- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 55 kcal
Quick summary
“Refreshing natural juice prepared with fresh fruit blended with cold water, lemon juice, and fragrant mint leaves. A hydrating, light drink to accompany everyday meals or beat the heat on hot summer days.”
What you need to know
- Lemon juice intensifies the acidic notes of the fruits and slows down the oxidation of the drink's natural color.
- Very cold water attenuates the heating caused by the high-speed blender blades.
- Mint leaves add immediate freshness without the need to excessively sweeten the mixture.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups of fresh fruit (e.g.: pineapple, orange, strawberry)
- 500 ml of ice water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Mint to taste
Instructions
Principal
- Prepare the fruits: peel and cut into larger pieces.
- Place the cut fruits in the blender with the cold water.
- Add the lemon juice and sugar, if using.
- Beat everything at high speed until the mixture is homogeneous.
- If you prefer, strain the juice to remove the pulp.
- Serve in glasses with ice, decorating with mint leaves.
- Try varying the fruits according to your preference.
- Enjoy the fresh drink in good company!
Chef's tips
- If using pineapple, remove the fibrous core to soften the bitterness and facilitate processing in the cup.
- Blend the fruits for a maximum of 1 minute to avoid degrading vitamin C or excessive foaming.
- Preferably serve without straining to keep the dietary fibers intact in the glass.
Variations
- Add a small slice of peeled fresh ginger before blending to bring spiciness and a thermogenic effect.
- Blend together with ice cubes to turn the drink into a creamy slushie consistency.
- Replace part of the water with cold lemongrass or green tea infusion for an aromatic version.
Substitutions
- The crystal or refined sugar can be substituted with 1 tablespoon of honey, cane molasses, or natural sweetener.
- Cold filtered water can be swapped for very cold natural coconut water or sparkling mineral water.
- The suggested fruit mix can be adapted for watermelon, passion fruit pulp, or fresh mango.
How to store
Consume the fresh juice immediately after preparation to enjoy all the micronutrients without any change in taste. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator in a closed, dark glass bottle for up to 12 hours, stirring well before drinking.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze juice already blended and diluted in water, as the pulp separates and the flavor loses its original freshness. For best use, cut fresh fruits into pieces and freeze in small bags for up to 3 months, blending frozen at the time.
What to serve with
Accompanies natural sandwiches with whole wheat bread, light ricotta pâtés, stuffed tapiocas, or leaf salads with grilled items. Excellent for composing the breakfast table or the afternoon snack.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the juice acquire a bitter taste if it is stored for hours?
Compounds present in the pulp and peels of citrus fruits oxidize in contact with air when crushed; to minimize bitterness, consume soon after blending or store sealed in a dark container.
Is it necessary to strain the juice before serving?
Straining is optional; maintaining the pulp preserves essential fibers for intestinal transit and reduces the absorption speed of the fruit's natural sugars in the body.
Can I replace cold water with coconut water in any fruit?
Yes, coconut water pairs perfectly with pineapple, strawberry, or orange, adding natural sweetness and minerals without changing the refreshing properties of the recipe.
How to keep fresh mint leaves without darkening?
Blend part of the mint with the ingredients to release its aroma and add fresh whole sprigs to the glasses only at the moment of serving to prevent the leaves from wilting or oxidizing.
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