Archive for the ‘Beverages’ Category

Banana Kiwi Smoothie

bananakiwismoothie

I know what you’re thinking—GROSS! I don’t blame you. I think it sounds disgusting, too, but I was astonished to find that this is a great, refreshing combination that’s perfect for summer. As someone who has spent her entire life avoiding juice products that contain banana because they taste like baby-food, I’m here to tell you this smoothie doesn’t. It’s not that I loathe banana. I just don’t particularly like it. A large part of my banana avoidance has to do with texture, however. The flavor isn’t bad, especially when they banana is still fairly green and slightly astringent. So, for this smoothie, make sure you have fresh bananas. Bright yellow or on the green side will work. Just don’t throw in fruit whose peel is starting to blacken, unless you really, really like banana.


Ingredients:

1 banana
2 kiwi
½ cup vanilla flavored rice milk (regular milk or soy milk will work, too)
¼ cup vanilla yogurt
¼ cup crushed ice

Guidelines:

Combine all ingredients in blender and pulse until smooth.

Pour into tall glasses and serve.

Serves 2.

Raspberry Lemonade Spritzer

rasplemonadespritzer.jpg

This isn’t a very wintery drink, but when the sun peeked after a wind and rain storm last week, I was inspired to look forward to spring. Yeah, I know, it isn’t even technically winter yet, but a girl can dream, can’t she? So, here’s to a little looking forward to spring cheer. Sit yourself in front of a sunny window, ignore the snow, cold temperatures, dormant garden, and whatever other unpleasantries winter brings to your part, and pretend the baby birds are chirping, the bulbs are in full bloom, and new shoots of grass are green and vibrant in the warm sun.

Note: I’ve made this drink without alcohol, but if you want to spike it, I suggest using Vodka, as it doesn’t impart a lot of flavor. Mix in 2-3 ounces, depending on how big of a glass you’re using.

Note 2: I cheat and use a can of raspberry lemonade concentrate and mix it strong. You can purchase premixed, or even make your own, if you’re that ambitious!

Ingredients:
1 can raspberry lemonade concentrate, mixed strong (about 2 ½ cups of water vs. 3)
fresh lemon
fresh mint
club soda
ice

Guidelines:
Fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Add raspberry lemonade until 2/3 -3/4 full. Add club soda until nearly full. Top with a slice of fresh lemon, and a sprig of fresh mint.

Raspberry Mint Smoothie

raspberrymintsmoothie.jpgIn a blender, combine:

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

½ to ¾ cup raspberry lemonade

1/3 cup ice cubes

1 tsp. honey

1 tbsp. fresh mint leaves

Blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Serving size: 1