Smoothie
A nutritious and refreshing blended beverage typically made from fresh or frozen fruits, vegetables, and a liquid base, offering a customizable and healthy way to enjoy a meal or snack.
What is this drink?
The smoothie is a versatile, nutritious blended beverage that rose to prominence in the American health food movement of the 1960s. At its core, it's frozen fruit blended with a liquid base — but it spans everything from a simple berry blend to a protein-packed meal replacement.
Why you'll love it
It's one of the most adaptable drinks imaginable — you can tailor it to be a healthy breakfast, a post-workout recovery drink, a dessert-like treat, or a nutrient-dense meal depending on what you blend in.
When to serve
Perfect for breakfast, post-workout recovery, a healthy afternoon snack, or any time you want a nutritious, satisfying drink that doesn't feel like a compromise.
Pro tip
Add liquid to the blender first, then soft ingredients, then frozen fruit on top — this loading order ensures the blades catch properly and blend everything smoothly without air pockets.
Frozen Berries (or Mixed Fruit)
The primary flavor and texture ingredient — frozen fruit eliminates the need for ice and produces a thicker, more intensely flavored smoothie than fresh fruit.
Banana
The creaminess secret — a frozen banana adds a natural sweetness and velvety thickness to any smoothie without dairy, making it feel rich and satisfying.
Liquid Base (Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Water)
Determines the character of the smoothie — dairy milk adds richness, almond milk adds nuttiness, and coconut water keeps it light and tropical.
Swap Options
Greek yogurt adds protein and tangy creaminess. Spinach or kale can be blended in for a 'green smoothie' with the fruit masking the vegetable flavor. Protein powder, chia seeds, or flaxseeds boost nutrition. Nut butter adds healthy fats and depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Combine ingredients in blender
Add 1 cup (150g) mixed frozen berries, 0.5 cup (120 ml) liquid base, and 0.5 banana (if using) to a high-speed blender. If adding protein powder or seeds, include them now.
Tips:
- •Place liquid ingredients first for easier blending. Adjust liquid quantity for desired thickness.
Blend until smooth
Secure the lid and blend on low, gradually increasing to high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If necessary, stop the blender and use a tamper or spoon to push ingredients down.
Tips:
- •Blend until no chunks remain. For a thicker smoothie, use less liquid; for a thinner one, add more.
Taste and adjust
Taste the smoothie and add sweetener (e.g., honey, maple syrup) if desired, then blend briefly to incorporate. You can also add more fruit or liquid to achieve your perfect balance.
Tips:
- •Start with less sweetener and add more as needed. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime for brightness.
Pour and serve
Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve immediately. Enjoy while cold.
Tips:
- •Smoothies are best consumed immediately after blending for optimal texture and nutrient retention.
Flavor Profile
Alcohol Content
Fun Fact
Bartender's Tips
- **Green Smoothie:** Add a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients; the fruit will mask the flavor.
- **Tropical Smoothie:** Use frozen mango and pineapple with coconut water as the base.
- **Protein Boost:** Add protein powder, Greek yogurt, or nut butter for extra protein.
- **Thickening Agents:** Add chia seeds, flax seeds, or oats for extra fiber and thickness.
- Use a combination of fresh and frozen fruit for varied texture and temperature.
Different ways to make this drink your own
Green Smoothie
Add a large handful of fresh spinach or a couple of kale leaves to any fruit smoothie before blending. The fruit completely masks the vegetable flavour while the colour turns vibrant green. An effortless way to add significant nutrition without any detectable taste of vegetables.
Protein Smoothie
Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavoured protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter, and a handful of rolled oats for a genuinely filling, high-protein smoothie that functions as a complete meal replacement for busy mornings.
Tropical Smoothie
Blend frozen mango, pineapple, and banana with coconut water and a squeeze of lime for a vibrantly coloured, refreshingly tropical smoothie with a natural sweetness that requires no added sugar whatsoever.
Tools that make this drink come together
High-Powered Blender
A powerful blender (Nutribullet, Vitamix, or similar) produces the smoothest result, breaking down fibrous fruit, leafy greens, and seeds completely. Lower-powered blenders may leave textures that some find unpleasant — blend for longer if using a standard domestic blender.
Measuring Cup
Consistent proportions of fruit to liquid give consistently good results. Too little liquid produces a thick, almost impossible-to-blend smoothie; too much makes it thin and watery. Start with 200ml of liquid per generous serving.
Tall Glass or Smoothie Cup
A tall, wide-mouthed glass or a lidded smoothie cup with a straw is the ideal vessel. Pre-chill the glass for the best experience. Lidded cups are convenient for drinking on the move.
Can't Find These?
A standard domestic blender or food processor makes adequate smoothies — blend for longer and use slightly softer fruit to compensate for lower motor power. Frozen fruit blends more easily than fresh in a standard blender. Any tall glass holds the smoothie perfectly.
The right glass makes a real difference
Tall Glass or Smoothie Cup with Straw
A smoothie is served in a tall, wide glass or a lidded smoothie cup — the height accommodates a generous serving while showcasing the drink's vibrant fruit colour. A glass straw or paper straw is preferred over a wide milkshake straw for smoothies, which are typically thinner than milkshakes. For the on-the-go consumer, a reusable lidded cup with a clip straw is enormously practical.
Alternatives
A mason jar is perfect for smoothies — the wide mouth makes cleaning easy and the jar keeps the smoothie cool. A wide wine glass or large tumbler works well for a sit-down breakfast smoothie. Bowl smoothies (thick smoothies poured into a bowl and topped with granola and fruit) are a popular contemporary presentation.
Perfect food pairings to complete the experience
Granola and Yogurt Bowl
A simple bowl of Greek yogurt with good granola, honey, and fresh berries served alongside a fruit smoothie creates a complete, nutritious breakfast spread. The yogurt's protein complements the smoothie's carbohydrates.
Avocado Toast
Well-seasoned avocado on sourdough toast with a poached egg is a nutritious, satisfying companion for a morning smoothie. The healthy fats in the avocado complement the fruit sugars in the smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
Energy Balls
Homemade oat, nut butter, and dried fruit energy balls provide a satisfying, protein-rich bite alongside a smoothie for a quick, on-the-go breakfast that requires minimal preparation.
Banana Pancakes
Light, naturally sweet two-ingredient banana pancakes (banana and egg) served with a drizzle of maple syrup make a wholesome, gluten-free companion for a berry or tropical smoothie.
Prep in advance for effortless serving
Prep Smoothie Packs
Portion smoothie ingredients — frozen fruit, spinach, seeds — into individual zip-lock bags and store in the freezer. Each morning, empty one bag directly into the blender, add liquid, and blend. This turns a smoothie from a 5-minute process into a 90-second one.
Use Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is often more nutritious than fresh (it's frozen at peak ripeness) and is available year-round regardless of season. It also eliminates the need for ice cubes and gives a thicker, colder smoothie than fresh fruit with ice.
Batch Blend for the Week
Blend a large batch of smoothie at the weekend and store in sealed glass jars in the refrigerator for up to three days. Shake vigorously before drinking as separation is natural. Add any delicate greens fresh rather than storing pre-blended.
Soak Oats and Seeds
If adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or rolled oats to the smoothie, soak them in a small amount of liquid overnight before adding. Pre-soaked seeds blend more smoothly and their nutrition is more bioavailable than dry seeds added directly.
Common questions answered by our bartenders
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