Enjoy a healthy start to your day with this Citrus Mocktail, a tasty blend of carrot and citrus flavors, rich in essential vitamins. Perfect for a nutritious morning boost or addition to brunch!

Citrus Mocktail: A Vitamin-Packed Morning Delight

Are you looking for a refreshing, healthy drink to start your day? Look no further than my Carrot Citrus Mocktail! This delightful beverage is not only delicious but also brimming with vitamins A, C, potassium, and more. It’s the perfect way to kick-start your morning with a guilt-free treat.

Transforming Health with Every Sip

Embarking on a healthier lifestyle, I discovered the magic of this mocktail. It’s been a game-changer in my journey from a size 14 to a 10/12, and from 190lbs to 165lbs. This tasty concoction, loved even by my kids and husband, is a testament to how delicious healthy can be. It’s my daily pick-me-up when I make it, delivering a burst of energy and joy with every sip.

The Juicing Journey: A Path to Wellness

My husband and I began our juicing journey years ago, dreaming of improved health. We’ve seen the ups and downs, but I can attest to the clearer mind and healthier body it brings. Yes, juicing has its challenges – it can be costly and time-consuming – but the health benefits far outweigh these cons. It’s like a natural visit to the doctor’s office, but in the comfort of your home and, for the most part, tastes yummy!

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Crafting the Mocktail: A Juicing Guide

Ready to dive into this juicy adventure? This mocktail is ideal for breakfast or brunch, offering a nutrient-rich blend of vitamins A, C, folate, potassium, calcium, iron, and more. It’s simple to make – just juice the ingredients and mix them together. The citrus fruits add a vibrant touch, while the carrot brings a sweet nuance.

Ingredients Needed

• Carrots
• Oranges
• Grapefruit
• Apple
• Orange wedge and carrot stick for garnish (optional)

Recipe Overview

*Find the full recipe in the recipe card below*

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Carrots: Start by washing the carrots thoroughly. Peel them to remove any dirt or impurities. Cut them into 2-3 inch strips that can easily fit into your juicer. If organic, just wash – no need to peel.
2. Oranges: Wash the oranges. Cut off the top and bottom with a sharp knife, then peel off the skin from top to bottom. For hand squeezing, simply cut the oranges in half.
3. Grapefruit: Similar to the oranges, wash the grapefruit and slice off the top and bottom. Peel the skin away. If using a juicer, ensure the grapefruit pieces are small enough to fit into the feed tube.
4. Apple: Choose a crisp variety like Jonagold, Fuji, or Gala for the best flavor. Wash, peel (especially if non-organic), core, and slice the apple to fit into your juicer. Tossing the apple slices in some of the citrus juice can prevent them from browning.

Juicing the Ingredients:

1. Using a Juicer: If you have a juicing machine, start by juicing the citrus fruits and apple, followed by the carrots. This order helps in pushing any soft fruit remnants through the juicer efficiently.
2. Without a Juicer: You can manually squeeze the citrus fruits. For the carrots and apples, blend them and then press the pulp through a strainer to extract the juice. This method is more labor-intensive but equally effective.

Serving the Citrus Mocktail

To serve your freshly made Citrus Mocktail, follow these simple steps for a refreshing and undiluted experience:

1. Chill Without Diluting: Instead of using ice, which can water down the juice, try a clever alternative. Freeze small pieces of citrus fruit or carrot sticks beforehand. These frozen pieces will chill your drink without diluting its vibrant flavors.
2. Garnish for Flair: Add a decorative touch to each glass by garnishing with a fresh wedge of orange. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also infuses a subtle aroma and flavor that complements the mocktail.
3. Ready to Serve: Pour the mocktail into your chosen glasses. Drop in a few of the frozen citrus or carrot pieces to keep it cool. The bright colors of the garnish and frozen pieces create an inviting and festive presentation.

1. Juicing with a Machine: Follow the straightforward steps of juicing the listed ingredients.
2. Without a Juicer: You can hand squeeze the citrus and blend the carrots and apples, though this method requires more effort.

Recipe Tips

• Buy organic produce to avoid peeling. Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the use of chemicals to ward away bugs and plant disease. Regular non-organic produce often times have had chemicals used to help from bugs and disease. It is recommended to remove or peel non-organic produce before juicing to eliminate any chemicals that may be present on the skin and unable to be removed through washing. Organic produce should still be washed but does not have to be peeled.
• Cut produce into 2-3 inch long pieces for easier juicing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a juicer? Yes, if you don’t have a juicer you can hand squeeze the citrus fruit and use a blender or food processer to puree the carrots and apples. After processing you will need to press the juice from the carrots and apples. Be aware that this method will often produce less juice.

Alternatively, you can blend all the ingredients together then strain or leave the pulp for a fiber boost.

What are the health benefits? This mocktail can boost your immune system and provides essential vitamins such as vitamins A, C, folate, potassium, calcium, and iron.

Can I make this Citrus Mocktail ahead of time? You can but I would highly recommend no more than 1 day in advance. Fresh juice is always best immediately after juicing but can be made ahead if you’re in a time pinch. See Storage and Leftovers for more information.

Storage and Leftovers

Have leftovers or planning on making this mocktail ahead? Store the mocktail in the refrigerator in a container with a lid. Consume within a day for the best taste and nutrient retention.

Do not add ice as this will water down the flavor, rather, try freezing citrus slices or carrot sticks to keep the juice cool when serving.

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On A Health Journey?

My biggest struggle in eating clean and healthy has always been taste and convenience. If you are like me you may like these other recipes. My entire family loves my Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls and for good reason. They’re loaded with chicken, veggies and rice. The sauce I use is delicious AND low sugar.

I also love my healthier version of Banana Nut Bread. It’s full of walnuts which are very high in omega-3, has less carbs than traditional banana bread and is dairy-free!

Now, if you’re looking for a quick snack, you have to try my Tuna Salad Celery Sticks. They are crunchy, cream and so filling. Sometimes I have these as a snack or lunch. They can be ready in just a few minutes.

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Your Citrus Mocktail Awaits! Here’s the Recipe Card

Whether you’re doing a juice cleanse or just seeking a nutritious drink, this Carrot Citrus Sunrise Mocktail is a delightful choice. It’s not just a drink; it’s a step towards a healthier you. So, pour yourself a glass, garnish with an orange wedge and a carrot stick, and enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits! Cheers to your health and happiness!

OP: 1.7.17                                 Updated: 1.13.24