Lauki Juice Recipe – Refreshing Bottle Gourd Drink with Ginger & Mint

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Lauki Juice Recipe – Refreshing Bottle Gourd Drink with Ginger & Mint

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a super refreshing and healthy drink to beat the summer heat, you have to try this Lauki Juice. Seriously, it’s a game changer. I first made this when I was trying to incorporate more veggies into my diet, and honestly, I was surprised how delicious it turned out! It’s light, hydrating, and packed with goodness. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lauki Juice (also known as Bottle Gourd Juice) is the perfect pick-me-up. It’s incredibly easy to make – we’re talking just a few minutes! – and requires minimal ingredients. Beyond the ease, it’s a fantastic way to stay hydrated, especially during those scorching summer months. Plus, it’s a surprisingly tasty way to get a good dose of vitamins and minerals. Trust me, even if you’re not usually a fan of bottle gourd, you’ll love this!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this refreshing juice:

• 1 small bowl lauki pieces (peeled and cubed) – about 200-250g
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped coriander leaves
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves
• 1 small piece ginger (about 1 inch)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon black salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon lemon extract (or juice of ½ lemon)
• 1 cup water (approximately 240ml)
• 3-4 ice cubes
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about these ingredients for a sec!

Lauki, or bottle gourd, is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s incredibly hydrating – over 90% water! – and rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also known for its cooling properties, making it perfect for summer.

Mint adds a lovely freshness and also has cooling properties, which is a bonus. I love using fresh mint, but you can use a tiny bit of mint extract if you’re in a pinch.

Ginger isn’t just about flavour; it’s amazing for digestion! A little piece goes a long way, adding a nice zing to the juice.

You might be wondering about black salt. It adds a unique flavour that really complements the other ingredients, and it’s also considered to have digestive benefits in Ayurveda. Regular salt works too, of course!

Historically, lauki has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In many Indian households, lauki juice is a common summer drink, sometimes blended with other vegetables like cucumber. You’ll find regional variations too – some people add a pinch of cumin or even a little green chili for a spicy kick!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some juice!

1. First, add the peeled lauki pieces, coriander leaves, mint leaves, ginger, lemon extract, black salt, water, and ice cubes into your blender.
2. Now, blend everything together for 3-4 minutes, until it’s super smooth. You want to make sure there are no chunks left!
3. Grab a sieve and strain the juice into a glass. This gets rid of any pulp, giving you a nice, clean juice.
4. And that’s it! Serve chilled immediately for the best taste and health benefits.

Expert Tips

Want to make this juice perfect? Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

• Choosing the best lauki: Look for firm, dark green lauki with a smooth skin. Avoid any that have blemishes or soft spots.
• Consistency is key: If your juice is too thick, just add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Bitterness be gone: Sometimes lauki can be a little bitter. To avoid this, you can peel it thoroughly and remove the seeds before blending. Adding a little more lemon juice also helps!

Variations

Time to get creative!

• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan!
• Spice Level (Adjusting Ginger): If you like a little more heat, add a slightly larger piece of ginger. My friend, Priya, loves to add a tiny pinch of green chili too!
• Health-Focused Adaptations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber or spinach for an extra boost of nutrients. A handful of spinach won’t change the flavour much, but it’ll add a lovely green colour.
• Summer Cooling Drink Adaptations: My grandmother always added a tiny pinch of cumin powder to her lauki juice. It adds a lovely earthy flavour and is great for digestion.

Serving Suggestions

This juice is best enjoyed chilled, straight away. It’s perfect as a refreshing breakfast drink, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a healthy alternative to sugary sodas. I like to serve it with a sprig of mint for a pretty presentation.

Storage Instructions

Lauki juice is best consumed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the colour and flavour might change slightly over time. Give it a good stir before drinking!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of lauki juice?

Lauki juice is incredibly hydrating, rich in vitamins and minerals, and known for its cooling and digestive properties. It’s also low in calories, making it a great choice for weight management.

Can I drink lauki juice every day?

Yes, you can! It’s a very healthy drink and can be enjoyed daily as part of a balanced diet.

How can I reduce the bitterness in lauki juice?

Peel the lauki thoroughly, remove the seeds, and add a little more lemon juice.

What if I don’t have a blender – can I still make this?

You could try grating the lauki and then squeezing the juice out using a muslin cloth. It’ll be a bit more work, but it’s definitely possible!

Can I add any other ingredients to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits and vegetables like cucumber, apple, or spinach. A pinch of cumin or a squeeze of lime can also add a lovely flavour.

Enjoy your homemade Lauki Juice! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy blending!