Easy Homemade Plum Juice

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Enjoy homemade plum juice for a sweet, tart, and antioxidant-packed drink that will quench your thirst on a hot summer day! This recipe features juicy plums, fresh ginger, and tangy lemons. Serve it as-is, or add your favorite mix-ins to switch up the flavors!

Two glasses of plum juice with a garnish of a slice of plum and thinly sliced ginger.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Healthy: Plums, ginger, and lemons are all rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this juice a healthy addition to any diet.
Quick & easy: All it takes is a few simple steps and about 30 minutes of hands-on time to make real plum juice. Plus, you don’t need a fancy juicer — just a pot and a blender.
Customizable: Prepare this recipe as written, or experiment with different add-ins like oranges, grapes, and turmeric, for a unique flavor combination.
Affordable: Make use of plums, especially when they’re in season, for an inexpensive way to get your daily nutrients in!

Easy plum juice

Plum juice is one of the most refreshing drinks you’ll ever taste! It showcases ripe plums, which provide the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Plums are originally from eastern Europe where they have been cultivated for thousands of years, making this fruit juice quite an ancient drink.

This recipe combines simmered plums and ginger root with fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetener. It’s not just thirst-quenching, it also has a vibrant purple hue that makes it very photo-worthy! Enjoy your plum juice on its own, or mix it with sparkling water, spices, other fruits, and more.

Is plum juice vegan?

Plum juice is 100% vegan and suitable for anyone following a plant-based diet. Just double-check the sweetener you’re using if you’re trying to keep it fully vegan. Many refined white sugars are processed with bone char, so it’s better to use organic, unrefined cane sugar or maple syrup.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Scattered plums with a cut open lemon and ginger root.

Plums: The star ingredient in this recipe! Plums provide a sweet-yet-tangy flavor and a vibrant color. If plums aren’t available near you, you can substitute them with other stone fruits like apricots, peaches, nectarines, or cherries.
Ginger: Adds a hint of sweetness, spiciness, and warmth to the plum juice. It also comes with health benefits like aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the ginger or substitute it with a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tart and tangy element, brightening the flavors of the plums. If you don't have lemons on hand, substitute them with lime juice for a similar effect.
Simple syrup: Although optional, I like to lightly sweeten my plum juice with a splash of cardamom syrup. You can also use maple syrup or agave instead.

How to make plum juice

A sauce pan with chopped plums, grated ginger, and water in it.

Step 1: First things first, slice the plums and remove the pits. Give them a rough chop and transfer them to a medium-sized saucepan along with water and ginger.

Chopped plums in boiling water inside a sauce pan.

Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down and let the plums simmer for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Step 3: Take the saucepan off the heat and let everything cool for 15 minutes. Grab an immersion blender and purée the plums until smooth.

Plum juice straining through a sieve over a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Next, strain the plum juice through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a mixing bowl. Make sure to squeeze it thoroughly to catch all the liquid!

Step 5: Last but not least, add a splash of lemon juice and the sweetener of your choice. Pour the juice into an airtight bottle and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill.

What to serve with plum juice

This plum juice is delicious as-is, or you can elevate the flavors and health benefits even further by serving it with mix-ins and garnishes like these:

Fresh mint leaves
Lemon or lime wedges
Sliced fresh fruit, like strawberries or peaches
A splash of sparkling water
Fruit-infused ice cubes
A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg

Storage

If you want to make extra plum juice to keep on hand, follow these storage instructions:

Fridge: Store the plum juice in an airtight glass container (like a mason jar) for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Glass helps prevent flavor seepage and keeps the juice fresh.
Freezer: Transfer the juice into an ice cube tray to freeze it. Once frozen, keep the cubes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw the cubes in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use them again.
Prep ahead: You can cook the plum juice in advance and refrigerate it until needed.

A glass of plum juice with a garnish of a slice of plum and thinly sliced ginger.

Variations

Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a cinnamon stick when simmering the juice.
Tropical: Blend in some pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.
Citrusy: Use orange or lime juice instead of lemon.
Sugar-free: Omit the sweetener for a sugar-free version.
Chai-spiced: Add a blend of chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Vanilla: Stir in a dash of pure vanilla extract for a hint of creaminess.

Top tips

Ripe plums: It’s important to choose ripe plums for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the taste: Taste and adjust the ratios of sugar and ginger to suit your liking.
Strain: To end up with the smoothest texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth.
Serve cold: Plum juice is best served when it’s ice cold. Make sure you give it time to chill.
Remove pits: To avoid any bitter flavors, remove the pits before cooking the plums.

FAQ

Can I use frozen plums?

Yes, frozen plums can be used for real plum juice. If you cook them straight from frozen, you will need to let them simmer for a few minutes longer than fresh plums.

Is this plum juice recipe suitable for diabetics?

If you’re diabetic and concerned about your sugar intake, you can use sugar-free sweetener for your plum juice or omit it altogether.

Can I add alcohol to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vodka, gin, or rum to this recipe to make a refreshing, vibrant, and fruit-forward cocktail. Just don’t forget to add the ice!

Similar recipes

If you enjoyed this plum juice recipe, be sure to check out some more of my favorite drinks like these:

Ginger Turmeric Shot: Vitamin-packed drink to help boost immunity.
Matcha Chai Latte: A simple latte made with oat milk and chai concentrate.
Vietnamese Plum Soda: Southeast Asian-inspired drink with tart and fruity flavors.
Iced Lavender Latte: Cold-brew coffee, lavender syrup, and oat milk served over ice.