Homemade Aronia Juice

Here's a simple recipe for making aronia (chokeberry) juice at home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen aronia berries

  • 4 cups water

  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)

  • Ice cubes (optional, for serving)

Equipment:

  • Blender or food processor

  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

  • Large bowl or pitcher

  • Spoon

  • Measuring cups

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Berries: If using fresh aronia berries, rinse them thoroughly under cold water. If using frozen berries, allow them to thaw before proceeding.

  2. Blend the Berries: Place the aronia berries in a blender or food processor. Add 2 cups of water to the berries. Blend until the berries are completely pureed and the mixture is smooth.

  3. Strain the Juice: Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer to separate the juice from the pulp. Use a spoon to press down on the pulp to extract as much juice as possible.

  4. Dilute the Juice: Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the strained juice. This helps to dilute the strong flavor of the aronia berries. Stir well to combine.

  5. Sweeten and Flavor (Optional): If desired, add honey or sugar to taste. Start with 1/4 cup and adjust as needed. Add lemon juice for a touch of acidity and extra flavor. Stir until the sweetener is completely dissolved.

  6. Chill and Serve: Pour the aronia juice into a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to chill. Serve the juice over ice cubes if desired.

Tips:

  • Adjust the sweetness and dilution to your preference. Aronia berries can be quite tart, so you may want to add more sweetener or water based on your taste.

  • For a more intense flavor, you can reduce the amount of water added in the dilution step.

  • The leftover pulp can be used in smoothies, baking, or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal..