Revitalizing Jujube and Goji Berry Tonic Recipe

I created this daily tonic after returning from a wellness resort in Vancouver, Canada. Sparkling Hill Resort sits above the Okanagan Valley and its vineyards, and they served a delicious morning “start-up” drink that inspired this version. I loved it so much I took several to-go cups each morning and later adapted the recipe for home, adding jujube and goji berries and swapping apple juice for white grape juice to suit my taste. My husband drinks it all day and I keep the fridge stocked.

Benefits of the refreshing tonic with jujube and goji berries

This tonic offers a bright citrus aroma with a subtle tang from apple cider vinegar and natural sweetness from honey. It’s steeped with lemongrass, ginger, cardamom pods, fennel, peppercorns, lemon, plus jujube and goji berries. Together these ingredients deliver antioxidants and mild diuretic effects and are traditionally associated with improved digestion, reduced inflammation, balanced blood sugar, and overall well-being.

Key components and notes:

• Apple cider vinegar: Raw, unfiltered vinegar with the “mother” supplies enzymes and beneficial bacteria, supports digestion and gut health, and can contribute to pH balance and general immune support.
• Jujube (Chinese red date): Used in traditional medicine, jujube adds natural sweetness and antioxidant compounds that are often linked with relaxation and improved sleep quality.
• Goji berries: A nutrient-dense fruit commonly used in traditional remedies. They contribute vitamins and antioxidants and are associated with energy, improved focus, and overall wellness.

Jujube (Chinese red date)

Goji berries

Tips for making the tonic

Lemongrass

Lemongrass adds a fragrant citrus note. If you enjoy gardening, fresh lemongrass is easy to propagate: purchase a stalk with its base intact, trim to about 3 inches, place the base in water until roots develop, then pot in soil. Fresh lemongrass elevates this tonic and many Thai dishes.

My lemongrass plant started from a single 3-inch stalk.

Apple cider vinegar

Choose raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the “mother” for the best probiotic and enzyme content. The cloudiness indicates the natural culture that supports gut health, and it’s an important flavor and functional element in this tonic.

Juice

The recipe calls for either apple juice or white grape juice—use whichever you prefer for sweetness and flavor. White grape juice gives a lighter, crisper profile while apple juice offers a familiar, mellow fruitiness.

Sweetener

A little honey balances the vinegar and lemon. The original resort version used maple syrup, so feel free to choose based on preference.

Simmering and steeping

Treat the herbs like tea: bring water to a rolling boil, add the herbs, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off the stove and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, reserve the jujube and goji berries, and add them back to the strained tonic for texture and appearance.

Serving suggestions

Serve the tonic chilled. It’s exceptionally refreshing first thing in the morning or any time of day. Add a jujube and a few goji berries to each glass for presentation and extra nutrition. Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy within a few days.