Healthy Kale Tonic (5 Ingredients)

Name: Kale Tonic
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 whole kale leaves (dino or curly) (de-stemmed ); 2 cups english cucumber (roughly chopped); 1 whole apple (Gala or Fiji) (roughly chopped); 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2-inch piece ginger root (optional); 3 cups water; ice cubes (as needed)

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This rejuvenating kale tonic recipe is inspired by First Watch restaurant and showcases kale, cucumber, apple, and lemon. It comes together in 5 minutes, making it the perfect choice to kick-start your day with a burst of nutrition and flavor. Plus, you don’t even need a juicer!

Kale tonic juice in two glasses with lemon wedge and ice in it.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Budget-friendly: Compared to pricey store-bought juices and tonics, this homemade kale tonic is very inexpensive. That means you can enjoy it more often!
Nutrient-rich: Thanks to the greens and fresh fruits, each sip is packed with antioxidants and other nutrients.
Quick & easy: With minimal preparation and no juicer necessary, you can whip up this kale tonic in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the add-ins to suit your taste preferences, use coconut water instead of water, or even add some vegan protein.

What is a kale tonic?

If you’ve ever had the kale tonic from First Watch, you know how refreshing and invigorating it is! Well, now you can make your own version at home for a fraction of the price.

This homemade kale tonic is every bit as delicious and refreshing. It’s a healthy, easy-to-make beverage that combines the nutritional powerhouse of kale with the freshness of cucumber and apple. Besides my ginger turmeric shot recipe, it’s one of my favorite ways to get my daily dose of vitamins in.

The lemon juice imparts a zesty tang, while ginger adds a spicy yet sweet note that complements the apple and kale so well. Serve this drink at any time of the day as a flavor-packed way to stay hydrated.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Kale tonic ingredients on a wooden cutting board.

Kale: Kale adds a fresh, slightly earthy taste and a variety of nutrients. Substitute it with spinach for a milder flavor.
English cucumber: Adds a crisp, refreshing taste. Regular field cucumbers or Persian cucumbers can be used if you don’t have access to English cucumbers.
Apple: I prefer Gala or Fiji varieties for their sweet, fruity flavor. Or, you can try other types of apples like green, Golden Delicious, or even pears for a different taste.
Lemon juice: Provides a tangy, refreshing kick. Fresh lime juice will also work.
Ginger: Ginger is optional, but I think it adds a necessary sweet-spicy note that rounds out the tonic. Omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

How to make a kale tonic

Desteemed kale leaves — De-steem the kale before using.

Kale tonic ingredients in a blender jug. — De-steem the kale before using.

Step 1: Add the kale, cucumber, apple, lemon juice, ginger, and 3 cups of water to a blender and blend on high until the mixture is pureed. It’s best to use a blender that is powerful enough to handle the fibrous kale and apple.

Kale tonic juice in a mixing bowl under a metal strainer with pulp.

Step 2: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl to catch any chunks and extract the juice.

Two serving glasses of kale tonic with ice and lemon wedge.

Step 3: Serve your kale tonic immediately or chill it in the fridge for a few hours, then serve it over ice.

What to serve with your kale tonic

Serve this kale tonic as a standalone refreshment, or pair it with other healthy breakfast options like these:

Storage & Reheating

Whether you’re making a large batch of this kale tonic or saving it for later, here’s what to do:

Fridge: Store the tonic in an airtight glass container or mason jar for up to 2-3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the tonic in ice cube trays. Once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to 12 months. Thaw and re-blend the cubes when you’re ready for more.
Prep Ahead: You can chop all the ingredients in advance and keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. Just add them to the blender when you’re ready to serve.

Variations

Tropical twist: Include pineapple or mango instead of apple for a tropical flavor.
Creamy version: Add a bit of avocado or coconut yogurt for a creamier texture.
Fresh herbs: Try adding fresh basil or parsley for unique herbal notes.
Different citrus fruits: Use grapefruit or orange juice instead of lemon.
Berries: Add blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for an extra dose of antioxidants.
Coconut water: Replace regular water with coconut water for added electrolytes.

Kale tonic juice in a serving glass with ice and lemon wedge.

Top tips

Use fresh ingredients: Use the freshest produce you can find, and ensure it is stored properly in your fridge for the best flavor.
Cut the produce: To make it easier on the blades and engine of your blender, cut the fruit and vegetables into bite-size pieces before adding them in.
Proper blending: Blend the kale tonic thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture. If needed, stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to incorporate the chunks.
Chill for at least an hour: Let your tonic chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours after blending, and serve it over ice for the most refreshing experience.

FAQ

Is it necessary to strain the mixture?

Straining is optional, but I recommend it for a smoother texture. However, you will get more fiber and other nutrients by not straining it.

Can this tonic replace a meal?

While nutritious, it's best to consider this kale tonic as a supplement to your diet rather than a full meal replacement.

How can I make my kale tonic sweeter?

If you’d like to make your kale tonic a bit sweeter, try using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar to taste.

More juice and smoothie recipes

If you enjoyed this kale tonic recipe, try these other delicious and healthy juices and smoothies:

Lemon Smoothie: Fresh lemon, tropical fruits, and turmeric packed into a vibrant smoothie.
Cucumber Smoothie: A quick, easy, and on-the-go breakfast for the summer.
Bahama Mama Smoothie: A creamy, fruity, and sweet way to start your day.
Plum Juice: A sweet, tart, and antioxidant-packed drink for an afternoon refresher.

Kale Tonic

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Serving Size: 2

Author Puja Verma

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DESCRIPTION

This refreshing kale tonic is the perfect choice to kick-start your day, since it's packed with antioxidants and other nutrients. This recipe is easy-to-make at home for a fraction of the price you would pay at the store. It combines the nutritional powerhouse of kale with the freshness of cucumber and apple. Besides my ginger turmeric shot recipe, it’s one of my favorite ways to get my daily dose of vitamins in.

INGREDIENTS

▢ 3 whole kale leaves (dino or curly) de-stemmed
▢ 2 cups english cucumber roughly chopped
▢ 1 whole apple (Gala or Fiji) roughly chopped
▢ 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
▢ 2-inch piece ginger root optional
▢ 3 cups water
▢ ice cubes as needed

METHOD

Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until pureed.
Strain the puree through a fine mesh strainer to extract the juice over a mixing bowl.
Note: You can also use a cheese cloth to strain.
Serve immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Serve it over ice cubes.

NOTES

Use fresh ingredients: Use the freshest produce you can find, and ensure it is stored properly in your fridge for the best flavor.

Cut the produce: To make it easier on the blades and engine of your blender, cut the fruit and vegetables into bite-size pieces before adding them in.

Proper blending: Blend the kale tonic thoroughly to ensure a smooth texture. If needed, stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to incorporate the chunks.

Chill for at least an hour: Let your tonic chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours after blending, and serve it over ice for the most refreshing experience.