Fresh Apricot Juice (Easy 3-Ingredient Summer Drink)
This fresh apricot juice turns a handful of ripe apricots into a smooth, frothy, naturally sweet drink in about 10 minutes, using just a blender. No juicer and no added sugar needed. Apricots are a good source of vitamin A from beta-carotene, which gives the juice its warm orange color.
Apricot season is short, so when the fruit is ripe and fragrant I like to use it in the simplest way possible. This juice tastes like summer in a glass, and it comes together so quickly that it has become my go-to refresher on hot afternoons. A squeeze of lemon keeps the color bright and the flavor lively.
This Recipe Works If You Need
- A quick way to use a big batch of ripe apricots
- A refreshing drink with no added sugar
- A naturally vegan and gluten-free juice
- A vitamin-rich drink for warm summer days
Why You’ll Love This Apricot Juice
- Just a blender. No special juicer required.
- Naturally sweet. Ripe apricots need little or no sweetener.
- Ready in 10 minutes. From fruit to glass in no time.
- Fresh and frothy. A light, smooth texture you do not get from store-bought juice.
Ingredient Notes
Apricots should be ripe and soft for the sweetest, most fragrant juice. Slightly overripe fruit is perfect here. Firm apricots will taste more tart and may need a little sweetener.
Water or orange juice thins the juice to the consistency you like. Orange juice adds extra sweetness and a citrus note; water keeps the pure apricot flavor.
Lemon juice brightens the flavor and keeps the color fresh. Honey or maple syrup is optional, only if your apricots are tart.
Tips for the Best Apricot Juice
- Use very ripe fruit. It blends smoother and needs no added sugar.
- Blend well. A minute of blending gives that light, frothy top.
- Strain for a smoother juice. Pass it through a fine sieve if you prefer it without pulp.
- Serve cold. Chill the apricots first or blend with a few ice cubes.
Substitutions and Variations
Apricot smoothie: blend with a ripe banana and keep all the pulp for a thicker drink, like our banana and apricot smoothie.
Add herbs: a few mint or basil leaves make it even more refreshing.
Sparkling apricot drink: top with sparkling water for a light, fizzy version.
Frozen treat: pour into molds and freeze for apricot popsicles.
Storage
- Fridge: store in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours and stir before serving.
- Separation is normal: fresh juice settles, so shake or stir well.
- Freeze: freeze in ice cube trays and blend later into smoothies.
If you have more apricots to use up, try our apricot sorbet or a batch of slow cooker apricot jam. For more drink ideas, see our smoothie recipe collection.
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Fresh Apricot Juice
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh ripe apricots about 10, pitted
- 1 cup cold water or orange juice
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup optional
- Ice to serve
Instructions
- Wash the apricots, halve them, and remove the pits. No need to peel.
- Add the apricots, water or orange juice, and lemon juice to a blender.
- Blend for about 1 minute, until smooth and frothy.
- Strain through a fine sieve if you prefer a pulp-free juice. Taste and add honey or maple syrup if needed.
- Pour over ice and serve immediately.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is made from whole apricots with no added sugar, and apricots provide vitamin A from beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, since whole fruit also gives you more fiber.
No. A blender is all you need. Blend pitted apricots with water or orange juice, then strain through a fine sieve if you want a smoother, pulp-free juice.
No need. Apricot skins are thin, edible, and full of nutrients, and they blend smoothly. Just wash the fruit well and remove the pits before blending.
Fresh apricot juice is best the day it is made. Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it keeps for up to 24 hours, though it loses some color and flavor over time.
Yes. Frozen apricots work well and make the juice colder; thaw them slightly first. If using canned apricots, choose ones in juice rather than syrup and skip any added sweetener.
Yes, as long as you leave it unsweetened or use maple syrup instead of honey. Everything else in the recipe is naturally plant-based.
