Healthy Kale Tonic (First Watch Copy Cat)

Make your own First Watch-inspired Kale Tonic at home! This refreshing green juice is packed with nutrients from kale, apple, cucumber, lemon, and coconut water. Quick, healthy, and delicious!

I’ve shared my love for First Watch restaurant on my blog before, and if you missed it, be sure to check out my Morning Meditation recipe inspired by their menu. For the longest time, that was my go-to drink whenever I visited.

But recently, I tried their Kale Tonic, and it quickly earned a top spot on my list of favorite juices! Now, you can make your own at home at a fraction of the price! How cool is that? 

Why You’ll Love This Kale Tonic

• Quick, easy, and with only five ingredients! This kale tonic is super easy to make and takes just minutes! With only five simple ingredients—Fuji apple, kale, cucumber, lemon, and coconut water—you can enjoy fresh, homemade green juice without spending money on store-bought versions. Just blend, strain if you like, and enjoy!
• Packed with vitamins and antioxidants! Kale is a superfood rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Fuji apple provides natural sweetness, fiber, and immune-boosting vitamin C. Cucumber is hydrating and contains antioxidants like beta-carotene. Lemon juice adds a burst of vitamin C to support a strong immune system. Coconut water replenishes electrolytes and keeps you hydrated.
• This kale tonic is naturally hydrating and refreshing because of the water in cucumbers and coconut water. It’s light and crisp, and it’s a great drink to start your day, recharge after a workout, or boost your energy in the afternoon.

Ingredients in This Kale Tonic Recipe

• 1 Fuji apple, chopped into smaller pieces – I love using Fuji apples because they add natural sweetness without extra sugar. They have a crisp texture and a balanced flavor that works perfectly in this kale tonic. However, you can use other apple varieties too! Honeycrisp and Gala apples are great alternatives for a similarly sweet taste, while Granny Smith will add a tangy twist if you prefer a less sweet option.
• ½ cup kale, chopped – Use only the kale leaves and remove the tough stems for a smoother texture and better taste. The leaves blend easily, giving this kale tonic a mild, refreshing flavor without bitterness from the stems.
• ½ English cucumber, chopped – I prefer using English cucumber because it has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a high water content, making this kale tonic extra refreshing. Plus, its thin skin means you don’t have to peel it! If you don’t have English cucumbers, regular ones work, too—peel them first to avoid bitterness.
• ½ lemon, juiced – fresh lemon juice works the best here. 
• ¼ cup coconut water – If you don’t have coconut water, you can substitute it with filtered water, a simple, neutral option that keeps the drink light and refreshing. You can add cooled green tea (cooled), which gives a mild flavor and an extra antioxidant boost. You can also add orange juice, which adds natural sweetness and more vitamin C. Each option will slightly change the flavor, but they all work well in this kale tonic! 

Step-by-Step Instructions for this Homemade Kale Tonic

• Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
• Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of coconut water.
• Strain using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a smoother juice (optional).
• Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!

How to Adjust Sweetness or Tartness

• If you like your kale tonic sweeter, add a little more Fuji apple or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• For a more tart flavor, you can add extra lemon juice. Feel free to adjust based on your taste!

Adding Ginger for Extra Kick

• Add a small piece of fresh ginger to your blend for a flavor boost and a little spice. Plus, ginger is a well-known superfood with anti-inflammatory properties to include in your diet!
• It will give the kale tonic a refreshing kick and also help with digestion!

Best Ways to Store and Enjoy

• This kale tonic is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just shake it before drinking, as natural separation may occur.
• For the best taste, try to consume it within a day of making it!

Final Thoughts 

I hope you give this refreshing kale tonic a try! It’s a simple, healthy drink that’s perfect for any time of day. If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think—leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Also, feel free to share your favorite green juices; I’m always looking for new ideas!

Pair this first watch kale tonic with a healthy breakfast such as avocado toast or scrambled eggs and enjoy your healthy diet routine!

More Healthy Smoothies & Wellness Tips to Try!

Want more from my healthy drinks? Try my Apple Celery Smoothie—you’ll love this great recipe! Check out other healthy recipes on Nena’s Wellness Corner! Also, try my ginger immunity and cleanse gut shots to boost immunity and improve your digestive system!

Do you know what clean eating and an anti-inflammatory diet have in common? Clean eating and the anti-inflammatory diet perfectly match, emphasizing whole foods and natural and minimally processed foods that support overall health and reduce inflammation. Discover more about the anti-inflammatory diet here!

Ready to kickstart your clean eating journey? Download my free meal plans, sign up for my newsletter, or explore my collection of healthy recipes. Also, please find the information about a balanced diet and ways to incorporate it into your daily routine to achieve a healthy lifestyle! 

What’s your favorite green juice? Drop it in the comments below!