Better Than Soda Summer Cooler

Beat the summer heat with the refreshing and naturally sweetened Better Than Soda Summer Cooler.

by Kris Francefort

This delightful beverage, served in convenient mason jars, combines the zesty flavors of a variety of citrus fruits with filtered water for a hydrating treat.

Enhance your drink with additions like fruit powder, frozen fruit, and fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for keeping in the fridge, these coolers are a healthy alternative to sugary sodas, offering a crisp and invigorating way to stay refreshed all summer long.

Better Than Soda Summer Cooler

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Course Drinks

Equipment

• 4-6 (24-oz) mason jars

Ingredients

  

• 1 lemon
• 1 lime
• 1 orange
• 1 grapefruit (optional)
• Filtered water

Optional Items:

• 1-2 tsps fruit powder (pomegranate, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, bilberry, etc)
• Frozen fruit
• Fresh mint leaves 

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Citrus Fruits: 

  • Wash thoroughly.

  • Thinly slice (including the peel), removing seeds to prevent a bitter taste.

  • Evenly distribute citrus slices between mason jars.

  • For stronger citrus flavor, muddle some of the slices with the back of a spoon to release more juice.
• Add filtered water to about half-full if adding optional items OR to the top, leaving 1” to top if just citrus fruits.
• Add optional items, then add filtered water, leaving 1” at the top.

  • Fruit powder, sprinkle into each mason jar and stir swiftly with a spoon to combine

  • Frozen fruit and/or mint leaves, toss a few pieces of fruit & leaves into each jar
• Infuse: Put the lids on and place jars in the refrigerator. Infuse for 2 hours; overnight for stronger flavor.
• Serve: Stir the infused water before drinking. 

Notes

• Experiment with other infusion fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or cucumber in a variety of combinations for additional flavors.

• Fruity ice cubes – use frozen fruit to keep your Summer Cooler cool & when you finish drinking, go ahead and eat the fruit as a finisher.

• Don’t throw away the citrus peels! Store in a glass container in the freezer. A few pieces in hot or iced tea are delightful – and don’t forget to muddle them to get a punch of exhilarating flavor.

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