Last summer, I kept seeing these gorgeous fruit drinks on Pinterest — all full of berries and citrus and fresh herbs. But they were either loaded with sugar… or required ingredients I didn’t have.

So I started experimenting with what I did have: frozen berries, fresh lemon, and a bit of mint from the backyard. The first time I made this Berry Citrus Smash, it was love at first sip. It’s now my go-to when I want something pretty, refreshing, and healthy — especially on hot afternoons when I feel like snacking but really just need hydration.

Bonus: my kids love it too (and I don’t have to hide it in a wine glass).

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Juice of 1/2 orange

• 3–4 mint leaves

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1/2 cup sparkling water (or more to top)

• 1/2 cup ice

• Optional: 1–2 tsp honey or a few drops of liquid stevia

Instructions

1. Muddle the fruit
   In a glass or jar, gently mash the berries, lemon juice, orange juice, and mint leaves to release all the juices.

2. Mix it up
   Add water and ice. Stir well. If using honey or stevia, mix it in now.

3. Top with fizz
   Pour in sparkling water and give it a gentle stir to keep the bubbles.

4. Serve it pretty
   Pour into glasses and garnish with extra berries or a citrus slice if you’re feeling Pinterest-y.

Sarah’s Tips

• Frozen berries work great and make the drink extra cold.

• Don’t skip the mint — it totally lifts the flavor.

• Want a deeper flavor? Let it sit in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.

• Swap lemon for lime if you love that sharper citrus kick.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 30

• Sugar: 5g (from fruit)

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 0g

• Fat: 0g

• Vitamin C: ~40% DV