Ingredients:
1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
1 apple, cored and chopped (use a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cups cold water
1/2 cup sparkling water or soda (optional)
2–3 tablespoons honey or sugar, to taste
1 cup ice cubes
For Garnish:
Fresh strawberry slices
Thin apple wedges
Mint leaves
Instructions:
Prepare the Fruits:
Wash and hull the strawberries. Chop the apple into small chunks, leaving the skin on for added color and nutrients.
Blend the Base:
In a blender, combine the strawberries, apple chunks, lemon juice, honey (or sugar), and cold water. Blend until smooth.
Strain (Optional):
If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp. Otherwise, skip this step for a fiber-rich drink.
Add Sparkle and Ice:
Pour the mixture into a pitcher or individual glasses. Stir in sparkling water if you like a fizzy touch.
Add ice cubes to keep it cool and refreshing.
Garnish and Serve:
Decorate with strawberry slices, apple wedges, and a sprig of mint.
Serve immediately in clear glasses to show off the vibrant pink hue.
Pro Tip:
For a creamier version, add 1/2 cup of coconut milk or yogurt before blending. It adds a luscious texture while maintaining the fruity flavor!
