Papaya Juice Recipe

Two tall glasses filled with bright orange papaya juice slush are on a light surface. One glass has a metal straw. A plate beside the glasses holds lime wedges and two papaya slices. Ice cubes are scattered around, set against a white hexagonal tile wall backdrop.

A bowl filled with cubed papaya pieces and a sliced papaya, accompanied by two lime wedges on a light gray surface. The dish, reminiscent of fresh papaya juice, is adorned with a subtle orange pattern that complements the fruit's vibrant hue.

How to make the juice

There are different ways to make papaya juice.

One method is to blend papaya chunks (here is how to cut a papaya) with water or juice in a blender.
Another way to juice papaya is to use a juicer.

Top view of a blender filled with cut cubes of bright orange papaya, surrounded by clear liquid, ready to become refreshing papaya juice. The blender sits on a light, textured surface, its neutral tones providing a vivid contrast to the vibrant fruit.

My preferred method is to blend everything. This way, you can make the papaya drink more liquid; papaya juice can be a bit thick.

Variations

Make it a smoothie blend with almond milk and sweeten it with simple syrup, agave, or honey.
Blend with fresh mint and pineapple chunks
Add lime juice and sugar to make agua fresca.

What to Serve Papaya Juice With

Papaya juice is refreshing on its own, especially on hot days, but it’s also delicious alongside breakfast and lunch dishes. In Mexico, it’s very common to enjoy it as an agua fresca during lunchtime with simple, home-style meals like grilled chicken, rice, beans, or quesadillas. It also pairs well with tropical breakfasts like yogurt + granola bowls, chia pudding, and fresh fruit plates.

Storage + Make-Ahead Tips

Freshly blended papaya juice is at its best, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. To maintain its flavor and color, keep it in a sealed jar. The juice may separate over time, so be sure to stir it before serving. If the texture thickens, you can simply add a splash of cold water to thin it out. For agua fresca-style servings, add lime juice and sweetener just before serving to ensure a vibrant flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is papaya juice healthy?

Papaya is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and antioxidants. It’s also naturally high in digestive enzymes like papain, which can support digestion.
(While papaya juice is generally considered healthy, talk to a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or have papaya allergies.)

Does papaya juice help digestion?

Papaya contains digestive enzymes that may help break down proteins and support gut comfort. This is one reason papaya is so common in tropical diets.

Can I make this without a juicer?

Yes — in fact a blender is the prefereed method for papaya. Blending is the easiest method and keeps more fiber in the drink. If you prefer a thinner texture, just strain it after blending.

Can I sweeten it?

Absolutely. In Mexico, papaya agua fresca is often sweetened with sugar or agave and a bit of lime juice. Sweetener is optional depending on ripeness and personal taste.

Can I make it dairy-free, vegan, or smoothie-style?

Papaya blends beautifully with non-dairy milks like almond or coconut for a creamy smoothie. It’s naturally vegan as written.

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Two glasses of icy papaya juice sit on a white surface. One glass has a metal straw. A small plate holds lime wedges and papaya slices. Ice cubes are scattered around, and the background displays a light gray hexagonal tile pattern.

Alejandra Graf

Papaya juice is a popular drink in many tropical countries. It is made by blending papaya, water, and sometimes lime juice. Papaya juice is a refreshing and healthy drink perfect for thirsty people on a hot day. In Mexico is very common to have it also as agua fresca during lunch time.

5 de 1 voto

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Course Beverages

Cuisine Mexican

Servings servings

Calories 42 kcal

Equipment

Bender

Ingredients

3 cups papaya peeled and cut into chunks
6 cups water

Instructions

Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
Add lime or lemon juice if you wish and serve in a glass full of ice.

Notes

You can add 1/4 cup sugar if you wish; this will be more an agua fresca than juice, but still delicious.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 8gFat: 0.03gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 0.2mgSugar: 8gCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.01mg

Keyword papaya

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information

Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Alejandra Graf

Hi, I’m Ale Graf!
I’m a Mexican home cook based in Texas and the voice behind AleCooks and Piloncillo & Vainilla.

I create easy, family-friendly recipes with Mexican roots and a plant-forward mindset—always flexible and made to bring people together. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino and love helping home cooks feel more confident in the kitchen.

Come say hi on Instagram—I’d love to hear what you’re cooking.

How to make the juice

Variations

What to Serve Papaya Juice With

Storage + Make-Ahead Tips

Frequently Asked Questions