Description
This refreshing summer beverage combines sweet-tart kiwis with honey, lemon, and a hint of cinnamon for a unique juice that’s perfect for backyard barbecues and hot days.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2-3 glasses
Ingredients
- 4 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped (they should smell sweet and tropical)
- 1/4 cup honey (use the good stuff—raw honey tastes best)
- 1/4 cup cold water (plus more if needed)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (never use bottled!)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (fresh and aromatic)
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Start by peeling your kiwis completely—make sure you get all the fuzzy skin off because it makes the juice bitter. Chop them into rough chunks, about 1-inch pieces.
- Toss the chopped kiwis into your blender along with the honey, water, fresh lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Don’t worry about being precise—this is a forgiving recipe.
- Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until everything is completely smooth and well combined. I usually pulse it a few times first to break things down, then let it run continuously until silky. You shouldn’t see any chunks.
- Set a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended kiwi mixture through the sieve, using the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the liquid through while leaving the seeds and pulp behind. This might take a minute or two—be patient!
- Fill your serving glasses with ice cubes—don’t be shy, fill them up generously. The ice is essential for keeping this refreshingly cold.
- Pour that beautiful, vibrant green juice over the ice in each glass. Give it a gentle stir if you want to distribute the chill evenly.
- Serve immediately while it’s cold and at its brightest green color. Enjoy this refreshing BBQ kiwi juice right away—it tastes best fresh!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 2 servings)
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Vitamin C: 230% DV
- Vitamin K: 45% DV
- Potassium: 15% DV
Kiwis are incredibly rich in vitamin C—just one serving gives you more than double your daily needs!
Notes
- Seriously, use ripe kiwis—they should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy.
- Don’t skip straining unless you want a smoothie texture instead of juice.
- Fresh lemon juice is essential—bottled stuff tastes fake and ruins the brightness.
- The juice oxidizes quickly, so make it fresh right before serving for the best color.
- If your juice seems too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Storage Tips
This juice is absolutely best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container or covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The bright green color will fade to a brownish-green as it oxidizes—this is natural but not as pretty. Give it a good stir before serving because the pulp settles to the bottom. Don’t freeze this juice—kiwi doesn’t freeze well and the texture gets weird when thawed. Make it fresh for best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Summer Cookout: Serve in a large pitcher with extra ice and fresh kiwi slices as garnish for self-serve refreshment
- Brunch Beverage: Pour into champagne flutes and add a splash of sparkling water for a fancy mocktail
- Poolside Refresher: Freeze some of the juice in ice cube trays, then add to glasses with fresh juice for extra-cold drinks that don’t get watered down
- Cocktail Base: Add a shot of vodka or white rum for an adult version that’s perfect for evening gatherings
Mix It Up (Recipe Variations)
Tropical BBQ Kiwi Juice: Add half a ripe mango or 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks before blending for a more complex tropical flavor profile.
Spiced Kiwi Cooler: Add a tiny pinch of ground ginger along with the cinnamon for extra warmth and a subtle spicy kick that’s surprisingly delicious.
Minty Kiwi Refresher: Throw in 6-8 fresh mint leaves before blending for a mojito-inspired version that’s incredibly refreshing on hot days.
Berry Kiwi Fusion: Add 1/2 cup fresh strawberries or raspberries to the blend for a sweeter, more kid-friendly juice with gorgeous color.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe showcases kiwi’s incredible versatility beyond just eating it with a spoon. The technique of blending and straining creates a professional juice-bar quality beverage at home for a fraction of the cost. What makes this special is the unexpected addition of cinnamon, which adds warmth and complexity without overwhelming the bright, tropical kiwi flavor. The combination honors the fruit’s natural sweet-tart balance while the honey and lemon juice enhance rather than mask it. This represents smart home cooking—using simple techniques and quality ingredients to create something that feels special and refreshing without requiring expensive equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
