This delicious Jugo de Papaya (Papaya Juice) recipe is made with fresh papaya chunks, water, lemon juice, and a sweetener, and this juice is the perfect way to quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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It's easy to make, customizable to your taste preferences, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon refresher.
Follow this recipe to enjoy a delicious and healthy beverage that will become a new favorite.
For another fruity and refreshing drink, try our recipe for Agua de Jamaica, a tangy hibiscus tea loved across Latin America.
How to Make Jugo de Papaya
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Start by peeling and removing the seeds from the papaya. Cut it into chunks. Add the papaya chunks to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the papaya puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or fibers, if desired, for a smoother juice.
Juice the large lemon and add the lemon juice to the papaya puree. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste, depending on your desired level of sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust as needed.
If the juice is too concentrated or thick, you can dilute it with water to your preferred consistency. Add water gradually until it reaches the desired thickness. Stir well to ensure that the sugar or sweetener is fully dissolved.
Taste the juice and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, honey, or lemon juice if necessary. Chill the juice in the refrigerator or serve it over ice.
This Jugo de Papaya is a refreshing and tropical drink with a hint of citrus from the lemon. Enjoy!
Note: If you prefer a thicker consistency for your jugo de papaya, add less water to the blender. Additionally, you can add other fruits like pineapple or orange to enhance the flavor.
Storage, Make Ahead
Store: If you have leftover juice, store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It's best to transfer the juice to a covered container and place it in the fridge as soon as possible after making it. Before serving, stir the juice quickly to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
Make-Ahead: If you want to make Jugo de Papaya ahead of time, you can blend all the ingredients and store the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to consume the juice within 24-48 hours to ensure it stays fresh and retains its flavor. To make serving easier, you can pre-portion the juice into individual servings or ice cube trays and freeze them. This way, you can thaw the portions you need and enjoy a chilled glass of Jugo de Papaya whenever you want.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- Choose ripe papaya: The riper the papaya, the sweeter and more flavorful your juice will be. Look for papayas with mostly yellow skin and a fruity aroma.
- Adjust consistency: For a thicker, smoothie-like texture, add less water. For a lighter, refreshing juice, add more water or even sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- Add extra flavor: Blend in pineapple, mango, or orange juice to create a tropical fruit mix. A pinch of ginger also adds a refreshing kick.
- Make it creamy: Replace some of the water with milk (whole, almond, or coconut) for a creamy version often enjoyed at breakfast.
- Serve chilled: Jugo de Papaya tastes best cold. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or serve over ice for maximum refreshment.
- Kid-friendly version: Pour the juice into popsicle molds and freeze for a healthy, refreshing treat kids will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Jugo de Papaya without sugar?
Yes! If you prefer a naturally sweet juice, simply omit the sugar and use extra ripe papaya, which is naturally sweet. You can also substitute with honey, agave, or a sugar-free sweetener, depending on your preference.
How do I make Jugo de Papaya creamier?
For a creamier texture, replace part of the water with milk (regular, almond, or coconut). This creates a smoothie-like drink often enjoyed at breakfast in Latin America.
Did you know?
Discover why papaya is often called a superfruit-packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes that support digestion, boost immunity, and promote radiant skin. Learn more about the proven health benefits of papaya in this helpful Healthline guide.
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Recipe
Jugo de Papaya

Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups of papaya cut into chunks (peeled and seedless)
- 4 cups of water
- 1 large lemon or to taste
- 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar , honey, or sweetener to taste
Instructions
- Start by peeling and removing the seeds from the papaya. Cut it into chunks. Add the papaya chunks to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the papaya puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or fibers, if desired, for a smoother juice.
- Juice the large lemon and add the lemon juice to the papaya puree. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar, honey, or sweetener to taste, depending on your desired level of sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust as needed.
- If the juice is too concentrated or thick, you can dilute it with water to your preferred consistency. Add water gradually until it reaches the desired thickness. Stir well to ensure that the sugar or sweetener is fully dissolved.
- Taste the juice and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, honey, or lemon juice if necessary. Chill the papaya juice in the refrigerator or serve it over ice.
- This jugo de papaya is a refreshing and tropical drink with a hint of citrus from the lemon. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.












