Please don’t look at me like that.
This can totally be a thing we love: refreshing, healthy and delicious. I promise. It’s light, bright and surprisingly satisfying. 
This drink is inspired by those chia fruit tonics that were everywhere a few years ago. I first saw a version in Food & Wine and, for a moment, assumed it was a cocktail. I thought, delicious — with vodka this would be epic. There wasn’t any alcohol, so I moved on from the disappointment and made it anyway because I loved the idea. I’m a big fan of chia seeds: chia pudding, chia bars, chia stirred into drinks — the texture and nutrition both win me over.
The best part is how customizable this is. Start with a jar of hydrated chia — water, a few tablespoons of chia seeds, a shake or two, and some time in the fridge. The result is a slightly gelled, suspended chia water that feels almost magical.
Another reason I love this drink: I’m a boring beverage person. Through the day I mostly drink water, with one iced coffee in the morning. I’m not into heavy fruit juices or fizzy sodas — carbonation often bothers my throat. There are only a few flavored sparkling waters I actually enjoy regularly. Kombucha is my one true afternoon treat; mild carbonation and a little tang make it perfect. I’ve been dying to find lemonade-flavored kombucha but haven’t had any luck yet.
If you like chia-based beverages like Mama Chia or chia kombucha, you’ll enjoy this. Don’t love grapefruit? No problem — substitute strawberry, cherry, orange, or lime. The idea works with many juices and fruit combinations. If you’re into chia seeds, this will likely appeal to you. If the texture of chia unsettles you, this recipe isn’t for you — there’s no hiding the seeds here.
Drinking this feels good — clean and refreshing — which leaves more room for cookies.
Grapefruit Mint Chia Refresher
Yield:
4
makes 1 pitcher, serves about 4
2 hrs
10 mins
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Ingredients
Chia Base
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
Grapefruit Mint Refresher
- 2 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup cold soda water
Instructions
Chia Base
-
Prep the chia base at least 2 hours ahead or the day before. Combine the water and chia seeds in a jar, cover and shake well. Refrigerate and shake every 30 minutes two to three times until the chia is hydrated and suspended. That’s your chia base.
Grapefruit Mint Refresher
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In a large pitcher, stir together the chia base, grapefruit juice, honey and mint leaves. Mix until the honey dissolves into the liquid. Gently stir in the soda water. Serve immediately over ice with extra mint for garnish.
Notes
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