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On blazing summer days, this lively beet lemonade totally saves me. It’s got the sweetest, most tangy punch—and the knockout ruby shade always wows the crowd.
This idea started on a way-too-warm day, when my garden exploded with beets. It was a new way to use up all those veggies, but now it’s what friends beg for when we relax outside.
Chilled Essentials Ingredients
- Ice: It’s what keeps everything perfectly cold and ultra-refreshing.
- Water: Stick with filtered for super clean, crisp flavor. Nothing weird in there to mess it up.
- Honey: Gives it natural sweet vibes and pairs great with earthy beets. Raw and local is extra tasty.
- Fresh beets: Hunt for the ones that are smooth, deep red, with greens still attached. These taste the freshest and look wild in a glass.
- Fresh lemons: You’ll want big, solid, shiny yellow ones. More juice, more tart zip.
Easy Step By Step Instructions
- Chill out your lemonade:
- Pop your finished drink in the fridge for at least an hour. Everything tastes way better (and colder!) afterward.
- Tweak those flavors:
- Give it a quick taste. Crave more sweet? Squeeze in extra honey. Want it more tangy? Splash more lemon in. Too strong? Just add water. Make it yours.
- Mix it all together:
- Pour your beet juice into a big pitcher with lemon juice, honey, and two more cups cold water. Swirl it all around until the honey disappears. A wooden spoon makes this easier.
- Sift the juice:
- Push the blended beet goop through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Mash down on those beets with a spoon to squeeze out all the juice. It can take a minute but it’s worth it!
- Blend the beets up:
- Dump your shredded beets and 4 cups water into your food processor. Blend until it’s totally smooth and beet bits are gone. 45 seconds or so usually does the trick.
- Shred your beets:
- Toss peeled beet chunks in your food processor—shredding blade on. Aim for 1 cup finely shredded beets. Smaller pieces really pull out color and flavor.
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Beets take basic lemonade to a whole new level. They make things sweeter, so you need less honey, and they’re truly packed with good stuff. Now my family compares every pink drink to this one!
Jaw-Dropping Serving Ideas
Make this colorful drink shine by pouring it in clear jars or pitchers—the ruby red really pops. Slide in thin lemon rounds or beet slices for some flair. On fancy days, freeze lemon wheels or beet bits into your ice cubes for a cool touch (they look even better as they melt).
Awesome Nutrition Facts
This sipper gives you more than just hydration. Beets can keep blood pressure in check and boost stamina. Lemons lend plenty of vitamin C to keep you healthy, and those pure sugars perk you up quick. All for just 99 calories a glass—so you can feel good, not guilty.
Best Ways to Store
Stick it in glass jars to keep it tasting (and looking) best. Store sealed in the fridge, and you’ve got 3 days before it fades. If it separates, don’t stress—just stir again. Want it to last way longer? Freeze it flat in ice trays, bag up the cubes, and you’re good for 3 months. Toss cubes in smoothies or whip up a quick drink anytime.
Tasty Twists to Try
Mix things up with fresh herbs like mint or basil for an extra layer of flavor. To turn it grown-up, pour in a splash of vodka or gin and you’ve got a showy cocktail. Craving a kick? Slice in a little ginger for some zing and gut help. When citrus season hits, swap some lemons with blood oranges for a deeper taste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make beet juice for this drink?
Grab some raw beet pieces and shred them in your food processor. Mix in around 4 cups water, blend until it's all combined, and then strain with a sieve to catch the pulp.
- → Can I use a different sweetener for beet lemonade?
Totally! You can swap in maple syrup, agave, or any sugar substitute you like best instead of honey or standard sugar.
- → What is the best way to adjust the sweetness or tartness?
Once you stir everything together, take a sip. Add more sugar if you want it sweeter, squeeze in extra lemon if you need more tang, or pour in water if it's too bold.
- → How can I ensure the lemonade is well chilled?
If you want it nice and cold, stash it in the fridge for a couple hours. Or, fill your glass way up with ice right before serving.
- → Can I use pre-made beet juice instead of fresh?
Yep, ready-made beet juice is fine. Just pick one that's 100% beet, without sneaky extras or added sugar for the freshest taste.
- → Is beet lemonade suitable for kids?
Kids can enjoy this, especially if you keep the sweetener all-natural. Just see if they like that earthy beet flavor first.