Summer is almost over, but people can still enjoy a refreshing smoothie. The Bark compiled this list of unconventional and fruity drinks, which outstrip the stereotypical “banana berry” and “mango peach” smoothies you can get at any smoothie shop. The next time you are craving a sweet, creamy beverage, drive past your local smoothie shop and try blending one of these drinks at home.
Melon-Almond Milk
Creamy vanilla almond milk and juicy melon form a unique combination in this lactose-free smoothie. Although the following recipe uses cantaloupe, a flavorful fruit, other melons like honeydew have a subtler taste that is equally as good. The hint of cinnamon also adds a surprising layer of complexity to this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
3 cups cantaloupe melon, cut into chunks
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1 cup ice
1 tsp cinnamon
honey or sugar, to taste
Directions:
Blend melon and ice until smooth. Blend in the almond milk and honey or sugar. Makes four 8-ounce servings.
Banana Chai Tea
This smoothie gives drinkers a pleasant kick from its warm spices like cardamom, clove and ginger. Fans of hot chai tea lattes will appreciate this new take on the classic drink.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
4 chai tea bags
1 ½ cup milk
¼ cup non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
1 banana
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp honey
Directions:
Boil the water in a small saucepan, lower heat to a simmer and then add the sugar and honey. Stir until the sweeteners have dissolved. Turn off heat and add tea bags. Let steep for 2-3 min. Pour tea into ice cube trays and freeze tea until frozen solid, about 3-4 hours. Mix ice cubes, milk, yogurt and banana in a blender until well combined.
Strawberry-Banana-Chocolate
This dessert drink adds a touch of chocolate syrup and low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt to the typical Strawberry-Banana drink. It also has a fresh strawberry flavor that complements the bitterness of the chocolate.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1 cup low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
¼ cup chocolate syrup
1 cup milk
1 ½ cup fresh strawberries
1 ½ cup ice
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Makes four 8-ounce servings.
POG
This smoothie is a twist on the popular tropical blend of passionfruit, orange and guava juices. The ingredients combine to create an exotic taste with an ideal ratio of sweet and sour.
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1 (11.5 ounce) can guava juice (Kern’s brand)
½ cup passion fruit sorbet (Ciao Bella’s), or try mango sorbet
¼ cup orange juice
¼ cup yogurt (mango, orange, passion fruit, peach, etc.)
1 cup ice
Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Makes four 8-ounce servings.
