Nitrate & Nitrite Free Cucumber-Basil Beet Tonic
This vibrant 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 in your own blender in minutes. Beets are naturally rich in nitrates, which is worth knowing, but that's a very different story from the synthetic sodium nitrates and nitrites added to processed meats and packaged foods — and this tonic contains none of those additives whatsoever. Every ingredient here is whole and fresh: beet, cucumber, basil, ginger, lemon, honey, and a pinch of sea salt. The blending-and-straining method pulls out a silky, deeply colored liquid that feels genuinely luxurious without any preservatives or mystery additives sneaking in. The ginger and lemon give it a lively kick, while the basil adds a subtle herbal note that makes it taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. Serve it over ice with a few cucumber slices on the rim and it's practically a showstopper.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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 salt
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!