What are the ingredients in Jugo? Unpacking the Famous Mexican Drink

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

In Mexico, fresh juices called 'jugos' are a popular and healthy treat found in markets and juice shops across the country. The ingredients in Jugo vary dramatically depending on the type, from traditional green blends to refreshing fruit concoctions, with many packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Quick Summary

Jugo isn't one specific drink, but rather the Spanish word for juice, encompassing many recipes. The famous Mexican green juice, Jugo Verde, typically uses pineapple, spinach, cucumber, and nopales, while other jugos feature varying fresh fruits and vegetables.

Key Points

Not a Single Drink: The term "jugo" is Spanish for juice and refers to many different recipes, not just one.
Jugo Verde (Green Juice): A popular Mexican version made with pineapple, spinach, cucumber, celery, nopales, parsley, and lime juice.
Fresh Fruit Jugo: A simpler, sweeter variety prepared by blending fresh fruit (like mango or berries) with citrus juice and water.
Flavor Customization: Most jugo recipes can be customized with additional ingredients like ginger, different fruits, or herbs like cilantro.
Blender vs. Juicer: Jugos can be made with either a blender or a juicer; a blender retains more fiber, while a juicer produces a smoother, thinner liquid.
Commercial Brands: Some juice and smoothie companies, such as Jugo Juice, use the name for specific menu items, like their Jugo Classico®.

The term "jugo" is simply the Spanish word for juice, and as such, it can refer to a vast array of freshly prepared beverages. If you are asking what are the ingredients in jugo, the answer depends entirely on which regional recipe or specific juice you're referring to. The most famous version is arguably the Jugo Verde, or Mexican Green Juice, known for its vibrant color and nutrient-dense profile. However, fresh fruit jugos and other specialty blends like Jugo Vampiro are also incredibly popular, each with its own unique set of ingredients and flavors. This guide will explore the common ingredients found in these different types of traditional Mexican and South American jugos.

The Popular Jugo Verde (Mexican Green Juice)

Arguably the most iconic jugo is the green variety, a popular breakfast and mid-day health tonic throughout Mexico. Its ingredients are chosen for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Core ingredients for Jugo Verde:

Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and aids digestion.
Spinach: A powerhouse of iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Cucumber: Provides essential hydration and a clean, refreshing quality.
Celery: Known for its antioxidant content and clean flavor.
Nopales (Cactus Paddle): A key traditional ingredient said to support blood sugar levels.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and is packed with vitamins.
Lime Juice: Adds a necessary tangy brightness that balances the flavors.

Many recipes also add water to help blend the ingredients. Optional additions include green apple for more sweetness, fresh mint for extra refreshment, or even a kick of jalapeño for a spicy twist. If nopales are unavailable, celery is a common and acceptable substitute.

A Refreshing Fresh Fruit Jugo

Beyond the green varieties, fresh fruit jugos are ubiquitous in many Latin American countries. These are simpler, sweeter, and incredibly customizable drinks.

Typical ingredients for a fresh fruit jugo:

Diced Fruit: Common choices include pineapple, mango, papaya, and various berries.
Citrus Juice: Fresh lemon or lime juice is used to brighten the fruit flavors.
Water: Often cold or ice water to achieve the desired consistency.
Sugar (optional): Caster sugar can be added to taste, though many recipes rely on the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Crushed Ice: Essential for serving the jugo cold.

Exploring Other Notable Jugo Recipes

Another well-known and potent variety is the Jugo Vampiro, or Vampire Juice, a beet-based drink popular in Mexico for its purported energy-boosting effects.

Ingredients for Jugo Vampiro:

Beets
Carrots
Orange juice
Lemon juice
Celery

For those interested in commercial products, the Canadian company Jugo Juice offers a variety of blended drinks. Their signature Jugo Classico®, for example, contains strawberries, banana, apple juice, and orange juice.

Comparison: Jugo Verde vs. Fresh Fruit Jugo


Feature	Jugo Verde	Fresh Fruit Jugo
Core Ingredients	Pineapple, spinach, cucumber, celery, nopales, parsley, lime juice.	Diced fruit (e.g., mango, berries), citrus juice, water, optional sugar.
Flavor Profile	Earthy, green, tangy, and subtly sweet.	Sweet, fruity, and refreshing.
Primary Benefits	Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying.	High in Vitamin C, quick energy boost, and hydrating.
Preparation	Blended and often strained for a smoother consistency.	Typically blended until smooth and served over ice.

How to Prepare Your Jugo

Making jugo at home is a straightforward process, whether you use a juicer or a blender. For a classic Jugo Verde with a blender, simply prep your fruits and vegetables, place them in the blender with some water, and blend on high until smooth. You can then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a thinner consistency, or enjoy it unstrained for extra fiber. For a basic fruit jugo, simply combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serving over crushed ice is key for maximum refreshment.

Conclusion

Answering the question of what are the ingredients in Jugo reveals a world of variety, not a single recipe. The versatile term "jugo" covers everything from powerful green health drinks like Jugo Verde to simple, sweet fruit juices. Whether you seek a detoxifying blend or a hydrating energy boost, there is a jugo recipe to suit your taste. The beauty lies in its versatility, allowing you to experiment with various fruits, vegetables, and herbs to create your perfect personalized drink. For a classic recipe, check out this popular Jugo Verde recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

A jugo is typically a strained juice, meaning the pulp and fiber are removed for a thinner consistency. A licuado is a type of smoothie, often thicker and creamier, made by blending fruits with a liquid base like milk or yogurt.

The most common ingredients for a Mexican green jugo (Jugo Verde) are pineapple, spinach, cucumber, celery, nopales (cactus paddle), parsley, and lime juice.

Yes, you can easily make jugo with a blender. Simply blend your ingredients until smooth and then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth if you prefer a thinner juice.

The benefits of jugo depend on the ingredients. For example, Jugo Verde provides anti-inflammatory benefits and antioxidants, while fruit-based jugos offer high doses of Vitamin C for immune support and hydration.

Nopales are the paddles of the prickly pear cactus. In jugos, they are used for their health benefits, including their purported ability to help regulate blood sugar levels, and provide a clean, fresh quality to the juice.

To make a sweet fruit jugo, blend diced fresh fruit like mango or berries with cold water and the juice of a lemon or lime. You can add a little caster sugar to taste if needed, then serve over ice.

Yes, jugo recipes are very flexible. For instance, if you can't find nopales, celery makes a good substitute. You can also swap different fruits or add other greens like kale or cilantro to alter the flavor and nutritional profile.