3 wow-factor summer juice recipes from Love Grace Foods

Indie New York juice brand Love Grace Foods found its niche delivering green juice fuel to traders at the New York Stock Exchange.

Now, less than two years later, founders (and adorable couple) Carissa-Ann Santos and Jacob Mabanta have grown the operation into a blossoming business. Love Grace’s presence has doubled since last year, with its juices now available in more than 200 stores.

Much of the brand’s success is due to Mabanta’s chef background, which inspires fresh, delicious blends like Green Sunshine and Super Cider. (The pretty bottles seem to court customers, too.)

We asked Mabanta for some summer juice inspiration, and he created these three scrumptious, refreshing recipes for post-yoga poolside sipping. Cheers! —Lisa Elaine Held

SummerAid

“An addictive cocktail of refreshing ingredients—great for after a yoga class, some garden work, or lounging around on a hot day,” Mabanta says.

Brew 32 ounces of peppermint tea and nettle tea at ratio of 3:1.Blend with a tablespoon of raw honey or agave and set side in the fridge to chill.

In a juicer, press:2 limes2 oranges2 grapefruits

Mix everything in a pitcher with some ice. Serves 4 thirsty people.

Photo: attheredtable.com

Perfect Peach Smoothie

“I love the sweet lush-yet-delicate flavor of perfect summer peaches,” Mabanta says. “However, it’s often overpowered in many recipes. We came up with this recipe to highlight the peaches while adding healthy fats from tropical macadamia nuts. It’s important to make sure the peaches (I prefer white peaches) are ripe, so store them in a paper bag on the counter for a day or two if need be.”

4 ripe peaches (pitted)1/4 cup macadamia nut1/4 whole vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extractPinch Himalayan sea salt12 oz water (ideally spring or filtered)

Blend everything smooth in a blender. Makes two big servings.

Photo: cookbakeanddecorate.blogspot.com

Green Paradise

“This is a refreshing, sweet green juice with bright tropical flavor and nutrient-rich greens. The combination of pineapple and cilantro give a nice enzyme boost along with safe yet powerful detox action,” he says. “Add in dandelion greens for a spicy cleansing kick.”

1 pineapple1 large cucumber2 limes (skin removed)Handful of cilantroOptional handful dandelion greens for hard-core juice heads

Juice everything in a good home juicer (like Breville and Green Star). Serves two.

Photo: lindsaylovesveggies.com

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