Apricot juice is one of my favorite ways to enjoy apricots! The vibrant orange hue and the sweet, slightly tart flavor make them a delightful treat. Inspired by the success of my homemade apricot jam, I decided to create this refreshing beverage to share the fruit’s deliciousness in a different form.
Contents
Apricot juice recipe
Apricot juice is a refreshing beverage made primarily from apricots, either fresh or dried.
- Fresh apricots are chopped and blended. The mixture is then pureed and strained to remove the pulp. It’s a light and refreshing drink.
- The dried apricot paste is soaked in water overnight, blended, and served chilled. This version is particularly popular during Ramadan and offers a viscous, sweet, and tart flavor profile.
You can mix this juice into an Apricot Cocktail or blend it with other juices, like pineapple, cranberry, or pomegranate. You can also use apricot juice in cooking to marinate meats, make apricot salad dressings, or create glazes for veggies. Reduce it for sauces or desserts, like an Apricot Glazed Chicken. In baking, it adds moisture and sweetness to cakes, tarts, and pastries.
Apricot juice offers numerous health benefits. It boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin with vitamins A and C. It also supports digestive health with its soluble fiber, aiding regular bowel movements and a healthy gut microbiome.
The juice is great for eye health, as its vitamin A content helps improve vision and reduce macular degeneration risks. Vitamins C and E enhance collagen production and moisturize the skin, while antioxidants may help reduce inflammation.
Here’s how to make the Apricot Juice with fresh apricots:
Pure Apricot Juice Recipe
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh apricots pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup honey adjust according to sweetness preference
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 cups cold water
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Ice cubes optional for serving
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the fresh apricots, honey, and grated ginger.
- Add cold water to the blender.
- Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- If you prefer a smoother juice, you can strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp. This step is optional.
- Serve over ice cubes if desired. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
Notes
How to pair
This juice pairs well with tangy cheeses like goat cheese or creamy mascarpone, as well as charcuterie meats. It also complements fresh salads, especially those with citrus or tangy dressings like Caesar or Caprese.
Apricot juice balances savory poultry and pork dishes, adding fruity brightness. It works well with tropical fruits like mango and nuts such as almonds or pecans in salads or desserts. The juice also enhances sweet treats with caramel, honey, or spices like cinnamon and ginger, and mixes perfectly with spirits like vodka, gin, or bourbon in cocktails.
Variations
You can create other creative versions of this non-alcoholic drink. Here are some ideas you can try:
- Apricot Nectar is a thicker, sweeter version of the juice. It contains added sugar or sweeteners and sometimes pulp for texture. The drink is popular in regions where apricots are abundant; often used as a dessert drink or mixer.
- Fruity Infusions mixes the juice with other fruit juices such as peach, mango, or pineapple. It enhances flavor complexity and nutritional profile.
- Apricot Carbonated Juice adds carbonation for a fizzy, refreshing drink. This version sometimes combines with herbs or spices for unique flavor twists.
- Fermented Apricot Juice is used to produce apricot cider or apricot wine. Fermentation adds complexity and alcohol content.