Raw Beet Ginger Detox Smoothie with Turmeric and Lemon

aka Ruby Sunrise Cleanse

I started making this smoothie last January when I wanted something that felt like a real reset without starving myself or choking down something that tasted like lawn clippings. The first time I blended raw beet with ginger and lemon, I was honestly shocked — it was this gorgeous deep ruby color and tasted sweet, earthy, and bright all at once. Now it’s my go-to whenever I need to hit the refresh button after a long weekend or just want to flood my body with something genuinely nourishing. My roommate calls it “the glow juice” because my skin always looks better after a few days of drinking it.

Ingredients

• 1 medium raw beet, peeled and roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 frozen banana, broken into chunks
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (or 1-inch piece fresh turmeric, peeled)
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1½ cups coconut water
• 1 tablespoon raw honey (or pure maple syrup for vegan)
• Pinch of black pepper (helps absorb turmeric)

Instructions

1. Prep the beet: Peel your raw beet and chop it into rough 1-inch pieces. Smaller pieces blend more smoothly — no need to be precise, just get them small enough for your blender to handle.
2. Load the blender: Add the coconut water and lemon juice to your blender first (liquid on the bottom helps everything blend evenly). Then add the chopped beet, frozen banana, frozen strawberries, ginger, turmeric, raw honey, and black pepper.
3. Blend until silky: Blend on high for 60–90 seconds until completely smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more coconut water, a tablespoon at a time. You want it pourable but still thick and satisfying.
4. Taste and adjust: Give it a quick taste — add more honey if you like it sweeter, or another squeeze of lemon if you want more brightness.
5. Pour and serve: Divide between two glasses. Garnish with a thin lemon wheel or a few sliced strawberries if you’re feeling fancy. Drink immediately for the best flavor and nutrient content.

Tips

• Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest result — raw beet can be fibrous. A Vitamix or Blendtec works best, but any decent blender on high for 90 seconds will do.
• Freeze your beet chunks ahead of time for an even thicker, slushier texture. Spread chopped beet on a sheet pan, freeze for an hour, then store in a bag.
• The color will stain — rinse your blender immediately after pouring. A quick rinse with soapy water prevents pink stains from setting.
• Make it a smoothie bowl by reducing the coconut water to ¾ cup and topping with granola, coconut flakes, and fresh berries.
• Fresh turmeric root gives a more vibrant flavor than ground, but both work perfectly. Just peel it like ginger and toss it in.