Ingredients
- 1 fresh aloe vera leaf
- 1 cup cold water
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
- A few ice cubes
- Fresh mint, optional
Instructions
- Wash the aloe leaf thoroughly.
- Cut off the base and tip, then slice away the spiky sides.
- Stand the leaf upright for about 10–15 minutes so the yellow latex drains out.
- Peel away the green outer skin and remove only the clear inner gel.
- Rinse the gel several times under cold running water to remove any remaining yellow residue.
- Measure about 1–2 tablespoons of gel and blend it with the cold water.
- Add lemon juice and honey if desired.
- Serve immediately over ice with mint.
Important Safety Note
Aloe latex is different from the clear inner gel and can have a strong laxative effect. Avoid homemade aloe drinks containing the yellow latex, and don’t use oral aloe products during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a healthcare professional advises you to.