Now that it's officially into legitimate summertime territory, it's important for you to be up-to-date on all the best, brightest, and, of course, yummiest smoothie strategies for the season.
If you want to go classic...
For a delicious classic smoothie, there are three rules: keep it simple, keep it cold, and keep it fresh. For that delicious trademark "smoothie" taste, toss plain yogurt, orange juice, a banana, and a concoction of fresh berries (strawberries for sure, blueberries for probably, blackberries maybe, and raspberries if you're feeling adventurous) into the blender for a fail-proof smoothie success.
For a smooth twist on this classic beverage, add some fresh peaches to the mix.
If you want to pretend you're at a spa and taking the exotic route...
Who says that you have to go to a spa to feel like you're at one? Only the people in the marketing department for spas and luxury hotels. For everyone else out there, here are a few tricks to make smoothies that taste just as healthy, luxurious, pure, and delicious as gourmet spa-style smoothies. We commonly consider "spa food" to be a balanced, healthful mix of yummy and vitamin-y foods. However, in the smoothie realm, you don't have to sacrifice any taste bud approval to get that vibrant, rejuvenating, spa-like taste. In my house, we've applied this approach to breakfasttime by making smoothies with frozen cherries or cantaloupe and other melons. Frozen Bing cherries are naturally less sweet than fresh berries, but they still retain enough innate sweetness to make a delicious, vitamin-packed smoothie. For a lighter blend, opt for cantaloupe, cantaloupe and mint, or cantaloupe and strawberries to flavor your new beverage.
If you want to go tropical...
I strongly believe in the strength of willpower and mental concentration. Therefore, whenever I want something badly enough, I simply have to think about it--and think about it really hard--until I feel closer to obtaining it. This often happens with me and tropical beaches. You see, one of my first and greatest loves is the ocean and the shoreline, but living in a landlocked state tends to make it difficult to access the waters that I love so much. Thus, I've discovered several methods for pretending to be on or near the beach. And one of the most successful of these methods is entitled How to Feel Like You Are at the Beach--Through a Smoothie. Recently, I had the most delicious tropical smoothie ever. Try to think of it this way: it was a Piña Colada without the sugar overload; it was a fruity umbrella drink without the umbrella or concentrated fruit juice; it was a beach without sand, sunburn, or damp beach towels; it was a beach vacation, in a cup, without airfare, hotel prices, packing lists, or rental cars. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this tropical smoothie was a sort of heaven in a cup (and please prepare yourself, if you ever try this smoothie; I do not use the phrase "heaven in a cup" lightly; I've only ever used it to describe hot chocolate, which is easily one of the greatest foods in the entire world.). To create your own version of this delectable drink, use the classic yogurt, OJ, and banana combination as a foundation for your masterpiece. Then, add chunks of fresh watermelon slices, a few small pieces of pineapple, and some strawberries to the mix. After this, add a bit more watermelon for good measure. If you're one of those people who is a suckler for mangoes, papayas, or lychees, put some of those in as well. And when it's finished... voila! Enjoy your beach-without-a-beach!
If you pay attention to details...
Everyone knows that the best parts are always in the fine details. Therefore, be sure not to skip over these tips that can perfect your already near-perfect smoothie-slurping experience.
The glass: presentation and packaging matters--even when we say that it doesn't. Therefore, don't deprive your smoothie of the fashionable exterior that it deserves! Either opt for your favorite glassware, or go for something different--such as a wine glass, brandy glass, or margarita glass (champagne glasses don't work as well because they are too slender for hardcore smoothies). It is common knowledge that everything tastes better in a wine glass.
The accessories: smoothies don't always have to be enjoyed alone. By adding mixtures of granola, nuts, dried fruits, or whatever other treats that you'd like to your creation, you can make your smoothie appropriate to consume at any point in the day. Also, keep in mind that yogurt parfaits are nothing compared to smoothie ones :) .
The cleanup: just as a side note, remember this one gem of smoothie knowledge: if you forget to clean the blender or cup that your smoothie was in, the smoothie remains will become synonymous with glue. I promise. Therefore, always fill your various glassware and kitchen utensils with water immediately after enjoying your smoothie.
So now--enjoy!
