Fizzy low-sugar beverages for summer, and a coconut water ‘cocktail’

Coconut Water 'Cocktail'

Coconut-mineral water “cocktail,” June 2013

If you’re trying to cut back on sugary soda but want a refreshing and fizzy beverage for summer barbecues, there are alternatives. A few possibilities that won’t leave you feeling deprived are flavored sparkling water, kombucha (more about it later), or a coconut water “cocktail.”

Flavored sparkling water is attractive, and so simple you don’t need a recipe. Just put a slice or two of orange, lime, or lemon or a sprig of mint into a glass and add sparkling water.

Kombucha (“kum-boo-cha”) is a tangy and sweet-tasting low-sugar beverage. It’s tea-based, naturally carbonated, and can have as little as 2 grams of sugar per 4 ounces. Commercially bottled kombucha such as GT’s and GT’s Enlightened Synergy can often be found in natural grocery stores with the refrigerated juices. Kombucha can also be made inexpensively at home using a starter culture. Watch for instructions in a future post.

A nicely balanced sweet-salty “cocktail,” of coconut water and mineral water is another option, recipe included here. For best taste, use particular brands of coconut and mineral waters. Taste Nirvana “Real” coconut water is low in sugar and has excellent flavor. For the sparkling mineral water, use a brand with a high mineral content such as San Pellegrino or Gerolsteiner. For best concentration and flavor, chill the waters well and drink when cold rather than pouring over ice.

Coconut-Mineral Water Fizz
5.0 from 2 reviews
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Cuisine: Beverage
Author:
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 part well-chilled Taste Nirvana Real Coconut Water (for 8-ounce serving use 1/3 cup)
  • 2 parts well-chilled high-mineral-content sparkling water such as San Pellegrino or Gerolsteiner. (for 8-ounce serving use 2/3 cup)
Instructions
  1. Pour coconut water into a glass and add mineral water.
  2. Serve immediately, while still cold.
  3. To store, cap tightly and refrigerate.
Serving size: 8 ounces. Calories: 17; Fat: 0g; Carbohydrates: 4g; Sugar: 3g; Sodium: 37mg; Fiber: 0g; Protein: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg.

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3 Responses to “Fizzy low-sugar beverages for summer, and a coconut water ‘cocktail’”

  1. Mm, delicious! Your glasses look lovely too.

    I think it would be fun to chill the glasses too – or would that look a little funky?

    • Eileen Beran says:

      Miachel, you are spot-on–chilled glasses would be perfect, not a whit funky.
      By the way, I made your turnip and spinach soup (alas, with regular turnip), and it was very yummy. The following week my CSA sent me those little turnips, which I steamed with radishes and used in a wilted greens salad (recipe to come).
      I too am so pumped for my CSA deliveries. This is my first year and I am addicted.
      Thanks for stopping by!


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