A refreshing a healthy drink with a little something special

Nothing cools and delights more than a fresh glass of lemonade, especially on a hot day. So why not experiment and take it to the next level?  The juicing market is a global $100 billion plus market and juice bars are still popular with people looking for healthy and convenient ways to get their daily dose of nutrients.  Why not chill out with this healthy marijuana beet lemonade, fun, relaxing and good for you!

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Beets are unique for their cardiovascular and heart health benefits,” says registered dietitian Sarah Thomsen Ferreira, RD. “Due to a combination of compounds found in beets, they are able to enhance blood flow, improve the health of arteries, support lower homocysteine levels and reduce LDL cholesterol.”

Beets an excellent source of antioxidants, a reason they are found in most juice shops. And they pair great with marijuana since both give off a rich, earthy aroma. Beets and cannabis both help with inflammation which is another benefit.  Lastly, it is great way to either relax and be focused to make the most out of your day.

RELATED: This Tuscan Inspired Soup Made With Marijuana Olive Oil

This recipe comes to us via Danielle Guercio. This variation gives a rich flavor without being overly sugary sweet.

Beet Lemonade

By Danielle Guercio

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings) 4 Lemons4 Small Beets (or One medium/Half a large)½ tsp glycerin tincture*2 Tbs sweetener of choice (I used demerara sugar)1” nub of fresh ginger (optional)Water (sparkling or still)Ice Cut lemons and squeeze juice into a pitcher, use a strainer to catch seeds. Quarter beets and immerse in lemon juice, add a splash of water if needed to make sure they’re covered in liquid. Slice and add ginger if desired Allow to infuse for at least 1 hour, can infuse overnight.

Strain and add cannabis tincture and sugar, stir until dissolved Divide the mixture into two glasses with ice Top with water or seltzer and lightly stir Garnish with a lemon peel, lemon wheel and beet leaf for some extra pizzaz. *To make Glycerin Cannabis tincture: In an oven-safe container double sealed with foil, decarboxylate 3.5 grams finely ground cannabis at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Put cannabis in a mason jar or vacuum sealed bag, pour over 2 oz vegetable Glycerin and seal tightly. Place in a water bath at just under boiling for 1 hour. Strain and keep contents in a sterilized container. Stores indefinitely in freezer.

Infusions are so easy to make and have way less cleanup than true extraction juicing, but you can always juice the above ingredients and follow the same steps for adding the weed. Always add your tinctures after straining fruits or pulp, you don’t want any potency to be held in waste.

This juice is also great drank straight as a shot, and it can be used as a cocktail mixer too! You can even to get weird and make quick pickled things like onions for taco night or carrots for a fun appetizer, the lemon juice will tenderize most veggies after a few hours.

Photos: Danielle Guercio

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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