Recipe Name
Refreshing Purple Cabbage Apple Detox Juice
Quick Description
This beautiful deep purple juice is made with purple cabbage, apple, lemon, cucumber, and ginger. It has a fresh, slightly sweet, slightly tangy flavor with a bright purple color that looks amazing in bottles or glasses.
It is a simple homemade drink you can make in a blender, then strain for a smooth juice-like texture
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Servings & Timing
Servings: 4 glasses or 3 small bottles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Blend Time: 2–3 minutes
Straining Time: 3–5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups purple cabbage, chopped
- 2 green apples or red apples, chopped
- 1 large cucumber, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
- 1½ cups cold water
- ½ cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon honey, optional
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup pineapple chunks, for sweetness
- ½ cup blueberries, for deeper color
- ½ cup beetroot, for a stronger purple-red color
- A few mint leaves, for freshness
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, added after blending
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Wash everything well
Wash the purple cabbage, apples, cucumber, lemon, and ginger properly. Since this is a fresh raw drink, clean ingredients are important.
2. Chop the ingredients
Cut the purple cabbage into small pieces. Chop the apples and remove the seeds. Chop the cucumber. Peel and slice the ginger.
3. Add ingredients to blender
Add purple cabbage, apples, cucumber, lemon juice, ginger, cold water, and ice cubes into a blender.
4. Blend until smooth
Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns smooth and deep purple. If the drink is too thick, add a little more cold water.
5. Taste and adjust
Taste the juice. If you want it sweeter, add honey, pineapple, or one extra apple. If you want it more tangy, add more lemon juice.
6. Strain the juice
Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the blended mixture through it and press with a spoon to extract the juice.
7. Bottle and chill
Pour the purple juice into clean bottles or glasses. Serve immediately or refrigerate until cold.
Nutrition Estimate
Per 1 glass:
- Calories: 70–110
- Protein: 1–3g
- Carbohydrates: 17–26g
- Fat: 0–1g
- Fiber: 2–5g if lightly strained
- Sugar: Naturally occurring from apples and fruit
Benefits
This purple drink is colorful, refreshing, and made with real fruits and vegetables.
Why it is a great homemade juice:
- Naturally bright purple color
- Refreshing and hydrating
- Made with simple ingredients
- No refined sugar needed
- Easy to prepare in a blender
- Great for anti-inflammatory-style meal plans
- Perfect for storing in bottles
Additional Notes
- Purple cabbage has a strong flavor, so apple, lemon, and cucumber help balance it.
- Pineapple makes the juice sweeter and more tropical.
- Blueberries make the color darker and richer.
- Ginger adds a fresh spicy kick.
- If you want a smoother juice, strain it well through cheesecloth.
- If you want more fiber, drink it without straining.
Dietary Info
- Vegan: Yes, if honey is skipped
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Dairy-Free: Yes
- Refined Sugar-Free: Yes
- Low Fat: Yes
- Anti-Inflammatory Friendly: Yes
- Weight-Loss Friendly: Yes, when used as part of a balanced diet
Flavor Tips & Variations
Purple Cabbage Apple Juice
Use purple cabbage, apple, lemon, ginger, and cold water. Simple and fresh.
Purple Pineapple Juice
Add pineapple chunks for a sweeter tropical version.
Purple Berry Detox Juice
Add blueberries or blackberries for a darker color and fruity flavor.
Purple Beet Juice
Add ½ cup beetroot for a stronger earthy flavor and deeper color.
Minty Purple Cooler
Add mint leaves and extra lemon juice for a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredient Substitutions
Purple Cabbage
Gives the drink its bright purple color.
Substitute: Beetroot, blueberries, or black grapes.
Apple
Adds natural sweetness.
Substitute: Pear, pineapple, orange, or grapes.
Cucumber
Adds freshness and water content.
Substitute: Celery or coconut water.
Lemon Juice
Brightens the flavor and balances the cabbage taste.
Substitute: Lime juice.
Ginger
Adds warmth and freshness.
Substitute: A pinch of turmeric or skip for a mild flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this drink:
- Chilled in tall glasses
- In glass bottles for meal prep
- With breakfast
- As an afternoon refreshment
- With ice and mint leaves
- Alongside a light salad or protein snack
For a pretty look, garnish with lemon slices, mint, or a few blueberries.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerator
Store in clean glass bottles for up to 24 hours.
Before Serving
Shake well before drinking because natural separation may happen.
Freezing
Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays and blend later with cold water.
Best Tip
This juice tastes best fresh and cold.
FAQs
Can I make this without a juicer?
Yes. Blend everything with water, then strain it through a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
Does purple cabbage taste strong?
It can taste slightly earthy, but apple, lemon, cucumber, and ginger balance it nicely.
Can I make it sweeter?
Yes. Add pineapple, extra apple, grapes, or a little honey.
Can I drink it without straining?
Yes. It will be thicker and more smoothie-like with more fiber.
Can I store it overnight?
Yes, but drink it within 24 hours for the freshest taste and color.
Can I add protein?
Yes. For a smoothie version, add Greek yogurt or unflavored protein powder, but the color and texture may change.
