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Starfruit juice in a pitcher and a wide glass
Drinks & Smoothies Featured

Invigorating Tropical Starfruit Juice

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This Tropical Starfruit Juice (also known as carambola) is a vibrant and healthful drink that showcases the sweet‑tart flavor of starfruit. Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, this juice is refreshing and good for you. It’s perfect for starting the day, pairing with brunch, or enjoying poolside on a hot afternoon. With its glowing golden hue and crisp citrus notes, this juice is both invigorating and visually stunning.

Starfruit juice in a pitcher and a wide glass

Ingredient Guide

  • Starfruit (Carambola): Offers a tart-sweet base and striking star-shaped slices when garnished.
  • Water: Adjust to taste for thickness and intensity—less for a richer flavor.
  • Sugar: Balances acidity—opt for granulated or any sweetener you prefer.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens and provides refreshing zest.
  • Orange Extract: Adds tropical citrus aroma.
  • Optional Flavor Boosters: Almond extract, mixed essence, or bitters for unique layers of flavor.

Shopping Made Easy

  • Starfruit: Look for firm fruit with smooth, glossy edges and a light golden color.
  • Sugar and Citrus Juice: Regular pantry items—freshly squeezed lemon juice is best.
  • Flavor Enhancers: Small bottles of orange extract, almond extract, and bitters are great to have on hand for occasional use.
  • Water: Use filtered water for clean, crisp taste.

Cooking Notes from the Kitchen

  • Blend in batches if needed, start with 6 cups of water for a stronger flavor, add more if desired.
  • Strain thoroughly to remove pulp and achieve a smooth, clear juice.
  • Add lemon juice right after straining to protect the bright color and add freshness.
  • Adjust sweetness after chilling, as cold temperatures can dull perception of sweetness.
  • Serve chilled, garnished with starfruit slices and a sprig of mint for visual appeal.

Starfruit juice in a pitcher and a wide glass

Invigorating Tropical Starfruit Juice

A refreshing Caribbean beverage made with fresh starfruit (carambola), citrus juice, and tropical flavor enhancers. This vibrant starfruit juice is rich in vitamin C, perfect for cooling down on hot days or brightening up any brunch table with its tangy-sweet profile.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks & Smoothies
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large starfruit about 2 lbs; washed and roughly chopped
  • 2/3 cup sugar or preferred sweetener
  • 2 lemons juiced
  • 6-8 cups water adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon orange extract

Optional

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon mixed essence
  • a few drops of bitters

Instructions
 

  • Clean and chop the starfruit. Rinse thoroughly, trim the ridges, remove any seeds, and roughly chop.
     
    Ingredients laid out for starfruit juice on counter
  • In a blender, combine starfruit and 6–7 cups water. 
  • Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until very smooth.
    Starfruit blended in blender on counter
  • Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, pressing to extract all the juice.
  • Immediately stir in lemon juice; this preserves the bright color and adds freshness.
  • Add sugar, orange extract, and any optional extracts/bitters. Stir until fully dissolved.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or water level, especially if serving over ice. Chill thoroughly, then stir before pouring to recombine any separated ingredients.
    Starfruit juice in a glass bowl with a pressed lemon, knife and fruit press beside it on the counter
  • Serve cold, garnished with starfruit slices and mint leaves (optional).
    Starfruit juice in a pitcher and a wide glass

Notes

Additional ingredients you may use for subtle flavor enhancements are almond extract (1 teaspoon), mixed essence (1 teaspoon), and a few drops of Angourtara Bitters. I used granulated sugar as the sweetener, but you may use anything you prefer.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Carrot juice in a pitcher and a tall glass on a counter with pulped carrot in the background
Drinks & Smoothies Featured Jamaican Vegetarian

Easy Jamaican Carrot Juice (Carrot Punch)

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This Jamaican-style Carrot Juice (Carrot Punch) brings back warm memories of sipping bright orange drinks served at breakfast tables during visits to Kingston. Made with fresh carrots, ginger, warm spices, and a touch of sweetened condensed milk, this recipe is delightfully creamy and comforting. It’s perfect chilled over ice or turned into a festive adult beverage with a splash of rum. If you’re looking for a naturally vibrant, drinkable treat that’s both flavorful and soothing, this is it.

Ingredient Guide

  • Carrots: The bold base, providing natural sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients.
  • Ginger: Adds a spicy-lively warmth that elevates the flavor.
  • Water: Used to blend and extract full juice; divide between blender batches.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens the color and adds refreshing citrus balance.
  • Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Infuse the drink with comforting, fragrant Caribbean spice notes.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Delivers creamy sweetness and rich texture—adjust to taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic depth and subtle sweetness.
  • Optional Rum: Turns this juice into an adult-friendly, festive cocktail.

Shopping Made Easy

  • Carrots: Choose firm, brightly colored carrots; organic if available; any variety works here.
  • Ginger: Look for plump roots with smooth, unwrinkled skin; store extra in your freezer for future use.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Standard cans work well; use dairy-free versions to make this recipe vegan.
  • Ground Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon bring genuine flavor; use pantry staples if needed.
  • Vanilla and Lime Juice: Always check labels for pure vanilla extract and fresh limes for the best aromatic quality.

Cooking Notes from the Kitchen

  • Blend in batches to ensure smooth consistency and prevent overworking your blender.
  • Strain twice for silky texture; use cheesecloth for an ultra-smooth finish, or a fine sieve for quicker prep.
  • Add lime juice immediately after straining to preserve the beautiful bright orange color and prevent oxidation.
  • Adjust sweetness thoughtfully. Start with about two-thirds of the condensed milk, taste, and whisk in more if needed, especially if serving over ice.
  • Chill thoroughly before serving—this drink is far more refreshing when cold and settles naturally, so stir before pouring.
  • For an adult twist, stir in rum just before serving and garnish with a lime wheel or mint leaf.
Carrot juice in a pitcher and a tall glass on a counter with pulped carrot in the background

Easy Jamaican Carrot Juice (Carrot Punch)

A creamy, spice-infused Caribbean drink made from fresh carrots, ginger, and warm seasonings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks & Smoothies, Vegetarian
Cuisine Jamaican

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds carrots trimmed, chopped
  • 2 pieces ginger sliced
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg grated
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Option

  • dark rum to taste, for adult version

Instructions
 

  • Peel and roughly chop the carrots. Add half the carrots, one slice of ginger, and 4 cups of water to a blender. Puree until smooth. Repeat with the remaining carrots, ginger, and water.
    Ends chopped off carrots on a steel counter
  • Puree until smooth. Repeat with the remaining carrots, ginger, and water.
  • Strain the blended mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Press or squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp.
  • Add lime juice immediately after straining to prevent discoloration. Stir in cinnamon, grated nutmeg, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Start with 2/3 of the can, then taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
  • Whisk until fully combined. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Stir before pouring, as the drink may settle.
  • To serve, pour over ice. For a festive adult version, add a splash of dark rum.

Notes

If you are making this drink gluten-free, please review the complete list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten-free dietary requirements. I suggest that you follow along with the video below, as it provides additional information, including alternative sweeteners you can use and instructions on how to keep the drink dairy-free if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Strawberry Pineapple Juice in 2 glass pitchers and a drinking glass surrounded by sliced strawberry and lemons
Drinks & Smoothies Featured Fusion Vegan Vegetarian

Summertime Pineapple Strawberry Juice

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There’s nothing like a cool, fruity drink to beat the Caribbean heat, and this Tropical Pineapple Strawberry Juice Recipe brings all the vibes of a tropical refreshment without the fuss. I blend up sweet ripe pineapple and juicy strawberries, brighten it with lemon juice, and finish it with that signature Caribbean touch: Mixed Essence, and a dash of bitters if you like.

This one’s super simple to make. Blend it, strain it, sweeten it to your taste, and chill it until it’s ice cold. In the video, I show you how I make mine in two batches to keep the texture smooth and balanced. Serve this up with some floating strawberry slices or a wedge of pineapple and you’ve got yourself a drink that tastes just like summer in the islands.

Strawberry Pineapple Juice in 2 glass pitchers and a drinking glass surrounded by sliced strawberry and lemons

Ingredient Guide

  • Ripe Pineapple: Choose one with golden skin and a sweet aroma for the best tropical flavor.
  • Strawberries: Go for bright red, ripe berries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Water: Used to thin the juice; adjust the amount based on how concentrated you like your drinks.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a tart kick that balances out the sweetness of the fruit and sugar.
  • Sugar: Helps to round out the flavors—adjust depending on how sweet your fruit is.
  • Mixed Essence: Delivers that unmistakable Caribbean flavor; vanilla extract is a good stand-in.
  • Angostura Bitters (Optional): Adds a touch of spice and depth—leave it out for a kid-friendly version.

Shopping Made Easy

  • Look for pineapples and strawberries that are fragrant and fully ripe. This is where all your flavor comes from.
  • Mixed Essence is available in Caribbean groceries or online; vanilla extract is an easy substitute.
  • Bitters are available near cocktail mixers; totally optional, but they do add a nice complexity.
  • If you’ve got fresh ginger, blend in a chunk for a spicy twist. It’s a great variation.

Cooking Notes from the Kitchen

  • Blend in two batches so you don’t overload your blender and to keep the juice smooth.
  • Strain well and skim off any foam for a clean, refreshing drink.
  • Chill before serving; it’s best when ice cold.
  • Taste before chilling and adjust the sugar or lemon to your liking.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes. Thaw the pineapple and strawberries first before blending—they’ll work just as well as fresh.

What is Mixed Essence?

It’s a Caribbean flavoring blend with notes of vanilla, almond, and citrus. Use vanilla extract if you can’t find it.

How long will the juice keep?

You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. Stir well before serving.

Is this juice suitable for kids?

Yes! Just leave out the bitters. It’s a refreshing and natural drink for all ages.

How do I turn this into a party drink?

Serve it over ice with rum or vodka on the side, or spike the entire batch for a punch-style cocktail.

Strawberry Pineapple Juice in 2 glass pitchers and a drinking glass surrounded by sliced strawberry and lemons

Summertime Pineapple Strawberry Juice

A refreshing Caribbean drink blending pineapple, strawberries, citrus, and island flavor, perfect chilled or spiked.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks & Smoothies, Vegan, Vegetarian
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large ripe pineapple cubed
  • 1 lb strawberries
  • 8-10 cups water
  • 1 lemon
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Mixed Essence
  • 1 teaspoon Angostura bitters

Instructions
 

  • Peel, core, and cube the pineapple. Hull and halve the strawberries.
    Peeled and chunked pineapple and cut up strawberries in red bowls on a table
  • In batches, blend fruit with some of the water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher. 
  • Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Add remaining water, lemon juice, sugar, Mixed Essence, and bitters (if using). Stir well to combine.
    Strawberry pineapple juice in a white bowl on the counter
  • Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Chill thoroughly before serving over ice. Garnish with pineapple slices or fresh berries.

Notes

Please follow along with the video, as much more about the recipe is discussed there, including what sweeteners to use and how to personalize the sweetness. Feel free to add a thick slice of ginger when you puree the pineapple and strawberries for additional flavor to the drink.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!