Lemon Kiwi Refresher
The perfect cooler for hot days, bright with lemon and sweet kiwi.
A refreshing summer drink built on a simple trick: instead of only juicing the lemons, their cut pieces are blended whole with sugar and water, then strained, giving a lemonade that's intense in flavour without the bitterness of the peel. Mashed kiwi adds a pretty green colour and a fruity note, whether stirred through or arranged in layers. Serve it right away over ice for the freshest lift.
How to Prepare
Put the cut lemons, sugar, lemon juice and water in a blender and blend well.
Strain the mixture to remove any pulp and bitterness.
Add ice to the strained lemonade.
Stir in or layer the mashed kiwi.
Serve immediately while cold and refreshing.
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Blend the whole lemon briefly only, then strain quickly to avoid bitterness from the peel.
Ingredient Swaps
Sweeten the drink with honey or simple syrup instead of granulated sugar, adjusting the amount to taste.
In place of kiwi, use mashed strawberries or mango for a different colour and flavour.
For a gentle fizz, swap part of the water for sparkling water just before serving.
Common Questions
Why blend the lemons with their peel and then strain?
Blending the lemons with the peel draws out their aromatic oils for a stronger flavour, and straining afterwards removes the pulp and the bitterness the peel can leave behind.
Why is straining an important step?
It clears the drink of pulp and bitter bits, leaving it smooth and clean-tasting.
Can the drink be made ahead?
You can prepare the strained lemonade and keep it chilled, adding the ice and kiwi only when you serve.
How do I balance the sweetness and tartness?
Adjust the sugar or lemon juice to your taste until you reach the balance you like.
Why serve it immediately?
It's served cold over ice right away so it stays refreshing before the ice melts and dilutes it.
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