Coconut Water Chia Seed Drink with Fruit (Lemon Chia Fresca)

This chia Fresca combines coconut water, chia seeds, lemon juice, and a special bonus of fresh fruit for a hydrating chia seed drink packed with protein, nutrients. A natural “energy drink”! Whip up a large batch in the morning and sip on it for a nourishing coconut water drink throughout the day!

Chia seeds are spread all over my blog, whether it’s for chia pudding, adding to smoothies, or for making an omega seed butter – they are a great little powerhouse ingredient. Chia seeds are packed with plant-based protein, omega-3s, and are naturally filling. When combined with flavorful coconut water, citrus juice, and fresh fruit, it makes for a delicious chia Fresca (aka chia lemon water) with a fruity twist!

I’ve always struggled to stay hydrated; it’s why I’ve created a whole list of infused water recipes and even more homemade lemonade recipes (including mint, pineapple, creamy Brazilian, and cucumber lemonade). However, for a drink that is not only hydrating but will give you natural energy (no caffeine needed in this chia seed energy drink!) and nutrient boost with each sip, this recipe is a must-try!

Chia Lemon Water Health Benefits

Chia seeds are all packed with fiber, meaning they can help keep you full for longer – great for those who want to avoid snacking or forget to eat meals at regular times (guilty!). Best of all, this fruity chia lemon water combination takes just minutes to prepare and is packed with even more health benefits than I’ve already mentioned, including:

• Chia seeds are packed with Omega-3’s.
• The fiber makes for a drink that is great for digestion (and your bowels)!
• They contain tons of antioxidants, boosted by the addition of fruit.
• A single serving of this chia, lemon, and coconut water drink contains almost as much calcium as a glass of dairy milk, along with magnesium and phosphorus; this chia seed drink is excellent for bone health.
• The lemon packs in detoxifying, antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties.
• Coconut water is also rich in magnesium and potassium.
• Meanwhile, depending on what sweetener you use (if any) – raw honey can help promote healthy gut flora, boost immunity, and help fight infection.
• The combination of chia lemon water ingredients may also help improve your skin, nails, and hair!

If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy these powerhouse seeds, you might enjoy this mango chia pudding bowl, DIY vegan protein powder blend, or in these dessert-inspired overnight oats!

What is Chia Fresca?

Fresca is traditionally a citrusy soft drink sold by Coca-Cola (initially grapefruit-flavored but now with several flavors including black cherry citrus, peach citrus, citrus lime, grapefruit mint, etc.

However, unlike the commercially sold version, which contains several gums, sweeteners, and preservatives, this homemade chia Fresca combines all-natural ingredients. These include fresh citrus juice, coconut water (or regular water), a natural sweetener (optional), and muddled fruit (also technically optional) with chia seeds for a naturally refreshing, energy-boosting, nourishing lemon Chia Fresca.

Combining chia seeds with water is nothing new. Chia seeds have been used for thousands of years in Central and South America, with legends stating that Mexican warriors would use the seeds as a natural energy booster. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, I say – so enjoy this chia Fresca recipe today!

For even more super refreshing drinks, you might like these recipes for peach iced tea, pineapple orange juice, watermelon juice, or browse through this list of 40+ refreshing summer drinks!

The Coconut Water Chia Fresca Ingredients

• Chia seeds: you can use whole chia seeds or basil seeds (no need to grind) for this coconut water drink.
• Coconut water: I love the chia coconut water blend for its natural sweetness and tropical flavor. Even better, it contains several nutrients and antioxidants.
• Citrus: you can use lemon or lime juice – fresh is best! You can adjust the amount to personal taste. However, I recommend using the juice from ½ small lemon per serving of chia lemon water. You could even add grapefruit juice if preferred.
• Fruit: I used strawberries, though you can swap it out with other berries or fruits depending on what’s in season (and in your kitchen).
• Sweetener (optional) – depending on which fruit you use, it will act as a natural sweetener. However, if you want to sweeten the chia seed drink to taste, then use a little honey, maple, or another liquid sweetener. Use a sugar-free sweetener if preferred.
• Ice and fersh basil leaves – optional, to serve your drink with.

Optional Add-ins and Recipe Variations

• Regular chia lemon water: if you’d prefer to make this drink with regular still water, feel free to do so. There’s no need to use filtered water unless you’d prefer to do so. However, you’ll likely need more sweetener to the chia lemon water, to make up for the natural sweetness in the coconut water drink version.
• Apple cider vinegar: for even more healthful properties, you can use a little apple cider vinegar (unpasteurized!) in place of some citrus juice.
• Using warm water: During the cooler months, feel free to use warm water/coconut water.
• Cayenne: this might sound a little odd, but a pinch of cayenne can help to boost metabolism and reduce calorie and fat intake after consumption.
• Cinnamon: this will pair best with specific fruits. However, just a tiny pinch can help to stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Mint: I’d never say no to fresh mint leaves in any drink, including this coconut water drink. Add them to individual bottles/portions rather than the main pitcher (if using); otherwise, they’ll need to be replaced every day or so.

How to Make Fruity Chia Fresca?

First, combine the chia seeds, citrus juice, and coconut water, mix well, and set aside.

Then, add the fruit in a bowl or directly in individual glasses and use a muddler (or similar tool) to gently crush the fruit into a chunky puree. I used strawberries and removed the green stems, though they are edible.

You could, alternatively, add the fruit to a small chopper/blender/food processor and pulse to your desired consistency.

To serve, add the fruit and ice (if using) to the bottom of the glass, then top it up with the lemon coconut water chia seed mixture. Optionally, garnish with some basil leaves and a lemon/lime wedge.

I recommend allowing the chia water to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to gel up, then enjoy!

How to Store 

Once prepared, you can store the coconut chia Fresca in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days when using fresh fruit. For a longer-lasting version, you can whip up a large batch of the lemon coconut chia Fresca minus the muddled fruit and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

FAQs

Recipe Notes and Top Tips

• Keep in a bottle or serve with a straw: it’s a good idea to give the drink a good stir/shake before drinking to evenly distribute the chia seeds (as some will naturally float/sink otherwise).
• Adjust the sweetener: when possible, I aim to rely on the natural sweetness of the coconut water and added fruit. However, feel free to add a little natural sweetener like raw honey or maple to taste.
• Adjust the amount of chia seeds: if you’re new to chia seed drink recipes and aren’t the biggest fan of their texture, you may want to begin by only adding ½ the amount of chia seeds and working your way up.
• Only add ice to individual glasses: if you don’t want to water down the flavor of the chia Fresca.
• You can use light or dark chia seeds: they will both work the same way.

More Refreshing Summery Drinks

• Bloody Mary (Classic or Virgin)
• Blackberry Earl Grey iced tea
• Coconut vanilla bean creme Frappuccino
• Creamy mango lassi
• Strawberries and cream Frappuccino 
• How To Make Aloe Vera Juice

If you try this citrussy coconut water chia Fresca recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!