- Blend kiwis, green grapes, ginger, and coconut water until smooth.
- Strain the mixture into a pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Stir in chia seeds and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Serve chilled over ice.
- Calories:120 kcal25%
- Energy:502 kJ22%
- Protein:2 g28%
- Carbohydrates:28 mg40%
- Sugar:20 mg8%
- Salt:60 g25%
- Fat:0.5 g20%
Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh
Kiwi Grape Recipe: Refreshing Ginger Coconut Water Detox Drink
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a drink that’s both incredibly refreshing and good for you. Especially with the Indian summers getting hotter each year! This Kiwi Grape Recipe – a vibrant blend of sweet, tart, and a little bit of zing – is exactly that. It’s become a total staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this isn’t just a drink; it’s a little burst of sunshine in a glass. It’s super quick to make (seriously, just 15 minutes!), packed with vitamins, and incredibly hydrating. Plus, the combination of kiwi, grapes, ginger, and coconut water is just… chef’s kiss. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day, a great way to start your morning, or even a healthy alternative to sugary sodas.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:
- 2 large kiwis
- 1 cup seedless green grapes
- 1 inch ginger
- 600 ml coconut water
- 1 tsp chia seeds
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips I’ve picked up over the years…
Kiwi: Selecting Ripe Fruit & Varieties
Choosing the right kiwi makes all the difference. You want kiwis that yield to gentle pressure – not rock hard, but not mushy either. The Hayward kiwi is the most common variety, but you can also experiment with golden kiwis for a slightly sweeter flavour.
Green Grapes: Seedless vs. Seeded Options
I prefer seedless green grapes for convenience, but if you only have seeded ones, that’s totally fine! Just be mindful when blending.
Ginger: Fresh vs. Ground & Regional Indian Uses
Fresh ginger is always best for that vibrant, zesty flavour. In India, ginger isn’t just a flavouring; it’s considered a warming spice with amazing health benefits – my dadi (grandmother) always used to give us ginger tea when we were feeling under the weather! While you can use ground ginger in a pinch (about ¼ tsp), it won’t have the same punch.
Coconut Water: Fresh vs. Packaged & Health Benefits
Fresh coconut water is heavenly, if you can get your hands on it. Otherwise, packaged coconut water works perfectly well. It’s naturally hydrating and full of electrolytes – perfect for replenishing after a workout or just a hot day.
Chia Seeds: Nutritional Value & Soaking Considerations
Chia seeds add a lovely little texture and a boost of omega-3s and fibre. You don’t need to soak them, but soaking them for a few minutes helps them plump up and become even easier to digest.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get blending!
- First, peel your kiwis and roughly chop them. Add them to your blender along with the green grapes and the inch of ginger (no need to peel!).
- Pour in the coconut water.
- Now, blend everything until it’s beautifully smooth. If you like a really fine texture, you might want to blend for a little longer.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve into a pitcher. This gets rid of any bits of skin or seeds, giving you a super smooth drink.
- Stir in the chia seeds.
- Pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the chia seeds work their magic.
- Serve chilled over ice and enjoy!
Expert Tips
A few little things I’ve learned along the way…
Blending Techniques for Smoothness
Start on a low speed and gradually increase it to high. This helps prevent splattering and ensures everything gets blended evenly.
Adjusting Sweetness & Tartness
If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little honey or maple syrup. For a tarter kick, add a squeeze of lime juice.
Maximizing Ginger Flavor
Don’t be shy with the ginger! It really adds a lovely warmth and zing.
Using a High-Speed Blender
If you have a high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec), you might not even need to strain the mixture.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas…
Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is naturally vegan!
Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Green Chili
My friend, Priya, loves to add a tiny sliver of green chili for a spicy kick. It sounds unusual, but trust me, it works!
Festival Adaptation: Summer Cooling Drink for Holi/Baisakhi
This is perfect for cooling down after all the dancing and festivities during Holi or Baisakhi. It’s so refreshing!
Sugar-Free Option: Using Stevia or Other Natural Sweeteners
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can easily substitute the grapes with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Tropical Twist: Adding Mango or Pineapple
For a more tropical vibe, add a handful of mango or pineapple chunks to the blender.
Serving Suggestions
This drink is delicious on its own, but you can also get creative with your presentation. Try garnishing with a kiwi slice or a sprig of mint. It also pairs beautifully with light snacks like fruit salad or a handful of nuts.
Storage Instructions
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The chia seeds will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash of coconut water before serving.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
What are the health benefits of kiwi and grapes?
Kiwi is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, while grapes are a good source of resveratrol, which is great for heart health. Together, they’re a powerhouse of goodness!
Can I use frozen grapes in this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen grapes will make the drink extra cold and slushy.
How can I make this drink more filling?
Add a tablespoon of yogurt or a scoop of protein powder to make it more substantial.
Is this drink suitable for diabetics?
It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional, but the natural sugars in the fruit are generally better than refined sugars. Using a sugar-free sweetener is also a good option.
Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?
You can blend everything except the chia seeds and store it in the fridge. Add the chia seeds just before serving.
What is the best way to strain the mixture?
A fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth works best for a super smooth drink.