Citrus Refresher
This citrus refresher tastes like summer in a glass and is a colourful take on the classic mojito mocktail. Not only is this refresher a low-sugar diabetes-friendly beverage, but it is also loaded with Vitamin C thanks to juice from fresh lime, grapefruit, and navel orange.

- Suitable for diets:
- Low-Carb
- Plant-Based
- Vegan
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Low in Sugar: This citrus refresher is made with natural fruit juices and soda water, avoiding added sugars common in many beverages.
- Rich in Vitamin C: The high content of vitamin C from the citrus fruits can aid in the immune system's functioning, which is crucial for individuals managing diabetes.
- Low-Calorie: Using soda water instead of sugary mixers keeps the calorie count low, supporting overall weight management.
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Ingredients
- mint (leaves) 2 tbsp
- Ice
- soda water 2 cups
- grapefruit (juiced, makes about 4 tbsp) ½
- orange (juiced, makes about 4 tbsp) ½
- lime 1
Garnishes
- lime (wedge)
- orange (wedge)
- grapefruit (wedge)
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Cooking Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh citrus fruits to ensure the highest levels of vitamins and the best flavor.
- Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter drink without adding sugar, consider adding a splash of 100% fruit juice or a small amount of a natural sweetener like stevia.
- Soda Water Alternatives: For a different twist, you can use sparkling mineral water or tonic water (watch for added sugars with tonic water).
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Instructions
- Divide mint leaves between two glasses and muddle with the back of a spoon to release its flavour.2 tbsp mint
- Add ice and pour 1 cup of soda water into each glass.Ice, 2 cups soda water
- Using a lemon squeeze or a fork, squeeze grapefruit juice into each glass (about 2 tablespoons in each glass.½ grapefruit
- Do the same with the orange juice.½ orange
- Squeeze half a lime into each glass and mix.1 lime
- Garnish with a lime, orange, and grapefruit wedge.lime, orange, grapefruit
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FAQ
- Can I make this drink ahead of time? Yes, you can mix the citrus juices ahead of time but add the soda water right before serving to maintain the fizziness.
- How can I make this drink into a cocktail? You can add a shot of rum or vodka to each glass to turn it into an alcoholic beverage. Remember, if you're managing diabetes, it's important to consider how alcohol might affect your blood sugar levels.
- Is this drink suitable for kids? Absolutely! This refreshing, fruity beverage is a great alternative to sugary sodas and juices for kids.
- Can I use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh? Fresh juice is preferred for the best flavor and nutrient content, but you can use high-quality, 100% bottled citrus juice in a pinch. Ensure there's no added sugar.
- Is this drink suitable for people using statin medications? People taking statin medications such as Lipitor® should avoid grapefruit. Although the amount in this recipe is unlikely to cause a serious reaction, it is best to err on the side of caution.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 57.6kcal
Carbohydrates: 15.5g
Fiber: 3.1g
Sugar: 7.9g
Fat: 0.3g
Saturated Fat: 0.04g
Trans Fat:
Protein: 1.2g
Nutrition Facts
Citrus Refresher
Amount per Serving
Calories
57.6
% Daily Value*
Fat
0.3
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
0.04
g
0
%
Sodium
52.3
mg
2
%
Potassium
211.9
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
15.5
g
5
%
Fiber
3.1
g
13
%
Sugar
7.9
g
9
%
Protein
1.2
g
2
%
Vitamin C
52
mg
63
%
Calcium
64.2
mg
6
%
Iron
0.6
mg
3
%
Magnesium
18
mg
5
%
Zinc
0.4
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Many seniors are taking prescriptions such as Lipitor and cannot consume grapefruit. This shld be mentioned in your recipe.
Thank you for pointing this out. Although preparing this recipe would mean using 1/4 grapefruit per serving which is unlikely to cause any significant harm, it is definitely worth pointing out as there may be other meals that include grapefruit, so being aware of this is important. A note has now been added in our FAQ section for this recipe.