It’s no secret that caffeine is a mainstream addiction faced by a large proportion of the human race. The British Coffee Association reports that in the UK alone, we drink approximately 95 million cups of coffee daily. Going cold turkey on coffee is no easy task; with it comes a host of withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue. Fortunately, we’re not here to try and wean you off the caffeine; just to introduce you to several homemade juicy alternatives to your usual cup of coffee, which will provide the same energy-boosting effects.
What Ingredients Are Best For Juicing?
There are various ingredients that we recommend you mix into your juicy blends. If you are looking for the best caffeine alternatives and can’t find inspiration in any of our juice recipes, you may want to mix together some of the following ingredients, which boast high nutritional value and add beautifully to any juicy concoction:
Carrots
These are rich in vitamin A, potassium and biotin, as well as being high in carotenoids, which could slim your chances of certain eye diseases, heart diseases and cancers.
Beetroot
Pink urine is a small price to pay for the wonderful wellness benefits that accompany this vegetable. Beetroot is high in manganese, potassium, folate and nitrates. It has been linked to lower blood pressure, improved brain health and athletic performance.
Kale
The superfood of the hour, kale is a great source of vitamins A, K, C and beta-carotene. It has been tied to lowering heart disease risk factors.
Broccoli
This cruciferous green veggie boasts a good supply of vitamins C, A and B6, as well as antioxidants. We need antioxidants to prevent a general decline in our bodies.
Wheatgrass
This edible grass is incredibly rich in nutrients: it contains 17 amino acids, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and chlorophyll– making it an ideal addition to your juice.
Cucumber
Due to its high water content, cucumber is a great way to dilute your juice whilst also tossing in some potassium, manganese and vitamins K and C.
Celery
Linked to decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation, celery is home to several antioxidants and vitamins.
Spirulina
Looking to boost your immunity? Spirulina is your route to a life of virus-fighting, thanks to its host of vitamins and minerals, like vitamins E, C and B6. Spirulina is also purported to increase the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which are needed to ward off viruses and bad bacteria.
Berry Blast Juice
This juice combines all the best of the berries, along with watermelon, mint and pomegranate. It is packed with antioxidants, calcium, vitamin C and other nutritious ingredients. For the best results with this juice, use either pre-frozen berries or freeze them yourself, thawing them out just before making this juice.
Ingredients:
- 3 blackberries
- 3 1/2 strawberries
- 3 1/2 raspberries
- 7 blueberries
- 2/3 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 4 mint leaves
Method:
- Wash and weigh out the ingredients.
- Chop up the watermelon, removing the rind.
- Pop the watermelon, pomegranate seeds and mint in your juicer and set aside.
- Cut the green tops off the strawberries.
- Put the defrosted berries in a blender and add enough of the juice you just made to cover the berries.
- Blend slowly at first, adding the remaining juice (keep it spinning at a medium speed) until you have a berry-based puree.
- Pour the blended juice through a sieve, using a spoon to push through if needed. The juice should be thin enough to go through the strainer.
Zingy Ginger & Lemon Shots
You’ve heard of ginger shots, but this recipe adds in the zesty kick of lemon for that zap of energy you need in the morning. Ginger, both in its root and pulp forms, has long been used as an agent of detox for the body. This juice shot is brimming with powerhouse ingredients, rich in potassium and vitamin C in every serving.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup of chopped ginger
- The juice of 2 medium lemons
- 2/3 of a medium apple
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 1 small pinch of Ground Cayenne pepper (per serving)
Method:
- Blend the lemon juice, ginger and apple together.
- Add the ground cayenne pepper and maple syrup into the lemon-ginger-apple juice.
- Portion into shot glasses and enjoy!
Banana & Matcha Smoothie
This smoothie blends the sweetness of banana and the earthiness of matcha green tea to make a smooth and comforting morning beverage that will see your energy levels soar.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1 cup of a non-dairy milk alternative
- Chia seeds
- 1/2 cup ice
Method:
- Quite simply, blend together all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!
The Energy Elevator Juice
Loaded with strong nutrients to uplift your wellness, the Energy Elevator Juice is another fantastic green juice to add to your juicing regime. Thanks to its winning combination of kombucha and spirulina, you will feel ripe and ready for whatever the day throws at you without the need for a coffee.
Ingredients:
- 225 ml kombucha
- 100 ml coconut water
- 30 ml ginger juice
- 30g parsley/coriander
- 1 tbsp lemongrass juice
- 1/4 tbsp chai powder
- 2 tsp spirulina powder
Method:
- Another easy one, just blend together and serve!
The Green Machine
Green goodness abounds in this juice mix, with kale and cucumbers coming together to form the perfect coffee alternative (and an ideal weight loss drink, too!).
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cut into quarters
- Around 400g of tightly packed, rinsed kale, stems removed
- 1 peeled lime
Method:
- Juice the apples.
- Add in the kale, cucumbers and lime.
- Stir to combine.
The Fruit Salad Juice
Who needs Redbull when you can make your own far healthier version from home, swapping harsh chemicals for natural ingredients and reaping the same energising benefits? This recipe will serve two wellness fanatics, pairing sweetness and bitterness thanks to the honey and lemon combination.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup peaches, pitted and cubed
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Fresh mint
- 750ml-1L sparkling water or cold tap water
Method:
- Remove the tops of the strawberries.
- Slice lengthways, saving a few to garnish.
- Combine fruit, mint leaves, honey and apple cider vinegar in a jar.
- Leave the jar to stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Pour in mineral water or tap water and stir well.
- Serve with ice, a sprig of mint, a strawberry and a slice of lemon.
Final Word
Hopefully, you feel inspired by these recipes and ready to concoct the contents of your vegetable drawer in a blender. Opting for an energising, homemade juice over a coffee can be a healthier alternative that enables you to keep getting your caffeine fix whilst raking in the nutrition all at once.
