Growing up in a Cuban household, summer always meant one thing: slushy, ice-cold limonada. Whether living in Cuba or in Florida, warm weather felt more like a constant than a season, it was just part of everyday life.
Limonada translates to limeade, which is important because well, if you know, you know. It was my parents’ signature drink, and it is a staple in our household. Someday, I will share that recipe. But today we are talking about a different summer favorite, one that came together in our blended Cuban & American household, one that shows love to both lemons and limes, while adding a beautiful strawberry spark to the mix.
This recipe came together over the course of two summers, with tweaks here and there each until it became exactly what I was after – a drink that didn’t have to steep too long, wasn’t overly sweet, but was still full of summer’s best fragrance and sweetness, and had some delicious, but easy, texture.
In our home, this drink has become one of those staples that shows up in different ways depending on the day. My husband especially loves it as a “sun recovery” drink after spending time working in the yard or tending to the garden.
And for my children, this one is an absolute favorite treat. They love the bright strawberry flavor and the gentle fizz, and I love that it’s something simple and fresh that they genuinely enjoy throughout the summer. More than anything, this drink feels like summer in our home, shared, easy, and made for the rhythm of long, warm days spent together.
It’s easily a favorite at gatherings with friends and family throughout the summer, makes for great sun recovery with the fresh lemon and lime juices, and is truly just a treat. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
It’s easily a favorite at gatherings with friends and family throughout the summer, makes for great sun recovery with the fresh lemon and lime juices, and is truly just a treat. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
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Strawberry Chia Citrus Spritz
Ingredients
For the drink
- 1/2 cup filtered water, hot (warm in microwave for 60 seconds)
- 3 Tbsp Chia Seeds
- 300 g strawberries (about 10)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Note: you could use as low as 1/4 cup here if you prefer a less sweet version or if your strawberries are very sweet
- 1/2 cup lime juice (about 4 large limes)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
- 4 cups sparkling water
- 2 cups ice
For Infusion
- 4-6 slices lemon, + more for garnish
- 4-6 slices lime, + more for garnish
- 8-10 strawberries, slices, + more for garnish
Instructions
- Mix your hot water and chia seeds, set aside to bloom while you prepare everything else.
- In a blender, puree your 300g strawberries with the granulated sugar until smooth.
- If you are preparing your drink in advance, hold off on adding the lemon slices, lime slices, and strawberry slices until close to your event. When you are ready to serve (or at most 4-5 hours in advance), add your lemon slices, lime slices, and sliced strawberries to your jar.
- To your jar, add the lemon juice, lime juice, chia mixture, and strawberry puree. Stir to combine.
- Top with ice and sparkling water, and stir just till mixed. Close your jar with an airtight lid (this is the jar I use in the picture and video: https://amzn.to/3Q3ktqP).
- Keep chilled until ready to serve, and enjoy!
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