Strawberry Mojito is considered one of the perfect refreshing drinks for breakfast during Ramadan or in the summer after a hard workday. It combines the sweet taste of strawberries and the tartness of lemon with a refreshing touch of mint. This drink contains Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and improves skin health, as well as antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. However, excessive consumption may cause stomach discomfort due to the high acidity. It is a healthy option when prepared with natural ingredients and no added sugar, making it a beneficial drink after fasting to replenish fluids and stimulate digestion.

Ingredients:

• 5 mint leaves
• 1 lemon, cut into cubes
• 4 fresh strawberries, chopped
• 30 ml lemon juice
• Sparkling water
• A mint sprig for garnish

🔹 Healthy Alternatives for Ingredients:

• You can replace the sparkling water with natural sparkling water without additives to achieve the same fizz effect without any artificial ingredients.
• You can replace strawberries with red berries or blueberries to give the drink a unique flavor while maintaining its health benefits.
• For those who prefer a less acidic drink, you can use orange juice instead of lemon juice to add natural sweetness and reduce the acidic effect on the stomach.
• It can be sweetened with natural honey instead of added sugar to give a rich flavor and provide additional nutritional benefits.

Preparation Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash the mint leaves thoroughly with cold water to ensure there are no impurities.
• Wash the strawberries and cut them into small cubes to ease juice extraction.
• Wash the lemon and cut it into medium cubes, keeping the peel, as it contains essential oils that add a distinctive flavor to the drink.

Step 2: Muddle the Ingredients to Extract the Flavors

• In a large glass or highball glass, place the mint leaves, lemon cubes, and chopped strawberries.
• Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush the ingredients, pressing them to release the juices and essential oils from the fruits and mint.
• Make sure not to crush too hard, as you only need to extract the flavors, not mash the ingredients completely.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Stir the Mixture

• Pour 30 ml of fresh lemon juice over the muddled ingredients in the glass.
• Use a long spoon to stir the mixture well, helping to blend the juices and flavors together.

Step 4: Add Ice and Sparkling Water

• Fill the glass with crushed ice until it almost reaches the top.
• Slowly pour sparkling water over the ice until the glass is fully filled, giving the drink a fizzy and refreshing texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Place a sprig of fresh mint on top of the drink as a garnish, adding a refreshing scent and an attractive appearance.
• You can add a slice of strawberry on the edge of the glass for an extra decorative touch.

Step 6: Enjoy the Drink

• Serve the strawberry mojito immediately and enjoy its refreshing taste.
• For an even better experience, you can serve it with a straw for easy mixing while drinking.

💡 Additional Tip: For a sweeter taste without adding sugar, you can use fully ripe strawberries, as they are rich in natural sugars.

🔹 Various Serving Methods:

Can it be served with flavored ice cubes? Yes, you can use fruit-flavored ice cubes like lemon, strawberry, or mint to enhance the flavor as they melt, giving a unique drinking experience.

Can it be made in a non-carbonated version for those who prefer non-carbonated drinks? You can replace the sparkling water with regular mineral water or coconut water to give the drink a natural and refreshing touch.

🔹 Warnings for People Who Should Avoid the Drink:

Is it suitable for people with stomach ulcers or acid reflux? It is advisable to avoid the drink for people with stomach ulcers or acid reflux due to the lemon juice, which may increase stomach acidity and cause discomfort.

Could it affect diabetic patients if sugar is added? Yes, if sugar is added, it may raise blood sugar levels. It is better to use ripe strawberries to naturally sweeten the drink or use natural sweeteners like stevia for diabetic patients.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can strawberry mojito be prepared without sparkling water? Yes, you can replace sparkling water with regular water or coconut water to give the drink a refreshing flavor without the fizzy bubbles.

How many calories are in one glass of strawberry mojito? One glass of strawberry mojito made with natural ingredients and without added sugar contains approximately 46-50 calories, and the calories may increase if sugar or honey is added.

How can the drink be stored if not consumed immediately? It is best to consume it right after preparation for the best flavor, but if necessary, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours in a closed glass container to maintain the flavor and freshness. Avoid leaving it for a long time as the strawberry and lemon will lose their fresh taste.

What is the difference between a regular mojito and a strawberry mojito? A regular mojito contains a mix of mint, lemon, and sparkling water, while the strawberry mojito adds fresh strawberries, giving it a sweet flavor and an attractive pink color.

Can it be prepared with other fruits like berries or pineapple? Yes, you can replace strawberries with red or blue berries or pineapple to get varied flavors while keeping the same preparation method.

Can dried mint be used instead of fresh mint? It is preferable to use fresh mint as it contains aromatic oils that give a stronger flavor, but dried mint can be used if fresh is not available, with a slight reduction in quantity as dried mint is more concentrated.

Nutritional Values, Calories, and Benefits

Nutritional values for all the ingredients in Strawberry Mojito and their benefits

✅ 5 Mint Leaves

Calories: 3
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A and C
Benefits: Enhances digestion, soothes the stomach, and fights bad breath.

✅ 1 Lemon (Medium Size - 60g)

Calories: 17
Carbohydrates: 5g
Vitamin C: 30mg (50% of daily requirement)
Benefits: Boosts immunity, improves iron absorption, and supports skin health.

✅ 4 Strawberries (50g)

Calories: 16
Carbohydrates: 3.8g
Vitamin C: 29mg (48% of daily requirement)
Antioxidants: Rich in anthocyanins that protect cells from damage.
Benefits: Supports heart health, improves brain function, and helps reduce inflammation.

✅ 30ml Lemon Juice

Calories: 10
Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C and potassium
Benefits: Aids digestion, supports liver health, and helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

✅ Sparkling Water

Calories: 0
Benefits: Improves digestion and helps hydrate the body without adding extra calories.

✅ Mint Sprig for Garnish

Additional Benefits: Adds a refreshing flavor and helps soothe the stomach.

💡 General Benefit:
Strawberry Mojito is an ideal choice after fasting, as it helps replenish fluids and vitamins that the body loses during the day. Its natural ingredients promote digestion and maintain heart and skin health. However, it is recommended to consume it without added sugar to preserve its health benefits.