Besides butterbeer, pumpkin juice is one of the most famous drinks in the Harry Potter world. However, unlike butterbeer, pumpkin juice is good for your health because it is rich in nutrients, fiber and vitamins. It is also very easy to prepare and tasty. You can serve it at your next Harry Potter themed party or just enjoy it on its own!
Ingrediants
Simple Pumpkin Juice
- 4 cups (950 ml) of apple cider or apple juice
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) of pumpkin puree
- 300 ml of apricot or peach nectar
- A pinch of pumpkin pie spice mix (optional)
- A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Doses for 5 drinks
Pumpkin Juice Prepared from Scratch
- Half sweet pumpkin
- 2 cups (500 ml) of water
- 3 cups (700 ml) of apple juice
- Half a cup (120 ml) of apricot nectar
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla essence
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice mix
- Half a cup (115 g) of sugar
Doses for 4 drinks
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make Plain Pumpkin Juice
Step 1. Pour 4 cups (950 ml) of apple cider into the jug of a blender
Cider can be substituted for plain apple juice. However, you will need to add some spices later to flavor it.
Step 2. Add 6 tablespoons (85g) of pumpkin puree
Make sure you use plain canned cream with no additional ingredients or you risk ruining the juice.
Step 3. Add 300ml of apricot nectar
Can't find it? You can replace it with the fishing one. This ingredient helps dilute the juice without sacrificing its flavor. Just avoid adding more cider or apple juice, or you will taste too much of this fruit.
Step 4. Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice mixture and ground cinnamon to flavor the drink even more
This step is mandatory for those who use simple apple juice. Instead, skip it in case you've used cider, as it already contains some spices.
Step 5. Close the jug and blend the ingredients until they are mixed well
Turn off the blender from time to time and scoop the mixture from the sides of the jug with a spatula. This way you will make sure you blend everything evenly.
Step 6. Taste the pumpkin juice and make any necessary changes
It will be slightly thick, similar to orange juice or apricot / peach nectar. It will not be diluted and transparent like apple juice. Make any changes you deem necessary and blend the pumpkin juice one last time.
- If the juice isn't sweet enough, add agave nectar, honey, granulated or brown sugar.
- If it's bland, add some pumpkin pie spice mixture or a pinch of cinnamon.
Step 7. Pour the pumpkin juice into a pitcher and place it in the refrigerator
This will help you improve the flavor, not to mention that the aromas will infuse better.
Step 8. Serve the pumpkin juice cold with ice
You could create computer labels that say "Pumpkin Juice", print them on sticky paper and attach them to some glass bottles to propose an original drink. Pour the juice into the bottles and serve it!
Method 2 of 2: Make Pumpkin Juice from Scratch
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 180 ° C
This recipe takes a little more work, but the results are absolutely worth it. It's a great idea for anyone who wants to try their hand at making juice or can't find canned pumpkin puree.
Step 2. Use a serrated knife to remove the top of a sweet pumpkin, then cut it in half from top to bottom
Make sure you use a sweet pumpkin. It can usually be found in the supermarket in the fruit and vegetable department. Instead, avoid large pumpkins, such as those used on Halloween, as they tend to negatively affect both the taste and texture of the juice.
Step 3. Remove the seeds and pulp
You can do this with a large metal spoon, ice cream scoop, or pulp-specific spoon (like those found in Halloween pumpkin carving kits). Discard the pulp, while the seeds can be roasted or used in another recipe.
Step 4. Roast the squash for 45 minutes
Fill a pan with water, calculating a depth of about half a centimeter. Place the squash pieces on the baking sheet with the front facing down. Put them in the oven and let them roast. How to tell if they are ready? Pierce them with a fork: if they are soft, then they are well cooked.
The water will prevent the pumpkin from burning or becoming too dry. It will also allow you to give the drink a smoother texture and improve its flavor
Step 5. Remove the pumpkin, let it cool and remove the peel
The peel should come off easily. If necessary, cut vertical lines with a knife before peeling it off. You can also help yourself with the edge of a spoon to start peeling it off at one end if you see fit. Discard the peel after removing it.
Step 6. Blend the pumpkin with 2 cups (500ml) of water
First cut it into wedges or cubes, then place it in a jug of a blender or food processor. Pour the water over the pumpkin and blend them until blended evenly. You will get a thick liquid, with a consistency similar to that of a soup. This will be the basis of pumpkin juice.
Step 7. Pour 350ml pumpkin juice into a large pot and add remaining ingredients, including apple juice, apricot nectar, vanilla essence, pumpkin pie spice blend, and sugar
If you have any juice left over, pour it into an airtight container and store it for another recipe.
- Try using honey to make a healthier version.
- Try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar to tweak the recipe a bit.
- Can't find apricot nectar? You can use peach or pear instead.
Step 8. Mix the ingredients, then boil them over medium heat
Keep stirring until smooth and wait for it to boil.
Step 9. Lower the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes so that the various aromas can best infuse
Cooking will also reduce the amount of water contained in the drink, thus intensifying the taste of the juice.
Step 10. Cool the pumpkin juice
The easiest way to do it? Fill a large bowl with ice and add enough water to completely cover it. Then, pour the pumpkin juice into a smaller bowl and place it on the ice, avoiding water getting into it! Stir the juice to let the steam escape and put it in the fridge once it has reached room temperature.
The juice can be drunk hot, but many people find it tastier when cold
Step 11. Serve the pumpkin juice cold with ice
You could create labels with the words "Pumpkin Juice" on the computer, print them on sticky paper and attach them to some glass bottles to get an original result. Pour the juice into the bottles and serve it just like in the Harry Potter movies!
Step 12. Finished
Advice
- To soften the pumpkin pulp, you can also boil it or put it in the microwave.
- If you can't find apricot or peach nectar, try pear nectar. Some recipes involve replacing it with pineapple juice as well.
- If you have a juice extractor, skip the cooking steps and use it to make pumpkin juice.
- If you are cosplaying a character from "Harry Potter", bring pumpkin juice with you to make the experience even more magical.
- Serve pumpkin juice with other "Harry Potter" recipes at your next theme party!
