Looking for a nice, cold drink in the summer to help you beat the heat? Then a fresh and fruity smoothie will be perfect for you!

By Lily McDonald

One of the most versatile drinks during the summertime is a smoothie. With so many combinations and flavor options, they truly are an ideal treat for everyone. We know that with so many possible smoothie ingredients and flavors to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. So, let us break down how to make the delectable beverage, as well as the best mixtures to achieve certain flavors. With this guide, you will be able to enjoy many fantastic smoothies all summer long! 

The Base

First of all, when making your drink, you have to decide on what base you desire, depending on the type of flavor you are looking for. If you want a creamy consistency, then opt for a milk base. This can include regular dairy, almond, or oat milk. Yogurt is also a great base to thicken your smoothie, while giving you a healthy amount of protein. However, you may have to add a small amount of water if your blender is struggling to mix the smoothie. 

For a sweeter beverage, you should try one with an apple or orange juice base. It adds a subtle taste, but it does not overpower the entire drink, making it a lovely little burst of flavor. Another way to sweeten your drink is to add a homemade simple syrup. All you need to do is add a cup of sugar for every cup of water and heat over the stovetop until it has dissolved together. Mix this in a blender with ice and your preferred fruit for a savory treat. 

If you do not want any added ingredients, you can just use water as the base or ice for a thicker smoothie. This can be a healthier option that still can taste delicious with a yummy assortment of fruit. There are many bases to choose from, so experiment with what you like and even feel free to mix a few together. Smoothies can be adapted in any way you desire to make the ideal drink for you!

Fruits and Vegetables

The next thing you have to worry about is the fruits or vegetables you choose to include in your creation. You have to ask yourself what type of flavor you are looking for. If you want a more tropical taste, fruits such as pineapple, mangos, and peaches are the best options. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries also taste fantastic when balanced with the creamy addition of a banana. But if you prefer a tart flavor, omit the banana and opt for just the berries. 

While spinach has many nutritional benefits, people fear that it will ruin the taste of the smoothie. In reality, the vegetable has a neutral taste and does not take away from the sweetness of the fruits included. It blends best with pineapples, mangos, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or even apples. Kale is another healthy addition to your drink, but it can be more bitter. To mask this flavor, add more tropical fruits, such as mango and pineapple. These greens can enhance the nutritional value of your smoothies, as they are low-calorie options that provide fiber and boost your immune system. 

Other ingredients you can add are cucumbers, avocado, oranges, kiwis, watermelon, and many more. Additionally, you have to decide whether you are using fresh or frozen fruits. While fresh fruit is lower in calories, frozen fruit does create a thicker consistency that is ideal for smoothies. Overall, both taste great, and it is up to you which you decide to incorporate into your drink. This is just a guide; in reality, you should include your favorite fruits and vegetables to create a scrumptious smoothie that is perfect for you!

The Flavor

In order to make your smoothie as savory as possible, feel free to add any number of extra ingredients. These can include anything from peanut butter to chia seeds — anything that satisfies your taste buds. You can also mix in protein powder to give yourself a nutritional boost. Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg can be delicious if your smoothie is on the sweet side. If it is mostly veggie-based, turmeric or cayenne pepper will give you just the right amount of kick. 

For another creative idea, add a scoop or two of whole grains, such as oats or quinoa, to add fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamins that are essential for your health. Maple syrup or vanilla extract are wonderful ideas if you are looking to add just a little more sweetness to your beverage. Cacao powder complements peanut butter and banana magnificently for a delectable drink. 

For an uncommon addition, look no further than coffee, which can provide a caffeine boost as well as extraordinary flavor. If you find yourself craving a cool dessert on a hot summer night, include a little bit of ice cream for a yummy treat. There are an unlimited number of things you can add to smoothies, so don’t be afraid to experiment with innovative or unconventional combinations!

While you can make smoothies all year long, summer is the prime time for the refreshing beverage. Not only are they truly a delicious treat, but they also contain many health benefits that make you feel great. Though the innumerable options for combinations may seem overwhelming, smoothies are very simple to put together, which is perfect for long summer days. So, the next time you are craving a cold, tropical drink, experiment with any ingredients you desire and enjoy!