Regular juice has not really been my thing for a long while, except for the occasional mimosa at brunch.  However, I have recently discovered a love for fresh juice concoctions, though not the price of buying them.  So I employed my old juicer (though you can use your favorite smoothie maker too) to get my fix.  Also, juicing is a great way to use up your veggies and fruits, so you don’t have to waste them.  I had the watermelon mimosa (above) in Bali, and could not get enough, so I thought I would share the recipe for you, along with some other goodies I have been mixing up.

Fresh Watermelon Mimosa (non-alcoholic)

The easiest and tastiest fresh blend I have tried this year!

• 1/2 cup watermelon, cubed (retain the juice)
• 3 – 5 mint leaves, torn and bruised (mashed in the cup)
• soda water to fill
• fresh lime

Combine all the ingredients in a glass (including any watermelon juice), and squeeze a bit or more of the lime in, smash a bit, and stir.  This is a sweet treat with no added sugar, and is so easy to make.  If you want to make it an adult cocktail, feel free to add some white rum or vodka, but this is just as good without. Serve with a spoon to grab all the watermelon goodness.

 

Forrest Green Juice

Note:  This juice get’s its name cause of the dark blackberries which make the green spinach look like an evergreen forrest.  You will need a juicer to make this juice, but it can be blended into a smoothie if you like the pulp.

• 2 handfuls of spinach (or can use kale if you prefer)
• 1 handful blackberries
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 carrots
• 1/2 lemon
• 1 handful parsley
• coconut water

Juice the fruits, veggies and herbs, and mix with a bit of coconut water for added hydration and sweetness.  This drink is a green powerhouse, even with it’s dark demeanor.

 

Green Pomegranate 

Celery tones down the tart pomegranate in this awesome juice.  You will need a juicer to make this juice, but it can be blended into a smoothie if you like the pulp.

• 1/2 pomegranate (seeded)
• 2 handfuls spinach or kale
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 medium cucumber (peeled if not organic)
• 1/2 orange (for extra sweetness)

Juice the fruits and veggies and enjoy!

 

Grapefruit, basil rickey (non-alcoholic)

A great juice for the citrus lover, and for those not into the green movement! Sugar and salt tone down the tart grapefruit.

• One medium grapefruit
• 2 – 3 basil leaves
• 1 tsp. coconut sugar (or whatever you prefer to sweeten)
• pinch of salt
• soda water to fill
• ice (optional)

Scoop out the pulp of a grapefruit, and squeeze the juice.  Add both to a tall glass, along with some of your favorite sweetener and a pinch of salt.  Tear up some basil, and add it to the glass, and lightly smash with a spoon.  Top it off with soda water, and ice if you want.  Stir and enjoy. (Add vodka for the adult version if you please)

Hope you enjoy these fresh and haute juices, a great addition to any day!