Vegetable Juice Cocktail
A vibrant and refreshing vegetable juice cocktail packed with fresh tomato, bell pepper, and onion flavors, accented by herbs and spices. Perfect for summer gatherings or health-conscious meals, this homemade blend offers a tangy, savory taste that appeals to vegetable lovers and juice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 15 lb. ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 large onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. prepared horseradish ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place measured tomatoes and all ingredients except lemon juice in a 12-quart or larger pot and simmer for about 30 minutes or until all the vegetables are soft.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Press vegetables through a fine sieve or put through a food mill to remove seeds, skins, and pulp.
- Return juice to the pot, stir in lemon juice to taste, and bring to a boil.
- Quickly pour into clean hot quart jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace; seal.
- Process in boiling water for about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the mixture after pressing it through a sieve. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried basil if desired, and adjust the horseradish for more or less heat. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with adding other vegetables like carrots or cucumbers for a unique flavor. This recipe can be adapted for various diets including vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable juice cocktail as a refreshing drink or as a base for soups and sauces. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or as a side with dishes like Spinach-Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. For added flavor, garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh basil. This cocktail can also make an excellent component of a brunch spread or a light appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vegetable juice cocktail in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to maintain flavor and texture; avoid boiling it to preserve the taste. You can also serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing drink.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Juice Cocktail contains roughly 172 calories, with 4g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 548mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Choose whole or diced canned tomatoes without added ingredients. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, and you might need to adjust the seasoning to taste.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the cocktail?
If you find the cocktail too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or omit it entirely. You can also balance sweetness with additional lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Is it safe to can this vegetable juice cocktail?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for canning, but ensure to follow proper canning guidelines. Use sterilized jars and process them in boiling water for the recommended time to prevent spoilage. Always check seals after canning before storing them.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).