Purple Cabbage & Blueberry Refreshing Drink

A vibrant homemade drink made with red cabbage, blueberries, fresh lemon, honey, and mint. The cabbage gives it that beautiful deep purple color, while blueberries and lemon add a fresh sweet-tart flavor. It is refreshing served chilled over ice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped red cabbage
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest, optional
• 6–8 fresh mint leaves
• Lemon slices, for serving
• Ice, for serving

Instructions

1. Add the chopped red cabbage, blueberries, and water to a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, until the cabbage softens and the water becomes deep purple.
3. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing gently on the cabbage and berries to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. While the liquid is still slightly warm, stir in the honey until dissolved.
6. Add the fresh lemon juice and mix well. Taste and adjust the sweetness or lemon according to your preference.
7. Chill thoroughly.
8. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint and lemon slices.

Tips

• Add the lemon gradually because it can noticeably change the color and flavor of the drink.
• For a stronger blueberry flavor, increase the blueberries to 1½ cups.
• You can replace honey with maple syrup if preferred.
• For a sparkling version, mix the chilled drink with sparkling water just before serving.
• Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and use within a few days.

Related Q&A

Does red cabbage really make the drink purple?
Yes. Red cabbage naturally contains pigments called anthocyanins that give the drink its rich purple color.

Can I blend everything instead of boiling it?
You can blend the ingredients with chilled water, but the drink will be thicker and contain the cabbage pulp. Straining it afterward will give you a smoother drink.

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes. Frozen blueberries work very well.

Can I make this without honey?
Yes. Simply leave it unsweetened or use another sweetener of your choice.

Is this drink served hot or cold?
It is best served well chilled over ice with lemon and mint.