Recipe

Strawberry Citrus Glow Drink

A bright, fizzy mocktail with strawberries, citrus, ginger, and vitamin-C-rich flavor. Refreshing, not fussy.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A real photo of a tall glass of sparkling strawberry citrus drink with ice, fresh strawberries, and a citrus slice on a sunlit kitchen counter

If you have ever stood in your kitchen thinking, I want something that tastes like a treat but still feels like a good decision, this is your drink. It is juicy strawberries, zingy citrus, a little ginger heat, and bubbly sparkle. The vibe is refreshing, not fussy.

Quick note from your friendly kitchen chaos gremlin: no drink is a magic wand for skin. But building a daily habit that makes you reach for water more often can help you feel better. Citrus and berries bring vitamin-C-rich flavor, and vitamin C supports normal collagen formation in the body. Also, when your drink tastes this good, you actually keep sipping.

A real photo of fresh strawberries, a lemon, an orange, and a knob of ginger arranged on a cutting board next to a glass pitcher

Why It Works

Hydration you will actually finish: sparkling water plus fruit makes it way easier to drink more.
Vitamin C, naturally: orange and lemon bring brightness, and vitamin C supports normal collagen formation.
Antioxidant support: strawberries contain anthocyanins, plant compounds with antioxidant properties.
Ginger for balance: a little ginger makes the sweetness taste cleaner and helps the whole drink feel more awake.
Flexible sweetness: you control it. Keep it tart, or add honey or maple if you want it more like a mocktail.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Best move: store the fruit base and the bubbles separately. Sparkling water goes flat fast, and nobody needs that sadness.

Strawberry citrus base: Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 3 days. For best flavor, use within 24 to 48 hours. Stir or shake before using.
Assembled drink: Best within 30 minutes. If you must store it, keep it chilled and expect less fizz.
Freezer tip: Freeze leftover base in ice cube trays. Drop 2 to 3 cubes in a glass and top with sparkling water for an instant fizzy spritz.

Common Questions

Is this drink actually good for skin?

It supports the basics: hydration and vitamin C intake. Hydration can help the look of dryness, and vitamin C supports normal collagen formation in the body. No drink is a magic wand, but this is a genuinely smart everyday swap for sugary drinks.

Can I make it without added sweetener?

Yes. If your strawberries are ripe, you may not need any honey or maple at all. Taste the base before you decide.

What can I use instead of sparkling water?

Still water works. Coconut water is also great and typically contains potassium, but it makes the drink a little richer and less crisp.

Is ginger optional?

Totally. If you skip it, add a tiny pinch of salt to make the fruit taste more vibrant. It sounds weird, it works.

Can I add collagen powder?

Yes, if it works for you. Use an unflavored collagen peptides powder and whisk it into the strawberry citrus base before adding ice and sparkling water. Collagen can clump in very fizzy drinks, so mixing it into the base first helps.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes. For kids, use still water or a lightly sparkling water and go easy on ginger.

How do I make it smooth (no strawberry bits)?

Strain the muddled base through a fine mesh strainer into a jar, then build the drinks as written. You can press gently to get more juice without pushing too much pulp through.

Any diet notes?

Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan. If you are sensitive to citrus or ginger, start with less and adjust. This recipe is general food content, not medical advice.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cutting board and knife
Citrus juicer (handheld is fine)
Measuring spoons
Small bowl or jar for mixing the base
Muddler or the back of a spoon
Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smooth drink)
Glasses and ice

I started making "glow drinks" the same way I start most good kitchen habits: I got bored. Water felt like homework, and coffee was doing the most. So I began treating hydration like a recipe. A little fruit, a little acid, a tiny trick like ginger or a pinch of salt, and suddenly I am refilling my glass without thinking.

This strawberry citrus version is the one I keep coming back to because it tastes like a fancy brunch drink, but it takes five minutes and zero perfection. If you smash the berries a little too aggressively and it looks messy, congratulations. You are doing it right.