Recipes

Blackberry Mint Chia Fresca

I’m always on the lookout for a fun mocktail to enjoy on hot summer afternoons or evenings. This booze-free beverage is delicious, as well as packed with antioxidants from the berries. You’ll also get a boost of fiber and healthy fats from the chia seed. The chia seeds absorb the water, giving the beverage a gel-like consistency that reminds me of bubble tea — except this recipe involves way less sugar than a traditional bubble tea beverage — and no artificial sweeteners or colors!

  • blackberry lime chia
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Makes about a quart.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup blackberries, plus a few to use as garnish.
  • 1 lime juiced, plus some lime wedges for serving
  • A couple of sprigs of fresh mint
  • 1 quart of filtered water
  • 1/4 cup of chia seeds
  • Sweetener: a few drops of stevia (to taste), or 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

Directions

  • Step 1

    PREP AHEAD BY MAKING THE MINT INFUSED WATER: Fill a quart sized mason jar with filtered water. Add a couple sprigs of mint. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove the mint sprigs and discard.

  • Step 2

    Pour 2 cups of the infused water into a blender. Add the blackberries, lime juice, and sweetener of choice. Blend until smooth.

  • Step 3

    Strain the mixture through a fine strainer and discard the blackberry seeds.

  • Step 4

    In a quart-sized mason jar, combine the remaining 2 cups of mint-infused water with the chia seeds. Give everything a good stir with a whisk.

  • Step 5

    Now, add the berry puree to the chia mixture. Whisk until everything is incorporated. Let the mixture set for a few more minutes, and then give everything another whisk. The seeds will start to absorb the water, giving the beverage a "bubble tea" type consistency.

  • Step 6

    Screw on a lid and chill for a couple of hours, then serve. Add a berry, lime wedge, or mint leaves as garnish.

    Note: the seeds can settle to the bottom. Before serving, just shake the jar.