New juice bar offers an alternative to sugary lattes. Raw’s detoxing beverages are made from organic fruits and vegetables.
Located in the hip downtown neighborhood of Thornton Park, Raw Juicing and Detox is a new destination for healthy eats and satisfying liquid concoctions.
With an extensive menu of freshly prepared juices and smoothies, the small shop is sure to quench your healthy thirst. Raw subscribes to the Environmental Working Group’s guidelines for shopping produce. The EWG’s “Clean Fifteen, and Dirty Dozen” is a comprehensive list for deciding which fruits and vegetables to buy organic or conventional. By following these mandates, Raw ensures the nutritious value of their drink selections.
Raw offers two sizes for their juices and smoothies: a medium (12 oz) and large (16 oz). Compared to other Orlando juice bars, the prices of these juices are fair and reasonable. A medium is $5.50, and the large is $6.95—a staggering difference in comparison to other juicing companies who sell comparable sizes for $10-$12.
One delicious option to try is the Sweet Green smoothie. Blended in a Vitamix to preserve nutrition, this tasty option includes kale, spinach, apple, and pineapple. While I was apprehensive to try this green smoothie at first—I have an embarrassing aversion to the taste of kale—the sweet flavors of pineapple and apple made this a refreshing and enjoyable beverage.
While the Sweet Green is a refreshing choice, other smoothies on the menu tend to be heavier. The Cadofornication—avocado, apple, vanilla almond milk, and dates—is a hearty smoothie that actually tastes like a milkshake. You’re Turning Violet, Violet!, a cheeky reference to Willy Wonka, features blueberries, kale, pineapple, lemon, ginger and dates, and is another heavy smoothie option. These smoothies are not your traditional refreshment, but rather a healthy, filling replacement for lunch or a post-workout snack.
The juice menu also includes a satisfying selection of both traditional and innovative recipes. The WooHoo—carrot, apple, and ginger—is a recipe that is tried and true amongst juicing fanatics. However, the Beet It! was a new recipe for me to try, and is prepared with beets, carrots, apples, and ginger.
For added variety, Raw offers a selection of add-ons to their juices or smoothies. My favorite addition is cayenne extract ($.50), which promotes digestive health while adding a spicy kick to your juice.
In addition to the smoothies and juices, Raw also offers healthy food options for their patrons to try. The Bangladesh Wrap ($6.95), which is prepared on either a gluten-free or whole grain wrap, is one item worth noting. Quinoa based, this vegan dish includes tomatoes, cilantro, cucumbers, and Thai coconut curry hummus, served with a side of curry sauce. While you certainly can pair this with a juice or smoothie, the Bangladesh is plenty filling on its own because it is high in protein. Try the dish with fresh, local coconut water, which Raw sells cold and pre-bottled.
For those searching for a way to start the day off right, try a ginger shot ($3.50). While I was very familiar with wheat grass shots prior to visiting Raw, the ginger alternative was new to me. After downing the shot and chasing it with lemon, I instantly felt awake and invigorated—an effect I can usually only attain by consuming a Trenta Iced Coffee at Starbucks. The ginger shot also cleared my sinuses despite seasonal allergies, and it even made my skin glow (I know that sounds crazy, but trust me). This unique menu option has become my new, healthier alternative to morning coffee.
With an impressive menu, fair prices, and a downtown location, Raw is a hip new option for those craving healthy eats and drinks. Locally owned and in-development, this juice bar is sure to have a promising future in Orlando’s growing health scene.
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