Low Iodine Cucumber-Basil Beet Tonic
This vibrant blended drink is earthy, bright, and refreshing all at once — the kind of thing that looks like it came from a juice bar but comes together entirely in your own kitchen. Fresh beet brings a deep, jewel-toned color and natural sweetness, while cucumber keeps things cool and light, and basil adds an herby lift that ties it all together. A little grated ginger and fresh lemon juice give it a gentle zing that makes each sip feel genuinely alive. Managing iodine intake can make even simple beverages tricky, since many store-bought juices and wellness drinks sneak in additives, colorings, or sea-derived ingredients that aren't always obvious on the label. Every ingredient here is straightforward and plant-based, with fine sea salt used in a small, controlled amount so you stay in the driver's seat. Straining the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve gives you a silky, polished tonic rather than a thick smoothie — it's a small extra step that makes a noticeable difference in texture. Serve it over ice with a sprig of basil or a few cucumber slices and it feels genuinely special, whether you're sipping it at breakfast or as an afternoon reset.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 1 medium beet (about 6 oz), peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ medium cucumber (about 5 oz), roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup cold water
- ¼ tsp fine sea saltChef's tipFine sea salt and table salt measure the same - no conversion needed.
For serving
- ice cubes, for serving (optional)
- fresh basil leaves or cucumber slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the chopped beet, cucumber, basil leaves, grated ginger, lemon juice, honey, cold water, and sea salt to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 60 seconds.
- 2
Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large measuring cup or bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer, pressing the solids firmly with the back of a spoon until only dry pulp remains and all liquid has passed through.
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