colourful, flavour-boosting ice cubes.
- Add Electrolytes: Stir in a pinch of pink salt and a splash of coconut water for natural electrolyte replenishment.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store the Citrus Berry Refresher cooler in a glass jug or bottle in the fridge for up to 48 hours. The flavour will deepen, but remove the fruit after 24 hours to prevent bitterness.
- Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze the drink, as the texture and flavour of the fruit deteriorate once thawed.
- Strain Before Storage: For a longer-lasting infusion, strain the fruit after the initial chilling period and keep the water alone.
- Portable Hydration: Pour into a travel-friendly, insulated bottle to enjoy chilled, flavourful water on the go.
- Batch Preparation: Make a larger batch the night before a picnic or party and keep it chilled for ready-to-serve hydration.