Have you tried a First Watch Kale Tonic? It's a deliciously refreshing and healthy green juice recipe that has a perfect balance of tangy and sweet taste with detoxifying greens. This superfood recipe was inspired by one of my favorites from the First Watch Restaurant. It's so easy to make at home In a juicer or strain after blending!
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It's hard to find a restaurant with decent quality and tasty food. If you haven't already, be sure to try my other favorite menu items: avocado toast, AM Superfood Bowl, and the Healthy Turkey Omelet. YUM!
It's the perfect way to kickstart the day with a nutritious drink packed with leafy greens and the goodness of Fuji apples.
It's also great for kids, ensuring they get enough vegetables in their morning routine (without even tasting like it!)
For another couple of juice shot recipes, try our Anti-Inflammatory Shot or our Lemon Juice Liver Cleanse Juice! They're super simple to make.
Before we get started, I always recommend setting healthy intentions. To learn more about the fundamentals of setting intentions, check out my free intentions and affirmations guide!
Ingredients
Kale: The darker the color, the greater the health benefits of kale. Organic is best.
Kale is packed with vitamin K and antioxidants. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotene are three of the most potent phytochemicals that contribute to kale's high nutritional value.
Cucumber: Always get organic cucumbers. Cucumber is anti-inflammatory and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins c, b, and k, as well as potassium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, and magnesium.
Fuji Apples: These apples give this tonic a sweet and tart flavor. It masks the bitterness of kale perfectly and gives the tonic its unique First Watch taste.
Always buy organic apples. Be sure to check to see if it has the apeel coating. We recommend apples that do not have the apeel coating. Unfortunately, the label doesn't always have the info.
It will feel slightly waxy and slick. Organic apples with no coating will have just the skin and won't likely be shiny at all.
Here is a list of stores that sell apeel. And here is a list of stores that do not sell apeel. If I find that we've accidentally purchased these products, we simply remove the skins and hope for the best!
Substitutions and Variations
Adding or changing ingredients will make it different than the original First Watch recipe. That being said, have fun with it, and add a few things to increase the flavor and nutritional value!
One of my favorite things to add to juice recipes is a small piece of ginger root. Simply remove the skin and throw it in, letting the juicer work its magic.
If you are on a clean keto diet, consider omitting the apples. They contain high levels of fructose which can derail ketosis. If you need a sweetener, consider adding pure monk fruit or stevia. Check out my guide: Monk Fruit vs Swerve vs Stevia.
How to Make a First Watch Kale Tonic
Step 1: After washing and drying the produce, peel the lemon and chop the cucumber, apples, and lemon into smaller pieces, approximately 1 inch thick so they will fit into your juicer.
Step 2: Assemble the juicer and plug it in. Turn it on and begin feeding the kale leaves one at a time, followed by the lemon. Since lemon is a softer fruit, the juice from the lemon helps push the leafy greens through the filter better.
Step 3: Once the lemon is done, feed the apple pieces through, followed by the cucumber.
Step 4: Let the juicer run for a few short moments longer so all of the juice is thoroughly extracted before turning the juicer off. Unplug it then stir the juice and pour it into a glass to serve. Add ice cubes, if desired. Enjoy!
Tip: If there is foam this is completely normal. You can scoop it off the top if you prefer.
It is normal to have separation. Just give it a stir and drink up!
Nutrition Tip: Chewing your juice is also very beneficial. Hear me out!
Making the chewing motion triggers your salivary glands, which is the very first step in our body's digestive process.
If you drink too fast, you bypass the important digestive enzymes present in your saliva!
Expert Tip
When cleaning your produce, use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar and water 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle.
Spray it on your produce and let it sit for one minute before rinsing off.
If needed, use a soft brush to scrub it. Vinegar helps to kill any bacteria present and it is very inexpensive compared to premade vegetable washes!
Storage
For best results, consume fresh juice immediately, or within 24 hours. If using a masticating juicer, you can store a glass of this juice in a mason jar for up to 72 hours.
If you are storing more, use individual mason jars or a larger airtight container.
As juice ages and is oxidized, the nutrients rapidly break down and lessen over time. This is why it is best to consume immediately.
First Watch Kale Tonic FAQ's
Kale Tonic's ingredients are packed full of beneficial ingredients which makes it a perfect addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. You may notice increased energy levels, improved immune system function, less pain and inflammation, and more. Making it at home, you can do even more with it and ensure you get the best quality ingredients.
There are approximately 130 calories in a 10-12oz glass of Kale Tonic.
There are approximately 23 grams of carbs and 8 grams of sugar in Kale Tonic.
More Juice and Smoothies
Looking for more juice recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
First Watch Kale Tonic (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- Juicer or
- cutting board
- Chefs knife
Ingredients
- 4 leaves organic purple kale leaves can use any kale variation
- 1 organic cucumber
- 2 organic Fuji apples
- 1 lemon peeled
Instructions
- Wash all produce thoroughly. Cut the peel off the lemon. Chop the cucumber, apples, and lemon into 1-inch thick pieces that will fit in your juicer.
- Feed each kale leaf through one at a time, followed by lemon pieces.
- Once the lemon is done juicing, feed the apple pieces through and then the cucumber pieces.
- Make sure all of the pieces have been processed through the feed and turn the machine off. Stir the juice gently and serve in a glass. Add ice cubes if desired. Enjoy!
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