Strawberry Watermelon Mint Refresher Recipe

A homemade copycat of the Costa Strawberry, Watermelon & Mint Refresher — simple, refreshing and far cheaper than buying one.

Costa Refresher drinks have become a summer favourite for many, but buying them regularly adds up. This easy homemade version recreates the same bright flavours — strawberry, watermelon and a hint of mint — using whole fruit and a touch of water. It’s quick to make, naturally hydrating and a far more economical option when you want a cold fruity pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Refresher Drink

• Significantly cheaper to make than a shop-bought refresher
• Ready in minutes with minimal equipment
• Made from whole fruit — more fibre and natural goodness
• Extremely refreshing on hot days and easy to sip
• A kid-friendly way to increase hydration with natural flavour

How To Make A Strawberry, Watermelon & Mint Refresher

This recipe is intentionally simple — add the ingredients to a blender and blitz. A high-speed or single-serve blender works best to achieve a smooth texture, but any blender that can handle frozen fruit will do the job. Below are clear steps, plus tips for variations and serving.

Serve right away for the best flavour and texture. This version makes one large serving; for younger children you can divide it into two smaller portions. The drink is bright, naturally sweet from the fruit and lightly aromatic thanks to the mint.

Variations, Substitutions and Tips

This refresher is highly adaptable. Swap frozen strawberries for frozen raspberries or mango for a different tropical twist. If you prefer a thinner drink, add more water or a splash of sparkling water for fizz. To boost cooling flavour, add a teaspoon of lime juice — it complements the watermelon and brings out the fruitiness.

For a sweeter result without adding processed sugar, use riper watermelon or a few fresh dates blended in. If mint isn’t to your taste, a small handful of basil leaves offers an interesting herbal note that pairs well with strawberries.

If preparing multiple servings, scale up the ingredients and blend in batches so the texture stays smooth. When using a blender with small cups, be mindful not to overfill; blending in two rounds preserves the best consistency.

Whole Fruit vs Concentrate

The shop-bought Costa version uses concentrated juice as a base, which removes fibre and often includes added sugar. This homemade alternative keeps the whole fruit, so the natural fibre, flavour and nutrients remain intact. That means a more satisfying mouthfeel and a slower release of natural sugars compared with clear juice from concentrate.

Because this recipe uses whole fruit, there’s no added sugar or artificial sweeteners — just the fresh taste of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of mint. It’s a great way to serve a naturally flavoured drink that hydrates and offers more substance than plain juice.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serve in a tall chilled glass with plenty of ice for an instant summer treat. Garnish with a small mint sprig or a thin slice of watermelon on the rim for a polished look. If you want a layered look like café drinks, chill the blended fruit mixture and pour over crushed ice slowly.

This refresher is best enjoyed immediately. If you need to store it, keep it chilled in an airtight container and drink within 24 hours; separation can occur, so give it a quick stir before serving. Avoid freezing the finished drink — freeze individual fruit portions instead so you can blend fresh each time.

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