The Spartan Recipe

Prepare produce

Wash the spinach, cucumber, apple, and pineapple. Core and quarter the apple. Peel and core the pineapple if using whole. Peel the ginger and measure about 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste). If the cucumber is waxed, peel it before cutting into 1-inch pieces.

Juice the lemon: roll it on the counter to loosen juices, then cut and squeeze to yield about 2 tablespoons of fresh juice.

Blend ingredients

In a high-speed blender, combine 2 cups coconut water, 1 cup cold water, the pineapple chunks, cucumber pieces, quartered apple, packed cup of spinach, and peeled ginger. Add the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Secure lid and blend on high until completely smooth (about 45–60 seconds).

Adjust texture: If mixture is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup more cold water and pulse to combine. If you prefer a thinner drink, add the additional water; for a thicker smoothie-like texture, omit extra water.

Optional sweetening and chilling

Taste and, if desired, add 1 teaspoon honey or agave and blend briefly to incorporate. Add ice cubes to the blender and pulse 2–3 times if you want the drink cold and slightly frothy.

Strain (optional)

For a smoother juice without fiber, pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag into a pitcher, pressing or squeezing to extract as much liquid as possible. If you prefer a fuller, fiber-rich beverage, skip this step and serve as-is.

Pour into two tall glasses over fresh ice if desired. Garnish each glass with a lemon wheel or pineapple wedge. Serve immediately to preserve freshness and nutrients.

Storage: If not drinking right away, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and shake/stir before serving.