Cooling Celery Cucumber Juice Recipe – Ginger & Lemon Detox Drink

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cooling Celery Cucumber Juice Recipe – Ginger & Lemon Detox Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink, especially when the Indian summer heat kicks in. This celery cucumber juice is my go-to – it’s incredibly hydrating, packed with goodness, and honestly, just tastes amazing. I first made this when I was feeling a little sluggish and needed a quick pick-me-up, and it’s been a staple ever since! It’s so simple, you won’t believe it. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another juice recipe. It’s a little burst of freshness that’s perfect for a hot day, a post-workout recovery drink, or even just a healthy snack. It’s naturally detoxifying, super hydrating, and the ginger and lemon give it a lovely zing. Plus, it takes just 5 minutes to make! What’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful juice:

• 2 celery stalks
• 1 medium cucumber
• 1 inch piece of ginger
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ?? cup water (start with ½ cup and add more to reach desired consistency)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – getting these right makes all the difference!

Celery: Choosing the Best Stalks

Look for firm, crisp celery stalks. They should be a vibrant green and snap easily when bent. Avoid stalks that are limp or have brown spots.

Cucumber: Varieties for Juicing

English cucumbers (the long, thin ones wrapped in plastic) are great because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, meaning less bitterness. But any cucumber will work! If you’re using a regular cucumber, you might want to peel it if the skin is thick.

Ginger: Fresh vs. Ground & Regional Indian Uses

Fresh ginger is always best for this recipe. It has a much brighter, more vibrant flavor than ground ginger. In India, ginger isn’t just a flavouring – it’s considered a warming spice with incredible medicinal properties, often used in teas and remedies for colds and digestion.

Lemon Juice: Freshly Squeezed is Key

Seriously, don’t even think about using bottled lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a brightness that bottled just can’t match. Plus, it’s packed with Vitamin C!

Water: Quality & Temperature Considerations

Filtered water is always a good idea for the best taste. You can use cold water for an extra refreshing juice, or room temperature water if you prefer.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get juicing!

1. First, give your celery, cucumber, and ginger a good wash. Then, chop them into small pieces – about 1-inch chunks are perfect. This helps your blender work more efficiently.
2. Now, add the chopped celery, cucumber, ginger, lemon juice, and water to your blender.
3. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until everything is completely smooth. You want to make sure there are no chunks left!
4. This is where the straining comes in. Grab a fine sieve or a piece of cheesecloth and strain the mixture to remove the pulp. This gives you a smoother, more pleasant juice.
5. Finally, pour your fresh juice into a glass and serve immediately. Don’t add any sugar or honey – the natural sweetness of the cucumber is perfect!

Expert Tips

Want to take your juice game to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

If your juice is too thick, simply add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Maximizing Juice Yield

Cut your vegetables into smaller pieces before blending. This helps your blender extract as much juice as possible.

Preventing Oxidation & Maintaining Freshness

Celery cucumber juice is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The colour might change slightly due to oxidation, but it will still be safe to drink.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are a few ideas:

Spice Level: Adding a Pinch of Black Pepper or Green Chili

My friend, Priya, loves to add a tiny pinch of black pepper or a sliver of green chili for a little kick. It’s surprisingly good!

Festival Adaptations: Summer Cooling Drink for Holi or Baisakhi

During Holi or Baisakhi, when things get hot and festive, this juice is a lifesaver. It’s a great way to rehydrate after dancing and playing!

Vegan Adaptation: Naturally Vegan!

Good news – this recipe is naturally vegan!

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Naturally Gluten-Free!

And it’s also naturally gluten-free!

Serving Suggestions

This juice is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a light breakfast or a healthy snack. I love having it with a small bowl of fruit salad or a handful of nuts.

Storage Instructions

As mentioned before, this juice is best enjoyed fresh. But if you absolutely must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of celery cucumber juice?

Celery and cucumber are both incredibly hydrating and packed with vitamins and minerals. Celery is a good source of Vitamin K and antioxidants, while cucumber is rich in Vitamin C and silica, which is great for skin health.

Can I make this juice ahead of time? If so, how long will it last?

You can, but it’s best consumed immediately. It will last for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, but the flavour and nutritional value will diminish over time.

What if I don’t have a blender? Can I use a juicer?

Absolutely! A juicer will give you a slightly different texture, but it will work perfectly fine.

Is it necessary to strain the juice? What happens if I don’t?

Straining isn’t essential, but it does improve the texture. If you don’t strain it, the juice will be a bit pulpier.

Can I add other vegetables or fruits to this juice? What combinations work well?

Definitely! Apple, spinach, and pineapple all pair well with celery and cucumber. A little bit of mint can also add a lovely freshness.