Golden kiwi mojito mocktail

Welcome back to my Summer Drink Series, where you can find delicious beverages you can make for yourself or friends using in-season produce!

Disclaimer: Before we get into the details of this delicious, hydrating, refreshing drink — I’m trying to think of more adjectives but that’s all I got lol — I do want to mention that this drink calls for fresh produce. I know produce safety is a major concern for most of us right now with the cyclosporiasis outbreak happening across the United States. Though I haven’t seen the ingredients included in this drink on any outbreak lists, please use your best judgment before making this at home.

Okay, now let’s get into episode 3 of this series!

In episode 3, we’re making a mojito mocktail using one of my favorite fruits — golden (sungold) kiwis! If you haven’t had a golden kiwi, I need you to stop what you’re doing and go pick some up. They’re soooo good and honestly life changing. Once you have a golden kiwi, you won’t look at the greens ones the same. Golden kiwis are sweeter, have less hair, and higher vitamin C levels!

This is the first time I’ve gotten creative with the kiwis, mainly because I typically just enjoy them as is, skin and all (for extra fiber). They’re THAT good on their own, but also really amazing in this mojito mocktail that brings all the summer vibes we need right now.

I also added fresh mint, lime juice, and maple syrup to capture that true mojito flavor, then finished the drink off with coconut water and club soda. You can substitute with your liquid of choice — maybe even a shot of a little somethin’ somethin’ if you’re picking up what I’m putting down lol. Either way, I hope you enjoy this drink as much as I did!

Serves: 1

• 1 golden kiwi, skin removed

• 1-2 lime wedges

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Ice

• Coconut water (to taste)

• Sparkling water or club soda (to taste)

• Fresh mint and lime (for garnish)

1. Remove the skin from the golden kiwi by cutting it in half and scooping out the flesh with a spoon.

2. Add the kiwi flesh, lime wedges, and mint leaves to a glass jar. Muddle gently to release the flavors and juices. Sweeten with maple syrup or your sweetener of choice.

3. Fill the jar with ice and pour in the coconut water and sparkling water or club soda to taste.

4. Stir everything together like you would a cocktail and garnish with fresh mint and lime. Enjoy!