I keep reading articles and seeing stories on the power of juicing…the healthful, detoxing, rejuvenating, refreshing blends of high quality, raw fruits, vegetables and herbs juiced and blended into tasty concoctions, especially during this awards season as A-Lister’s forgo solid food to fit into couture gowns, and the rest of us try to get over an indulgent holiday season.
The word is that Starbucks is considering entering the juice world, but not before our own Central Market gets into the act. From apple, carrot and ginger juice, to red beet, strawberry and rhubarb juice – the flavor combinations and options are endless, and the healthful benefits are amazing.
Last week Central Market launched their juice bar at all of their D/FW locations with up to 20 options available any given day…and, if Starbucks does get into the biz, the coffee craze may finally be giving way to the power of juice. If you have a juicer machine at home here are a few flavorful options to blend up yourself, with a few varieties to make it a little more fun and adult beverage friendly, or visit Central Market locations to pick up a blend and add your favorite spirit.
Strawberry-Basil Lemon Drop
Juice together 1/2 cup strawberries with the juice of 1/2 lemon and a palm full of basil leaves. Pour into a shaker filled with ice. Add 1 tablespoon simple syrup (more if you like it sweeter) and 1 1/2 ounces of your favorite vodka, Grey Goose Citron would be great. Shake until very cold and serve up in a martini glass with a lemon twist.
Cucumber-Mint Mojito
Juice together 3/4 cup chopped cucumber, juice of 1 lime and 20 mint leaves. Pour into an ice filled rocks glass, add 1 tablespoon simple syrup (more if you like it sweet) and 2 ounces white rum like Mount Gay Eclipse Silver.
Spicy Orange-Ginger Margarita
Juice together one 2 inch piece fresh ginger, 1 carrot, the juice of 1 orange and 1 lime. Pour into an ice filled glass, add 1 tablespoon simple syrup (more if you like it sweet), and 1 1/2 ounces your favorite tequila, like Patron.
A Healthful Spicy Bloody Mary
Juice together 1 carrot, 1 stalk celery, 2 Roma tomatoes, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon fresh horseradish, a palm full of fresh spinach, 1 tablespoon cilantro, 1/2 jalapeno pepper (seeds and ribs removed), juice of 1 lime and a pinch of salt. Pour into a tall ice filled, salt rimmed glass with 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 2 ounces vodka, Ultimat or Russian Standard are delicious options. Garnish with a celery stalk.
