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Growing up, I had a funny relationship with beets – they were those weird purple things that came from a can and showed up at holiday dinners. I’d push them around my plate, hoping they’d magically disappear. It wasn’t until years later that I discovered fresh beets, and even more recently, that I learned about turning them into juice shots.
These little shots aren’t just another health trend – they’re a simple way to add some good stuff to your morning routine. And unlike those canned beets from my childhood, these juice shots actually taste pretty nice. Plus, they’re really easy to make at home, which means you can skip those expensive juice bar versions that cost an arm and a leg.
Why You’ll Love These Beet Juice Shots
- Quick preparation – These juice shots come together in just 15-25 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or meal prep days.
- Simple ingredients – You only need three basic ingredients – beets, lemon, and ginger – to create these powerful wellness shots.
- Health-boosting – Each shot packs a punch of nutrients from antioxidant-rich beets, immune-supporting ginger, and vitamin C from fresh lemon.
- Cost-effective – Making these shots at home costs much less than buying pre-made versions at juice bars or health food stores.
What Kind of Beets Should I Use?
Red beets are the most common choice for juicing and work perfectly in these shots, but golden beets can also be used if you prefer their milder, less earthy taste. When shopping for beets, look for firm ones that feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin without any deep cuts or bruises. If you’re buying beets with the greens still attached, make sure the leaves look fresh – this is usually a good indicator that the beets are recently harvested. For juicing, medium-sized beets are ideal since they’re typically sweeter and more tender than very large ones, which can sometimes be woody or tough.
Options for Substitutions
Looking to mix up your juice shot recipe? Here are some handy swaps you can try:
- Beets: While beets give this shot its signature color and nutrients, you can experiment with carrots for a milder flavor. You’ll need about 4-5 medium carrots to replace the beets. Keep in mind that the color and nutrient profile will be different.
- Lemon: Out of lemons? Try using a lime instead, or even an orange if you prefer something sweeter. For lime, use one whole fruit, and for orange, use half an orange to maintain a similar acid balance.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger can be replaced with 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger in a pinch. You could also try using fresh turmeric root (same amount) for a different but equally healthy kick. Just watch out – turmeric can stain!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Juicing
The biggest mistake when making beet juice shots is not properly cleaning and peeling your beets, which can leave you with an earthy, dirt-like taste – make sure to scrub them thoroughly under running water and remove any rough spots. Adding too much ginger can quickly overpower the other flavors, so stick to the recommended amount unless you’re a serious ginger fan, and remember to peel it well to avoid any bitter notes. To get the most juice from your beets, cut them into smaller chunks before juicing, and don’t forget to alternate between softer ingredients (like lemon) and harder ones (like beets) when feeding them into your juicer to help prevent clogging. For the freshest taste and maximum nutrients, drink your juice shots immediately after making them, as they can become bitter and lose their nutritional value when stored too long.
What to Serve With Beet Juice Shots?
These bright and zingy beet juice shots work great as part of your morning routine! Since they’re pretty intense on their own, I like to follow them with a glass of water or coconut water to help cleanse the palate. If you’re having these as part of breakfast, they pair really well with lighter foods like overnight oats, a bowl of yogurt with granola, or whole grain toast with avocado. For those who find the earthy taste of beets a bit strong, you can always chase the shot with a slice of orange or apple to help balance out the flavors.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These zingy beet juice shots stay fresh in airtight glass bottles or mason jars in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to make a batch on Sunday and grab them for a quick morning boost throughout the week. Just give them a good shake before drinking, as some natural separation might occur.
Prep Ahead: To save time in the morning, you can clean and chop your beets, lemon, and ginger the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll be ready for juicing first thing in the morning.
Pour & Go: If you’re taking these shots on the go, fill small portable bottles about 3/4 full to leave room for shaking. The juice is best enjoyed cold, so you might want to pack it with an ice pack if you’re planning to drink it later in the day.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 90-110
- Protein: 2-4 g
- Fat: 0-1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 g
Ingredients
- 3 cleaned beets
- 1 peeled lemon
- 1/2-inch ginger piece, peeled
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients for Juicing
Begin by quartering the beets, lemon, and ginger.
Gather all your ingredients including an apple, 2 tablespoons of mint leaves, 1/2 cup of pineapple, and 1/2 cup of mango.
Prepare these ingredients by washing and chopping them as necessary to fit into your juicer or blender.
Step 2: Juice the Ingredients
Add the quartered beets, lemon, ginger, apple, mint leaves, pineapple, and mango to the juicer.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to juice all the ingredients thoroughly.
If you prefer your juice chilled, you can blend ice in the juicer to cool everything down.
Pour the juice into glasses, optionally over ice for an extra chill.
Step 3: Alternative Blending Method
If you do not have a juicer, you can use a blender instead.
Add the quartered beets, lemon, ginger, apple, mint leaves, pineapple, and mango to the blender along with 1 cup of water.
Pulse until the ingredients start moving, then blend on high until smooth.
As needed, add more water 1/4 cup at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Once blended, pour the mixture through a fine strainer to separate the juice from the pulp.
Discard the pulp, and collect the juice.
If you blended with ice, your juice should already be chilled.
Pour the juice into glasses and enjoy immediately, preferably on an empty stomach for the best results.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Refreshing Juice
Your juice is ready to be enjoyed.
The natural sweetness from the apple enhances the flavor, while the mint adds a refreshing touch.
Drink it straight away for the best taste and nutritional benefits.