Beetroot Drink Recipe: A Refreshing Addition to a Healthy Diet
Looking for a simple, refreshing drink made with wholesome ingredients? A homemade beetroot drink can be an easy way to add beets to your daily diet. With its naturally vibrant color, earthy-sweet flavor, and refreshing taste, beetroot juice can be enjoyed on its own or combined with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and citrus.
Unlike many packaged beverages, a homemade beetroot drink allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness. You can prepare it in just a few minutes using fresh beetroot and a handful of simple ingredients.
In this article, you’ll find an easy beetroot drink recipe, preparation instructions, ingredient variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions.
What Is a Beetroot Drink?
A beetroot drink is a beverage prepared primarily from fresh beetroot. Depending on the recipe, it may be made by blending beetroot with water or extracting its juice using a juicer.
Beetroot has a naturally earthy flavor. Some people enjoy this flavor on its own, while others prefer to balance it with ingredients such as apple, lemon, orange, ginger, cucumber, or mint.
A homemade beetroot drink can be served chilled, over ice, or blended into a smoothie-style beverage.
Easy Beetroot Drink Recipe
This basic recipe makes a refreshing drink with a balanced combination of earthy beetroot, citrus, and a touch of natural sweetness.
Ingredients
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1 medium fresh beetroot
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1 medium apple
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½ lemon
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1 small piece of fresh ginger
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1 to 1½ cups cold water
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A few fresh mint leaves, optional
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Ice cubes, optional
How to Make Beetroot Drink
Step 1: Prepare the Beetroot
Wash the beetroot thoroughly under running water to remove dirt. Peel it if desired, then cut it into small chunks.
Smaller pieces are easier to blend and can produce a smoother drink.
Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients
Wash the apple and cut it into pieces. Remove the seeds and core.
Peel a small piece of fresh ginger. Squeeze the lemon to obtain fresh juice.
Step 3: Blend
Add the beetroot, apple, ginger, lemon juice, and cold water to a blender.
Blend until the mixture becomes as smooth as possible.
If the drink seems too thick, add a little more water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Step 4: Strain if Desired
For a smoother, juice-like beverage, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
If you prefer more fiber and a thicker texture, you can skip this step.
Step 5: Serve
Pour the beetroot drink into a glass and serve immediately.
Add ice cubes and a few mint leaves for a cooler, more refreshing drink.
Beetroot Juice Without a Juicer
You don’t need a specialized juicer to make a beetroot drink.
Simply chop the beetroot into small pieces and blend it with water and your preferred fruits or vegetables. Strain the mixture afterward if you want a thinner consistency.
This method is especially convenient for anyone who does not have a juicing machine.
Beetroot and Lemon Drink
For a simple two-ingredient version, combine fresh beetroot juice with lemon juice.
Ingredients
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1 medium beetroot
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½ lemon
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1 cup cold water
Blend the beetroot with water, strain if preferred, and mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice.
The lemon adds acidity that can help balance beetroot’s earthy flavor.
Beetroot, Apple, and Ginger Drink
Apple and ginger are excellent additions if you find plain beetroot juice too earthy.
Apple provides natural sweetness, while ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor.
For one serving, blend:
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1 medium beetroot
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1 apple
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A small piece of ginger
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1 cup cold water
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A squeeze of lemon
Adjust the water and lemon according to your taste.
Beetroot and Carrot Drink
Another popular combination is beetroot and carrot.
The natural sweetness of carrots pairs well with beetroot and can create a bright, colorful drink.
Ingredients
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1 medium beetroot
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2 medium carrots
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½ apple
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1 cup cold water
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A small piece of ginger, optional
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Lemon juice, to taste
Wash and chop the ingredients, blend with water, and strain if desired.
Beetroot Drink With Orange
Orange can add a fresh citrus flavor and natural sweetness to beetroot juice.
Try blending:
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1 small beetroot
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1 peeled orange
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½ apple
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A little cold water
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A small piece of ginger, optional
Because oranges contain plenty of juice themselves, you may not need much additional water.
Is Beetroot Drink Healthy?
Beetroot is a nutritious vegetable that contains dietary fiber, folate, potassium, and naturally occurring plant compounds. Beets are also notable for their naturally occurring nitrates.
The nutritional value of your drink depends on how you prepare it. A blended drink that retains the pulp generally contains more fiber than strained juice.
It’s also important to distinguish a homemade beetroot drink from a sugary commercial beverage. Adding large amounts of sugar, syrup, or sweetened juice can significantly increase the drink’s sugar and calorie content.
For a simple everyday option, fresh ingredients and little or no added sugar are reasonable choices.
Beetroot Juice and Dietary Nitrates
Beetroot naturally contains nitrates, which the body can convert into nitric oxide through several steps.
Nitric oxide is involved in blood vessel function and circulation. Research has examined dietary nitrate from vegetables such as beetroot in relation to exercise performance and cardiovascular function.
However, beetroot juice should not be viewed as a replacement for prescribed medication or treatment. If you have a medical condition or take medication that affects blood pressure, speak with a healthcare professional before making concentrated beetroot juice a regular part of your diet.
Should You Drink Beetroot Juice Every Day?
There is no universal requirement to drink beetroot juice every day.
Beetroot can simply be included as part of a varied diet. Some people enjoy a small glass of beetroot juice occasionally, while others prefer eating whole beets because they provide fiber and can be incorporated into meals in many ways.
If you regularly drink beetroot juice, keep portions sensible and avoid loading it with added sugar.
A balanced diet should include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein sources, and healthy fats rather than relying heavily on one particular food or drink.
Best Time to Drink Beetroot Juice
There is no single “best” time for everyone.
You can enjoy a beetroot drink:
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With breakfast
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As part of a snack
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Alongside a meal
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Before physical activity, depending on your dietary routine
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After exercise as part of a balanced meal or snack
If you’re trying beetroot juice for the first time, starting with a small serving can help you see how your body responds.
How Much Beetroot Drink Should You Have?
Serving sizes vary depending on the recipe and individual dietary needs. A small glass is generally sufficient for enjoying beetroot as part of a normal diet.
Concentrated beetroot juice can contain more beetroot than you would typically eat in one sitting, so drinking large quantities is unnecessary.
If you’re considering beetroot juice specifically for a health or sports-related purpose, it’s best to discuss an appropriate amount with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
Can You Add Sugar to Beetroot Juice?
You can, but you may not need to.
Apple, orange, carrot, and other fruits can naturally sweeten a beetroot drink. Lemon and ginger can also improve the overall flavor without adding sugar.
If the drink tastes too earthy, try adding more apple or citrus rather than immediately reaching for refined sugar.
If you do add sugar or another sweetener, use a small amount.
How to Make Beetroot Drink Taste Better
Fresh beetroot has a distinctive earthy flavor, which can take some getting used to.
Try these combinations to create a more balanced drink:
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Beetroot + apple: naturally sweet and mild
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Beetroot + lemon: bright and tangy
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Beetroot + ginger: earthy with a warm spicy note
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Beetroot + orange: sweet and citrusy
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Beetroot + carrot: naturally sweet and vegetable-forward
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Beetroot + cucumber + mint: light and refreshing
You can experiment with different combinations until you find a flavor you enjoy.
Tips for Making the Best Beetroot Drink
For better flavor and texture, keep these simple tips in mind:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh beetroot usually provides a stronger flavor and vibrant color. Choose firm, undamaged beets when possible.
Chill Before Serving
Cold beetroot drinks tend to taste more refreshing. Refrigerate the ingredients before blending or serve the finished drink over ice.
Don’t Overdo the Ginger
Ginger has a strong flavor. Start with a small piece and add more if you enjoy its spiciness.
Balance Earthiness With Citrus
A little lemon or orange can make a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
Avoid Excessive Added Sugar
Fruit can provide enough sweetness for many recipes. Keeping added sugar low makes the drink a more practical everyday choice.
How Long Does Homemade Beetroot Juice Last?
Fresh homemade juice is best consumed soon after preparation because its flavor, color, and quality can change during storage.
If you need to store it, place it in a clean, covered container and refrigerate it promptly. Avoid leaving fresh juice at room temperature for extended periods.
For the best taste, prepare only as much as you expect to drink.
Important Things to Know Before Drinking Beetroot Juice
Beetroot is generally safe as a food for most people, but it can produce a harmless red or pink color in urine or stool. This is sometimes called beeturia.
Beetroot is also relatively high in oxalates compared with some other vegetables. People who have been advised by a healthcare professional to follow a low-oxalate diet should ask about whether beetroot fits their individual dietary plan.
Anyone with a medical condition, food allergy, or dietary restriction should consider their individual circumstances before regularly consuming concentrated vegetable juices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make beetroot juice without a juicer?
Yes. A blender can be used instead. Blend chopped beetroot with water and strain the mixture if you prefer a thinner, juice-like consistency.
Can I drink beetroot juice on an empty stomach?
Some people can drink it comfortably on an empty stomach, while others may prefer having it with food. There is no requirement to consume beetroot juice on an empty stomach.
Can I add other fruits to beetroot juice?
Yes. Apple, orange, pineapple, and other fruits can complement beetroot’s earthy flavor. Keep in mind that adding fruit also increases the drink’s natural sugar content.
Why does beetroot juice turn urine red?
Beetroot contains natural pigments that can sometimes give urine a pink or reddish appearance. This is generally harmless, although persistent unusual urine color should be discussed with a healthcare professional if you are concerned or have other symptoms.
Is blended beetroot better than strained juice?
They serve different purposes. Blending and keeping the pulp preserves more of the vegetable’s natural fiber, while straining creates a smoother drink with less fiber.
Can I prepare beetroot juice in advance?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be refrigerated briefly in a clean, covered container. For the best flavor and freshness, prepare it close to the time you plan to drink it.
Final Thoughts
A homemade beetroot drink is a colorful and refreshing way to include beetroot in your diet. The basic recipe is simple: blend fresh beetroot with water and add ingredients such as apple, lemon, ginger, carrot, orange, or mint to create a flavor you enjoy.
Whether you prefer a smooth juice or a fiber-rich blended drink, homemade preparation gives you control over the ingredients and added sugar.
Remember that no single drink can replace a balanced diet. Enjoy beetroot juice as one part of a varied eating pattern, and choose the ingredients and serving size that fit your individual dietary needs.
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