Are you looking for a quick and simple way to boost your energy and relieve tummy bloating, but are sick of spending hundreds of dollars on store-bought “magic” juices and shots? I am here for you! Lately, I have been experimenting with making my homemade detox drinks, and I am having lots of fun playing with different ingredient combinations!
Even though I do not believe in the concept of “detox” per se (I will explain more in detail why later), I find these drinks an incredible and easy way to load my body with precious antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which – in turn- assist the natural detoxifying processes already happening inside my body. Plus, they are all extremely refreshing and provide some much-needed relief from the scorching heat of the past few weeks.
Eager to learn more about the world of detox juices and start making your effective immune-boosting and debloating beverages in the comfort of your own home? Keep reading this article and find out my favorite detox recipes for bloating.
What is a Detox Drink? Does it Actually Work?
Detox drinks are -as suggested by their name- beverages that are promoted as a way to cleanse or detoxify the body. Some of them are just a combination of water, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and sometimes added vitamins or minerals. Others can come in the form of juices, shots, and smoothies.
But do they actually work?
On one hand, it’s undeniable that detox waters and juices can be extremely refreshing and provide essential nutrients to our bodies. On the other hand, it’s important to note that the concept of “detoxification” through specific drinks is not supported by any scientific evidence.
The human body has its natural detoxification system primarily carried out by the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin. These organs work together to eliminate waste products and toxins from the body. While staying hydrated by drinking water or other fluids is beneficial for overall health, there is no specific beverage that can miraculously detoxify your body or instantly flush out toxins!
This is why I am generally quite skeptical when it comes to buying “miraculous” detox drinks or juices. Plus, they are often extremely pricy and way lower in precious micronutrients than freshly-made ones. Indeed, as nutrition experts highlight, it’s imperative to drink your fresh juice immediately, to be able to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients and prevent their oxidation.
Hence why I love making my homemade detox drinks and drinking them straight away!
What are the Benefits of Homemade Detox Drinks?
Despite detox drinks might not act as magical “detoxifiers” as some marketing claims might lead us to believe, these can still contribute to improving our overall health when incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Among the benefits of homemade detox drinks are:
- Extra-hydration.
Detox drinks often contain water or water-rich ingredients, which can contribute to overall hydration. As we all know, staying hydrated is extremely important during this time of the year, especially if we are feeling particularly bloated or low in energy! - Nutrient intake.
Homemade detox drinks are made with colorful fruits and veggies, rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. All of them are key to a strong immune system, and a fast digestive system. Similarly, ingredients such as mint leaves, berries, dark leafy greens, coconut water, and citrus fruits are packed with antioxidants. These precious compounds can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. These are none other than unstable molecules that can contribute to chronic diseases and aging! - A refreshing and flavorful alternative to store-bought drinks.
Detox drinks can be a flavorful alternative to sugary beverages or artificially flavored drinks. Plus, they encourage us to stay hydrated, especially when we find plain water boring or unappealing. - A stronger immune system.
Detox drinks that contain ingredients like lemon juice or lime juice (rich in vitamin C) and ginger (with anti-inflammatory properties) can support a stronger immune system by providing essential nutrients and antioxidants. Additionally, staying hydrated helps maintain proper fluid balance, which is essential for optimal immune function. - Weight management.
Homemade detox beverages -and in particular smoothies and infused water- are low in calories and high in fiber. Dietary fiber can help promote feelings of fullness, thus supporting our weight loss or management goals. - Digestive support.
Lastly, most detox drinks include ingredients known for their digestive and anti-bloating benefits. For example, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and mint have been traditionally used to aid digestion, de-bloat, and alleviate bloating and tummy pains.
This is why I still love to find new creative ways to use my favorite fresh ingredients and make incredible detox juices and smoothies that can support my immunity, speed up my digestion, and give me an instant boost of energy!
Homemade Detox Drinks: my favorite recipes!
Finally, here are some of my favorite homemade detox drink recipes. During the past few months, I noticed that my digestion was extremely slow. In addition, I often felt sluggish and low in energy.
Since I started incorporating my detox juices, water, and smoothies regularly into my daily diet a couple of weeks ago, I quickly started to feel better. My tummy feels flatter, the usual bloat is only a distant memory, and I have never felt so focused, energized, and alive!
This is why I never stop raving about them, and I strongly recommend them to all my friends who are looking for a quick way to improve their overall health! All the beverages below are super quick to make, yet packed with flavors and nutrients.
And if you want an additional boost of precious nutrients that can help you debloat and assist the digestive processes, I highly recommend adding The Soother from Gut Personal to your favorite drink or smoothie. This L-Glutamine powder works wonders in healing and nourishing the gut, especially during particularly stressful periods. Add code CLEANCOOKINGCAITLIN at checkout for a cheeky discount!
(N.B. I’ve recently bought this juicer and cannot stop using it!)
1. Strawberry Detox Lemonade 🍓
Strawberry Detox Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup Lemon juice fresh squeezed lemon juice taste the best, from about 8-10 lemon
- 14 oz Strawberries stems removed (or strawberry puree)
- 1/2 whole Cucumber peeled
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup Honey preferably raw and unfiltered (or agave/date syrup)
- 9 cups Water distilled, spring, or filtered
- Fresh mint optional
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, cucumber, honey, and apple cider vinegar to a blender with a cup of the water. Then blend until it is as thin as possible.
- You may optionally choose to strain the juice with a cheesecloth to remove the strawberry seeds. Pour the juice mix into a two quart pitcher.
- Add the remaining water and lemon juice. Stir with a long spoon.
- To serve: Muddle fresh mint in a glass* (optional). Then pour some ice cubes and the strawberry detox lemonade.
Notes
Nutrition
2. Vanilla Matcha Latte 🌺
Vanilla Matcha Latte
Equipment
- 1 Milk frother blender
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Matcha powder
- 1 tbsp Hot water
- 1 cup Unsweetened plant-based milk e.g., almond milk, oat milk, coconut, or soy milk
- 1 tbsp Agave nectar or pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
Instructions
Iced version:
- In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until smooth and frothy.
- In a blender, combine the prepared matcha mixture, plant-based milk, pure maple syrup or agave nectar, and vanilla extract.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is creamy and frothy. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother like this.
- Add ice cubes to a glass.
- Pour the creamy matcha mixture over the ice cubes. Optionally, garnish with additional ice cubes if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy and foamy goodness of your Iced Creamy and Foamy Healthier Plant-Based Vanilla Matcha Latte!
Hot version:
- In a small bowl or cup, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until smooth and frothy.
- In a saucepan, heat the plant-based milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Create a frothy milk cream by using a milk frother like this one.
- Pour the milk cream into a mug.
- Stir in the pure maple syrup or agave nectar and vanilla extract.
- Pour the prepared matcha mixture into the mug, stirring gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired,
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of your Healthier Plant-Based Vanilla Matcha Latte!
Nutrition
3. Creamy Cranberry Smoothie 💜
Creamy Cranberry Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 Blender Recipes I have and love this Ninja one
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cranberries frozen and unsweetened
- 1/2 Banana frozen
- 1/4 cup Plant-based Greek yogurt or unsweetened soy or coconut yogurt
- 1 tbsp Flax seeds grounded, or chia seeds
- 1 tsp Maple syrup or agave syrup, or stevia (optional)
- 3/4 cup Unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, or soy milk, or coconut water
- Cinnamon a pinch (optional)
- Ice cubes optional, for a chillier smoothie
- Toppings of choice (cacao nibs, coconut flakes, granola, fresh fruit, nut butter, etc.) optional
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the frozen cranberries, pre-peeled banana slices, plant-based Greek yogurt, flaxseeds or chia seeds, and the natural sugar alternative of your choice (maple syrup, agave syrup, honey, monk fruit, or stevia).
- Pour in the unsweetened almond milk or coconut water to help blend the ingredients smoothly. Adjust the amount based on your desired consistency.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and spice.
- If you prefer a colder smoothie, toss in a few ice cubes before blending.
- Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If needed, scrape down the sides of the blender and blend again to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
Nutrition
4. Jalapeño Pineapple Mocktail 🍍
Jalapeño Pineapple Mocktail
Ingredients
- 20 oz curshed pineapple (in pineapple juice) choose one with no syrup or added ingredients
- 1 jalapeno or habanero pepper quartered, seeds removed
- 1 qt club soda (I used one bottle of plan soda, and added carbonation with this soda streamer)
- 2 limes juiced
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup water
- tajin to garnish the rim of each glass
Instructions
- Mix the coconut sugar, water, and quartered and de-seeded peppers in a small pan, and then heat to a simmer.
- Simmer until reduced about halfway. It should take around 15 minutes Remove from heat and cool down for a few minutes. Remove the quartered pepper.
- Filter the desired amount of pineapple from the juice (some like all of the fruit in their drink, others prefer none. Remember that fruit is good for us because of the fiber contained in it!)
- Add the filtered pineapple juice to a pitcher.
- Stir in the spicy coconut sugar reduction.
- Cool in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. When ready to serve, pour in the soda water and stir very well (use a shaker to make it extra froathy).
- To serve, garnish each glass with the tajin. Add a couple ice cubes, and finally add the beverage. To make it extra fancy, add a slice of pineapple to the glass!
Nutrition
5. Galactic Glow (detox mocktail) ✨
Galactic Glow (detox mocktail recipe)
Equipment
- Shaker optional
Ingredients
- 2 cups Butterfly pea flower tea
- 1/4 cup Lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Edible glitter for the rim
- 2 tbsp Honey or simple syrup
- 1 cup Sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves or edible flowers optional
Instructions
- Steep the butterfly pea flower tea in hot water for about 5-7 minutes, or as per the package instructions. Allow the tea to cool completely before using.
- In a small bowl, mix honey or simple syrup with edible glitter. Stir well until the glitter is evenly distributed.
- Wet the rim of the serving glasses with a lemon or lime wedge. Dip the wet rim into the glitter and honey mixture to coat the edge with a shimmering touch.
- Fill the prepared glasses with ice cubes. In a shaker, combine the cooled butterfly pea flower tea, freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice, and the honey or simple syrup mixture with glitter. Shake well to combine.
- Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glasses over the ice. Top each glass with sparkling water or club soda for a refreshing fizz. Garnish the cocktail with a sprig of mint leaves or floating edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance and aroma.
Nutrition
Before you go…
If you have tried these incredible detox recipes, don’t hesitate to share this post with your family and friends! And let’s connect over on my socials (all the links are down below)! 💗
