Celery, carrot, and grapefruit cocktail

Celery, carrot, and grapefruit cocktail – An explosion of freshness!

If you're looking for a refreshing and healthy drink, the celery, carrot, and grapefruit cocktail is the perfect choice. This combination will not only cool you down on hot days but also provide a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. The history of vegetable cocktails is closely linked to the trends of consuming fresh and natural foods, and today, this recipe becomes a symbol of a healthy lifestyle.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 small celery
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 large grapefruit
- 2 mandarins
- Sugar, for glazing (optional)

Nutritional benefits

This cocktail is rich in vitamins A and C, which contribute to skin health and the immune system. Additionally, celery is a low-calorie ingredient, high in water, making it ideal for a healthy diet. Carrots, on the other hand, are excellent sources of beta-carotene, while grapefruit adds a tangy note full of antioxidants.

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the celery. Make sure to remove all green or dried parts. Wash the celery under cold running water and cut it into thin sticks. This shape will help in mixing the ingredients evenly.

2. Grating the carrots
Take the carrots, wash them well, and use a small grater to turn them into fine strips. This method will help the carrots blend better into the cocktail and add a pleasant texture.

3. Preparing the juice of grapefruit and mandarins
Cut the grapefruit in half. Use a citrus press to extract the juice from one half, and from the other half and the mandarins, cut into small pieces. These will add a touch of sweetness and flavor to the cocktail.

4. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the celery sticks, grated carrot, and pieces of grapefruit and mandarin. Add the extracted juice and mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the fresh juice.

5. Chilling the cocktail
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine and to achieve a refreshing drink.

6. Glazing the bowl
While the cocktail chills, take a glass bowl. Wet the outside of the bowl with water, then roll it in sugar, so that a sugar glaze forms. This detail not only adds an elegant look but also a sweet note that perfectly complements the cocktail's taste.

7. Serving
Once the cocktail is well chilled, pour it into the prepared bowl. It is ideal to serve the drink cold to maximize the feeling of freshness and refreshment.

Serving suggestions

This celery, carrot, and grapefruit cocktail pairs perfectly with a light salad or can be served as an appetizer before a meal. If you want to turn it into an even more special drink, you can add some fresh mint leaves for an extra flavor. You can also substitute grapefruit with oranges for a sweeter variant.

Possible variations

- Adding spices: Experiment with a little grated ginger or cayenne pepper to give the cocktail a bit of zest.
- Make it creamier: You can add Greek yogurt to turn the cocktail into a healthy smoothie.
- Other vegetables: Try adding other vegetables like cucumbers or beets to vary the taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions

- How many calories does this cocktail have?
The celery, carrot, and grapefruit cocktail has approximately 70 calories per serving, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy drink.

- Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with lemons or oranges, each bringing a unique flavor.

- Can it be prepared in advance?
I recommend making it fresh, but you can chop the ingredients a few hours ahead and keep them in the refrigerator.

This cocktail is a delicious and healthy choice, perfect for any occasion. Don't miss the chance to try this simple recipe. I encourage you to make it and enjoy the unique flavor it offers!